X-Ray of the Soul- P Padmarajan
Past is memories, the present is uncontrollable and future is unknown. In such an unsure world, we try to make sense out of things by relationships, expressions and understanding. Once in a while, someone comes across and defines the way life is percieved. They are hailed as gurus, messiahs, prophets or saviours. Cinema also has its own Sensei. To me cinema is personal, precious and to die for. And Padmarajan is the messiah.
My first post as an author in PFC, I dedicate to the master, Padmarajan.
Not even a single Malayali soul, which lived in the 1980s and later, would have been spared, conciously or unconciously, of an enlightenment from this magicians art. Yes, he was the best of them all. The most approachable, cinematically, to all and sundry and laid foundation to the glory of malayalam cinema in those years. Films of Pappettan are filled with abrupt unsurety of life. I don’t intend to however, go through his filmography, but discuss a few of his films which affected me.
Well into my adolescence, during the years, love was a dreamy, sweet and pious feeling. It was all tenderness, vows of companionship and a matter of victory. My conscience was questioned, dreams shattered by Pappettan, through his ‘Thoovanathumbikal’ ( Butterflies in the Spraying Rain, 1987). Clara and Radha, were the two women in Jayakrishnan’s life. Jayakrishnan has seen it all, except for love. The adept, in control Jayakrishnan, a hero, a man whom we look upto is made ambivalent by a prostitute, as against the homely and pure Radha. I could not take it. For me , virginity and sexuality of a woman, was the essential institution that guarded social stability, and any woman who traded her sexuality could never be acceptable as worthy of love. I, like many of us, did not bother to look beyond the flesh of womankind, Pappettan chose to explore deep beyond the external, and travelled taking us with him to the intellect, enigma and radiant beauty that was Clara. I was an adolescent no more. Pappettan hand held me to manhood.
What motivates a person to live, enjoy another day taking in the warmth of Nietzsche’s exuberant star and Van Gogh’s starry night. People live for others, it is a fact we all tend to deny. Padmarajan explores the relationship of life and death in his emotional whirlwind ‘Moonam Pakkam’ (The Third Day’, 1988) . Thampi, a lonely old man, awaits the vacation days, for a glimpse of the purpose of his life, grandson Pachu. Pachu arrives, with three of his friends, to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, who is waiting for him all along. While we enjoy the funny and interesting family reunion, destiny strikes. Death, as a strong sea current, pulls away Pachu. Three days of turmoil later, the sea returns back the lifeless body of Pachu to the same shore. Thampi is shattered, unsettled. At this grand old age, he does not want to move on and offers himself to the all consuming sea, during the day of the funeral ritual. This was perhaps the most personal of Pappettans movies, maybe triggered by a personal tragedy. One of Pachu’s three friends, Renjith, is potrayed as a wannabe director. When enquired that would he ever return to that fateful beach, ever in his life. Renjith says ‘Never, I would never have the courage to be back here’.
His movies might be simple at the outset, and to an immature mind of a young boy, ‘Desadana Kilikal Karayarilla’ ( The Migrant Birds Never Cry, 1986) looked an interesting, escape story. How much did I not wish to run away from the tantrums of math, physics and history? School was never interesting. Years later, while revisiting the movie when some Television channel aired it, I realized that this was not the movie which I had seen in childhood. The meaning changed, like a masterful work of literature, which brings different meanings at different points of life. Desadana Kili…was a revelation. Two senior school girls, decide to take off. They elope, the domineering Shari and the polite Nirmala are partners. Some later reviews, have suggested lesbianism as the underlying theme. However, its not explicitly evident and not as important as the core theme itself, dependency. Yes, Nirmala tries to break free from her dependency on Shari, leading to consequences which are beyond the obvious. Niramala, finds a companionship in Harishankar, whom she wants to replace Shari with, but is unable to.
