Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
A Chat with Shwetha Menon-for Rediff.com
'I would love to play a tomboy'
Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST
Shwetha Menon has come a long way since her beauty pageant days.
The Miss India runner up who won the first Gladrags female super model and later on the Kerala State award, made her debut in films opposite Mammootty at the age of 14 in the Malayalam film, Anaswaram.
Nineteen years later, she teamed up with Mammootty once again in Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha, for which she won the Kerala State award.
Her most talked about new project isRathinirvedam 2. When the originalRathinirvedam was made by late Bharatan years ago with Jayabharati and Krishnachandran, it made waves as it dealt with the sexual awakening of a teenager.
In the new version, Shweta Menon plays the role made memorable and controversial by Jayabharati. Here's what she has to say the role, and more. Excerpts:
Tell us more about Rathinirvedha 2...
Renowned director T K Rajeev Kumar is directing the movie and Suresh Kumar, who set the trend of remakes in Malayalam with Neelathamara, is producing it under the Revathi Kalamandhir banner. The script is the same by the late P Padmarajan.
The film tells the story of an adolescent boy who is infatuated with an older woman. I was overwhelmed when Rajeev sir offered the role to me. The shooting will commence soon.
Have you seen the original?
I haven't and I will not see it now, as I am doing the remake. I know it is a classic but I don't want to see it because I don't want Jayabharati's performance to influence me in any way. I don't want to copy the original. The new VersionRathinirvedham should be mine.
Image: Shwetha Menon
There may be steamy scenes in Rathinirvedha 2'
Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST
The role is a bit steamy...
I don't know about all that. I am committed to this film as it is based on the script of a great story writer and one of my favorite film makers. I know the story line; it tells the relationship between Rathi Chechi and Pappu, a teenager. There may be steamy scenes to define their relationship.
Once when I met Padmarajan, he said he wanted to cast me in one of his movies. But it didn't happen. Now that I am doing a film based on his script so I am sure he will be happy wherever he is.
It was reported that you rejected an offer to act in the remake of Avalude Ravukal?
To be frank, I only came to know about the offer through the media. I didn't get any offer officially. Any way, I don't want to create any controversy.
Will you accept the role if it comes through proper channels?
I don't know. Some times I will, some times I won't. I know it was a great movie and Seema Madam rose to dizzy heights after that. And it is also a female centric role. But as of now no decision has been taken on that.
Image: Swetha Menon and Sidique
I am a director's actor'
Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST
All your roles in films like Paleri Manikyam,Paradesi, Madhyavenal and Kayak... have been appreciated. Which is your favorite role?
I would say Aamina in Paradesi first because it was the first time I really took a chance. When P T Kunju Mohammed offered me the role, I was really shocked. Till then I was doing only glamorous roles. I was really apprehensive at first; I might have called him 100 times, just to confirm that he is really offering me Aamina. Aamina was the first risk I took and it turned out to be a turning point in my career.
Next of course is Cheeru, the bold and sensuous woman of Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha. I had to portray both a young and older Cheeru. The transformation was a real challenge.
Sarojini of Madhyavenal, Revathy of Kadasham, Thamara of Kayam and even Suhra of Penpattanam are very demanding roles in different genres. enjoyed doing them all.
Did you do any home work for Cheeru?
No. When Renjith sir explained the role, I readily agreed as it was a period film with a bold subject. I came to know that it was based on a true story which took place at the end of the 50's. It was the first rape case that was registered in Kerala.
I am a director's actor and Renjith sir was the one who chiseled the character so passionately. He moulded me into the character. I haven't even read the book on which the film is based on. It is in Malayalam. I am a good observer so it really helped me portray Cheeru.
Image: A scene from Kadasham
Did winning the Kerala State award change you?
I haven't changed much. I am the same Shwetha Menon. But it has changed my attitude towards cinema. I did my first film when I was 14. I did not take films seriously. It was just a time pass for me then. Later, I went on to win the Miss India runner up title and modeling became my profession.
I was really flabbergasted when I came to know that I had won an award. It took some time to sink in. I know awards give great responsibilities and audience will certainly expect more from you. An award opens new doors for you and good offers start coming in. Now I am really serious about cinema.
You made your debut with Mammootty and after 19 years, you did Paleri Manikyam with him. How was it working with him after such a long gap?
At the time of Anaswaram, I was only 14 while Mammukka was already a super star. I was scared to even share screen space with him. But now Mammukka is more like a colleague; he is a fantastic co-star.
I don't choose characters according to looks'
Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST
Are you making a conscious effort to change your image from a sexy diva to a serious actress?
Look, I did Naan Avan illai 2 and PaleriManikyam simultaneously. One was very glamourous while the other was not. I don't choose characters according to looks. I'm comfortable doing both glamorous and non-glamorous roles. I only want to be a versatile actor.