Padmarajan, later on went on to question the very basis of relationships in ‘Innale’ (Yesterday, 1990). He argues that our current existent relationships are nothing but moments of past stored in our memories, and if somehow, past is erased, we will be free beings to chose a new life. Caught in an accident, Gauri, finds herself in a hospital, but cannot remember anything. The hospital tries to spot out the origins of Gauri, Advertises of her in newspaper, to no or fake responses. Gauri meanwhile, rediscovers life’s goodness with the help of the Doctor’s son, Sharath and eventually get romantically involved. In a tumultuous climatic sequence, Narendran, arrives , searching for Maya, his wife, with all photographic evidence and proofs. He senses the romantic tension between Sharath and Gauri. When Gauri, does not recognize him. Narendran is faced with a choice, forcibly instill Gauri’s past onto her, or leave her free and happy in the present. In one of best shots ever to be pictuized, Narendran declares, this is not my wife, and walks away.
As , Sreekumar theatre, in Trivandrum closes for the day, and ‘A film by Padmarajan’ appears on the screen, a horde of audience, enthralled and moved by the master, stay put on their seats, to register every possible moments he has to offer. Pappettan left us on January 24, 1991, leaving behind 18 Films , 18 Screenplays, 16 books and millions of souls whom he touched, with this magical medium called Cinema.
Tags: Malayalam cinema, Moonam Pakkam, Padmarajan, Thoovanathumbikal
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my Mallyali friend introduce me to Padmarajan’s films.
I like the titles of his films;
love the film where Mohanlal is Truckdriver,climax is too good
Shekar..its ‘Namukku Paarkan Munthiri Thoppukal’ ( Vineyards for us to Dwell)..yes it has perhaps on of the most unconventional climax thought out in Indian cinema
Ram V – Thanks for the wonderful post on a wonderful filmmaker and era…
The films you list are timeless and some others like “Namaku Parkan Munthri Thopukal” (I obviously mucked that spelling up!) are poetry manifested on film!
Padmarajan also bought out the best in Mohan Lal and Mammooty in my opinion. He may have been the first director to cast Mammooty in a shade of “grey” and getting a splendid performance out of a awkward debutant like Rehman (”Koodevide”).
When you look back at “commercial” films from this era (from directors like Padmarajan, K G George etc.) you wonder if the Malayalam speaking audience had an overnight assault on their collective IQ’s!! How elese would one explain the state of Malayalam cinema today? I know this is a pointless debate and I have nothing against Dilip and the crew but you surely long for some sembelance of intelligence and lesser melodrama… shucks!
Ram- welcome aboard & a great start by writing about a great master- Padmarajan.I do like all the movies mentioned.In fact as for ‘Desadana Kilikal Karayarilla’ even I saw it again a few years back & went on to read some more detailed reviews of the same which hinted about the underlying trace of lesbianism.Innale was certainly brilliant- Suresh Gopi Jayaram & Shobana in particular were good.Another movie that I like of Padmarajan is Koodevide- it had great underplay of emotions.I also liked his Namakku Parkaan Munthiripookal,Parannu Parannu Parannu,Thingalazcha Nalla Divasam.
Probably Padmarajan was one of those who really made the transition from a successful writer to a successful director.
Wish you had written a bit about Padmarajan- the writer too.he had a great combinatoion with Bharathan with movies like Rathinirvedam,Thakara etc.
Thank you Savio..can keep on listing his relevance, an article or a book wouldn’t be enough if anyone chooses to delve deep into his work…
And you are spot on when saying that these were commercial films of that era. Films which ran for 50 or 100 days in theatres housed full capacity..Its talent and intent combined that brings out such magic…Nowadays, talent might be there, but intent in nil…
Ram,Savio- yes Malayalam cinema of the 80’s and the 90’s to an extent were a class apart.Movies of Padmarajan,Bharathan,K.G.George were in a league of their own.Why even people like Priyan,Fazil,Sibi Malayil,Sathyan Anthikkad etc the core commercial directors used to make movies with passion & that showed in their films.Nowadays except for a handful of people,the passion & the intent is certainly not seen.
Thank you…Sethu…
Yes Koodevide was wonderfully subtle…
This post was an account of my personal face-to-screen with Pappettan…will write more about his other works, some time else, definitely :-)
Rathiniverdham and Thakara were nothing short of hand grenades…which Goddard is reported to have thrown at the audience, cinematically, of course…for us Pappettan did the honours..
Ram, yes .
that is the movie I was talking about,
“Vineyards for us to Dwell”
love it!!
thanks to my Mallu friend Paul Thomas
Padmarajan is one film director’s works I have not seen – not out of ignorance or dislike – simplyout of fear – I fear this man’s craft and audacity I just saw one scene from Thoovanaththumbigal and decided I am not ready for his movies yet. I will when I am ready, when I can take it. Till then let me evolve.
the first para nailed it !! excellent tribute to pappettan. master story teller and a movie maker par excellence. pappetan’s characters remain with you for ever , from the rowdy in ‘peruvazhiyambalam’ to the angel thrown out of heaven in ‘njan gandhravan’. I’m happy that he didnt live long enuff to see the present rut dished out in the name of cinema in malayalam.
Ram,
nannaayi…
list is looong
moonam pakkam….
@Jai,
nothing to fear here mate. no cinematical bravado here. just mind numbing emotional narratives
@Jaiganesh…his themes and details are exceptional…but his style is simple and straightforward narratives…very little disturbing images or as DPac rightly says on hanky-panky cinematic techniques…this guy is story teller…a genuine story teller…
Dpac..thanks..
the first para nailed it !! excellent tribute to pappettan. master story teller and a movie maker par excellence. pappetan’s characters remain with you for ever , from the rowdy in ‘peruvazhiyambalam’ to the angel thrown out of heaven in ‘njan gandhravan’. I’m happy that he didnt live long enuff to see the present rut dished out in the name of cinema in malayalam.
Thank you renish…he held the John’s axe as far as malayalam cinema is considered…but could not hand over to someone else before he left..
Excellant article..Padmarajan was not just a great writer,director but also had a great sense of music..He brought the best out of MDs with whom he worked..I would especially point out Johnson whom I feel is on par with Illairaja as far as BGM is concerned..What excellant music that guy has given in ‘Namukku Parkan Munthirothoppukal’,'Thoovanathumbikal’..A great piece of BGM from murder mystery ‘Kariyala Kattu pole’..
Thank you…Yes, Johnson master is a highly underrated genius..
nice first-up post … welcome aboard
Thank you rals..
@ram blessy, pappettan’s one time assistant showed great promise with thanmatra . i havent watched his other movies though.
welcome home oye!
Magik…thank you.. :-)
renish..I saw all of his, but for ‘Calcutta News’, he is definitely a good director, appreciate his intent and focus in the midst of all thats going around him…
@ Ram- yes Blessy is a chip of the old block.Kaazcha,Thanmatra and Palunku were all good.Calcutta News is not a bad film but not in the league of the other 3.Also it was like Mahanadi revisited.I’m looking forward to his next-Brahmaram with Mohanalal which is supposed to be a road movie.
and Ram when I write about theatres in Kerala as part of my single screen series I’m sure you’ll have lots to comment going your days spent in Kerala
Hi Ram,
I always wanted to write about Padmarjan Sir, but good to see that you have written it very well.
For me, Padmarajan Sir is the one who is a simple story teller but that simplicity strikes one hard as it did to me. He has kept his profile low and thanks for this blog, as other film lovers will get a chance to explore his magic which is cherished till date.
I hoped you will talk about ‘Aparan’. For me that one is a cult classic from Padmarjan Sir. The antagonist is never shown on the frame but his feel can be felt throughout the movie. A class piece of work.
Blessy is way behind Padmarjan. He has made many movies which are good but in a sense it feels a very conscious effort to me whereas Padmarajan’s work displays genuine passion towards Art.