Earlier I wished to do the kind of roles Sharadha amma or Sheela amma did in their prime. I got my wish with Paleri Manikyam and Paradesi.Now I would love to do some tomboy roles and action films.
Image: Shwetha Menon
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A chat with vinu
Rubbing shoulders with Dimple, Amar Singh
Last updated on: November 16, 2010 10:44 IST
Vinu Mohan, who made a memorable debut in late Lohitadas' Malayalam film Nivedyam is thegrandson of the legendary actor Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, who immortalised the role of Chempankunju in the National Award winning filmChemmeen.
Vinu Mohan is also the nephew of character actor Sai Kumar.
Fresh after the release of Holiday, the third generation actor has two more movies slated for release in the next two weeks one of which is the Malayalam film Bombay Mittai, where he shares screen space with politician Amar Singh and veteran actress Dimple Kapadia.
Vinu Mohan tells Reshmi Padma what to expect from the movie.
You have three releases in a row. How different are the characters?
Three releases in a row is a great feeling. All three films belong to different genres. Holiday, a thriller tells the story of a group of friends.
Bombay Mittai, a film by Umer Karikkad is an out and out comedy. Amar Singh and Dimple Kapadia will be seen in interesting cameos. The heroine is Neelambari Perumal, daughter of the Sri Lankan politician Varadha Raja Perumal. The film revolves around Suresh and Sulaiman and their goof ups. I play Suresh and Hari Sree Asokan plays Sulaiman. They are hell bent on becoming rich.
Then there is Koottukar, an action film about revenge. I am being paired with my first film Nivedyam heroine Bhama. When we were paired together, everyone thought this would be a film like Nivedyam -- a soft love story but it is not.Koottukar is a serious film and I really enjoyed playing the role as it has a negative tint to it.
Image: Amar Singh, Vinu Mohan and Dimple Kapadia in Bombai Mittai
My legacy makes me tense'
Last updated on: November 16, 2010 10:44 IST
Most of your films are multi-starrers...
I feel multi-starrers offer more challenges than single hero subjects. My films Cycle, Sultan, Colours, Keralotsavam, Chattambinadu, Dalamarmarangal and Ingameyum Oraal -- all gave me enough scope to perform and the subjects they dealt with were novel.
Yes, the stars of the 70's and the 80's like Mohanlal, Mammootty, etc were really fortunate to have got amazing characters when they were young and at the beginning of their career. But we, the new generation are not that lucky.
What are the advantages of your legacy?
Being the grandson of legendary actor Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, nephew of Sai Kumar, son of drama and cine artists Mohan and Sobha, is a great responsibility. People say to me that acting is in your blood, so, what is the problem? But it makes me tense.
I really feel proud that Amar Singhji's first shot was with me'
Last updated on: November 16, 2010 10:44 IST
Do you miss Lohitadas, your first director?
Yes, I miss him terribly. I feel he is still around. He used to guide me. My first film was like going to an acting school. I still remember the first day of shooting where I goofed up because of tension. But he had the patience to extract the right performance from me. Even now when I get confused, I feel like calling out to him. The vacuum he has created is irreparable.
How was it working Amar singh in Bombay Mittai?
We have some combination scenes in the climax of Bombay Mittai. I really feel proud that Amar Singhji's first shot was with me. He is not new to acting as I think he has done cameos in Hindi films too. In Bombay Mittai his role is that of a famous singer. The role demanded that he speak to the media and also perform on stage, and all that came naturally to him.
When I asked him about performing so naturally, he said, being a politician, he is used to talking to the media and the public. He has put in a lot of effort to learn his lines. Though it was a special appearance, he took real interest in knowing not only his character but also that of others and the scenes.
Did you talk politics on the sets?
Amarji is like a book, full of knowledge and vast experience. We would talk about everything under the sun though everything ended in politics. He always linked his talks to politics. I am not that politically inclined but the experiences he shared are worth listening. At first I felt shy to talk to him, but he is such a down-to-earth man that I was really impressed. To mingle with such big wigs in politics itself is an honour.
Image: A scene from Bombay Mittai
'I haven't seen Dimple's most popular film Bobby'
Last updated on: November 16, 2010 10:44 IST
What about Dimple Kapadia?
I am a huge fan. Sharing screen space with her was a dream come through. She doesn't have the tantrums of a star; she is such a lovable and down-to-earth person. Her role in the movie is that of Amar Singh's wife.
We were shooting near my house. When she found out that I lived nearby, she paid me a visit. I was thrilled. I was more than happy to take both of them home. They had lunch at my place and we had a great time together. I will always cherish the moments spent with those two.
Have you seen any of her films?
I haven't seen her most popular film Bobby. It was made, I think much, much before I was born. But I like the songs from Bobby and Sagar, and I told her so. When I watched her perform on the sets of Bombay Mittai, I found out that the Bollywood style of acting is quite different from ours. Though she is in her mid-fifties, she is an amazingly graceful and charming personality.
She said she was really interested in doing a full length Malayalam film and would love to act with Mammootty and Mohanlal.
Image: A scene from Bombay Mittai
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Interview of Saji Surendran- The director
'Kamal Haasan is the highlight of Four Friends'
After making two hit films, director Saji Surendran is all geared up for his third release Four Friends which hits theaters today.
So what is the Malayalam movie about? Reshmi Padma finds out. Excerpts:
What is going through your mind as the film releases today?
Of my three films, Four friends is closer to my heart. We did the project with great passion. The film is releasing today in 72 theatres all over Kerala. Till the response to the morning show and noon show comes in, my heart will be heavy. I hope people will receive the film warmly and make it a hit.
What are the highlights of the film?
The highlight, I would definitely say is the presence of Kamal Haasan. And for the first time, Jayaram is being paired opposite Meera Jasmine. We have remixed a hit song from Sholay too. Legendary singer Yesudas is singing with his son Vijay Yesudas for the first time. Sankar Mahadevan and Udit Narayanan are also singing a song for the first time in our film. These are some of the highlights of the film.
'I didn't know how to direct a legend such as Kamal sir'
All credit goes to Jayaram; he was the one who initiated it. We are proud to take the credit for bringing Kamal sir back to Malayalam films after 23 long years. While working on the script itself, we were of the opinion that the character should be handled by none other than the great actor himself.
And when we approached Kamal sir, he was more than happy to be associated with the film and said he would do any thing for a friend like Jayaram.
His character has a social message to give which all individuals should know. It looks very convincing when he delivers it.
How was it directing a great actor like Kamal?
It was a great experience. When I said 'action' for the first time to him, my heart was literally in my mouth. I didn't know how to direct a legend and a great film maker. To my surprise, he was like a child, ready to do whatever the director wanted.
There are no roles that he has not done, yet his approach to the film was as if it was his first film. The amount of sincerity he puts into the role is really admirable. He is a perfectionist; he kept on asking me what I wanted from the shot.
We shot his part in a hotel in Chennai and he was there before time with 15 costumes and was consulting our team so as to which costume we preferred for the scene. He is such a nice and down to earth person and a thorough professional to work with.
Working with him was like a dream come true. I have only limited ambition, and directing an actor like him was not even in my wildest dreams. But it happened. I think when we put in lot of hard work god pays back to us in such a way and I consider this as a gift from god.
'My two films demanded Jayaram and Jaisurya's presence'
No, four friends is an original script. We have a core team which includes Krishna Poojapura, Sugathan, Anil Nair (the cinematographer), my brother and myself. We travel together sometimes and then sit down to work on a script and all my films are outcome of the bonding we share. This film also happened like that.
The film is a story of four friends told in a fun way. Jayaram is Roy, a rich man who is a globetrotter, Meera Jasmine is Gauri, an MBBS student while Kunjako Boban is Surya, an employee in a firm. Jayasurya is Amir, a man from a poor background who forms the four friends' team.
You have repeated Jayaram and Jaisurya. Why?
That is because I am comfortable working with them. We share great rapport and my two films demanded their presence. As you all know Jayaram is an actor of great calibre and the lead role in Four Friends demanded great acting skills.
Jayasurya has great potential and his performance in my film is outstanding. His role in Ivar Vivahitharayal fetched him some awards also.
'We bought the rights of Yeh Dosti from Sholay to use it in our movie'
All your earlier films have remix songs in them. Even Four Friends has a remix song from Sholay.
In my first film Ivar Vivahitharayal, the script revolved around a newly wed young couple and a situation which demanded a song where the male lead describes his wife in a particular way. In the history of Malayalam cinema, no song can match up to Poomukha Vatikkal from the film Rakuyilin Ragasadhasil in the way wives are glorified. So, music director M Jayachandran suggested that we remix the song. And it got noticed in Ivar Vivahitharayal.
Yeh Dosti from Sholay epitomises friendship, and our film is about real friendship. So in every sense it suited our film. We bought the rights and used it in our movie. Udit Narayana and Sankar Mahadevan have sung the song which is picturised in Guldalpet in Mysore.
Why do you make only comedies? These days comedies have become crass...
All my serials dealt with serious subjects and attempting comedy is something new to me. I like films of this genre, and I am a great fan of Priyadarshan sir. I have seen all his early comedies.
I don't think comedy is crass now. Everyone in this film will leave a lasting impression with their performances.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
'Acting is a closed chapter for me now'
Last updated on: October 21, 2010 12:57 IST
Vidhubala, daughter of the famous magician, late Prof Bhagyanath and sister of National Award-winning cinematographer Madhu Ambat, was star in Malayalam years ago.
Now after a long break -- 30 years -- from cinema, she returns with a TV show.
Vidhubala hosts the courtroom dramaKathayallithu Jeevitham on Amrita Television (like Kiran Bedi in Hindi). The show deals with family disputes and solves the issues on the studio floor itself. The verdict is legally valid.
Over to Vidhubala.
How did the show come to you?
The producer of Kathayallithu Jeevitham Manoj Manayil wanted me to host a court room drama he was planning. My first reaction was, "Will I be able to do a show after such a long gap?"
The producer explained the format in detail. He was of the opinion that as I am a woman, it would be easy for the participants to take another woman into confidence. I was the choice as I am a homemaker first and also have acceptance from the family crowd.
I was told that this is the only show in the history of television which gives a verdict that is equivalent to a civil court order. The victims get an out of-court settlement on the issue and Kerala State Legal Service Authority (KELSA) makes it legally valid. When the producer enlightened me on these details, I was really impressed.
Image: Vidhubala
My confidence was low and I had many questions'
Last updated on: October 21, 2010 12:57 IST
How was it like to face the camera after such a long gap?
To be frank, I was shivering. Thirty years is a long time. My confidence was low and I had many questions. I have done many films but then we had well written scripts and dialogues. This show demands much more.
I have to listen to the participants, talk to them and try to get the real issues out of them and then mediate. You can't take sides.
Were you apprehensive about the success of the show?
Initially, yes. Family is like a gift of god to you. I believe in this and I feel really bad when people spoil the gift of god over petty issues and fight with each other. Startling facts show that family disputes are at an all time high in our state. So the show decided to concentrate on the issue of family disputes. But bringing two sides on a common platform was the real challenge for the production team.
When I got to know the format, the question that came to my mind was, "How are they going to bring the plaintiff and defendant to the studio floor?"
Everyone I talked to also had the same apprehension. Ours is a closed society and nobody likes to share their problems. Opening up, and that too in public is not something many would even think of doing. But I was convinced that if the program overcomes the initial hiccups, it will be a big hit.
Image: Vidhubala
'A verdict endorsed by the KELSA can't even be appealed in higher courts'
Last updated on: October 21, 2010 12:57 IST
What was the first episode?
The first episode was about a land dispute between a widow and her father-in-law. By God's grace, we were able to solve the issue and give them a fair verdict. We have tried to settle most of the case which came up to us.
I must say Kathayallithu Jeevitham is an eye opener to me.
How do you validate the agreement reached on the show?
Most of the people may not have heard about the Kerala State Legal Service Authority (KELSA). It is a legal committee constituted under the National Legal Service Authority, with the Honorable High court Judge as the chairman and Advocate General, Director General Prosecution as member etc. It is a legal committee which not only conducts adalat but also give legal support to implement polices and guidelines of National Legal Service Authority (NALSA).
KELSA even arranges advocates to handle case for poor people. When our production team approached KELSA committee, they were ready to give their expertise and also agreed to be associated with Kathayallithu Jeevitham.
One judicial member, an advocate, a social worker include the KELSA panel. A verdict endorsed by the KELSA can't even be appealed in higher courts.
'The reunion of a 6-year-old boy with his father was very touching'
Last updated on: October 21, 2010 12:57 IST
Which episode touched you the most?
In one episode we took up parental issue. We called the two kids with their mother and also the estranged father to the show. During the show when the kids called him father, he outrightly disowned them saying that he was not their father. This incident was very disturbing for me.
Another case was about a very stubborn mother who does not like her son and neglects him. Being a mother, I was really taken aback by her behaviour.
But the episode that brought tears to my eyes was the reunion of a 6-year-old boy with his father. They were seeing each other for the first time on our sets and the moment was very touching. When they hugged each other, everyone on the sets was in tears.
When we solve an issue, the relief we get is unexplainable. That night I sleep with the feeling that in this big bad world, we were able to do our bit.
Image: On the sets of Kathayallithu Jeevitham
'I am writing a book on my father'
Last updated on: October 21, 2010 12:57 IST
Other than the TV show, what keeps you busy?
I have completed a script for a film which we are planning to shoot by 2011. The preliminary rounds of discussions are going on. The star cast will be huge. It will be directed by Sharada Ramanathan. I have already done some post production work for her Tamil film Sringaram.
I am also part of some of my brother Madhu Ambat's projects. In fact, I have been a part of some of his projects like a documentary on Lalgudi Jayaraman. As I am a trained dancer, I assisted him in the making of a docu-film on 22 Dance dramas on the Ramayana. It was originally choreographed by Rukmini Devi Arundale. It was an experience to cherish.
I like dubbing and I have lent my voice to many actresses in the recent past for films like Naalu pennungal of Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
I am also writing a book on my father.
Any plans to come back to cinema?
I did almost 100 films in the past but acting is a closed chapter for me now.
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