Regards,
Suraj Nair
Sure sethu…will look forward to it…hope your would include Sreekumar…lots of memories of and in that hall..
Suraj Nair…thanks, Blessy is a good film maker. Comparing him or anybody else to Padmarajan is futile. Pappettan is a class apart, unique in many aspects.
Aparan for sure is cinematically a wonderful achievement. I just wrote here about my encounter with Pappettan and would write more later…
Suraj Nair…would love to read your piece on Pappettan as well…if you could go ahead and write it…we all have our own unique relationship with his films…isn’t it?
Malayalam dvds are hard to find by,i tried in chennai and bangalore land mark..had very few dvds and none i have heard or read off..only vanaprastham was available..big flix seem to have a very bad collection..could not find movies like thanmantra, vanaprastham, bharatham etc..i am not sure whether torrents are available for these good movies with subtitles..can somebody help out..where do i get such good movies with subtitles..
KPV Balaji- dont worry dude- try to locate an exclusive Moser Baer store in either Chennai/B’lore & you should most likely get lucky.Not only does Moser Baer have a good collection of mallu movies, the exclusive stores
hope this information helps you.
( if you are lucky ) might also store other labels like Central & Saina.For example among the movies mentioned by you- Thanmatra is a Central release while Vanaprastham & Bharatham are Moser Baer titles
th best director ever for me. Aparan also was excellent.
@Sethu : I will try locating one exclusive store. thanks for the info.
Balaji- in fact I know in Chennai there’s one in R.A.Puram & one in Anna Salai ( just ahead of the Casino theatre signal).Not sure of the location in B’lore.
Hi Ram,
Yeah will definitely write it. But am not sure whether it will have the same gripping bits, as you have written ;-)
Once I am done with my short film, will definitely give it a try.
Thanks,
Ram – Your post got me all riled up…so last night was a tribute to 2 masters – Padmarajan’s “Nammuku Parakan Munthiri Thopukal” and K G George’s “Lekhayude Maranum: Oru Flashback”. These were as fresh today as it was 20 plus years back when I watched it as a high schooler. Thanks YouTube and whatever stray Mallu site I got this from
Sethu –
I don’t live in India but on my visits there I try to hunt classic Hindi and Malayalam DVD’s. The issue I have with these (if I ever find them) is the quality of transfer. I am a big supporter of buying official releases of films but some of the ones I have bought on DVD are plain horrific transfers!
I don’t think the process of film restoration exist in India. A film like “Maqbool” looks bad on an official DVD and that is so sad…
Good to know about the exclusive Moser Baer stores, should try one of those next time….
Sudhir, all the best with your shorty… :-)
Savio…Thanks..Thats really great.. :-)
Nothing like an evening with Pappettan..
Lekhayude Maranam..and Yavanika are screenplay lessons for wannabees…
Despite living in Chennai from last 2 years, I was never as much encouraged to watch movies in South Indian languages as by this post. I don’t know whether this is great post or not but the subjects dealt and method used by Padmarajan seems very interesting to me. Seems a sure watch.
Thanks for the post.
You are welcome…Johny…have a great time discovering Padmarajan
Ram, very glad you’ve written about Padmarajan.
would love to know, though, as to what makes Padmarajan’s cinema a Personal one.
Thanks thani…I also donno an answer on what you are pondering…Some of his movies, especially one, had straightforward relationship to my life..which would be ‘out of scope’ as of now for public discussion..otherwise. if you take an example Harikrishnan was what all college going students in 90’s wanted or didnt want to be..based on their personality..but they were affected by him though..
I would go one step further and wonder if ‘Thoovanathumbikal’ and ‘Nammukku Parkan..’ are to Malayalam cinema what ‘Khasakinte Ithihasam’ was to malayalam literature…
typo..Harikrishnan is Jayakrishnan
‘Thinklaycha Nalla Divasam’ was a great film too. Didnt see anyone mentioning that. It was the most simplest story told in the most beautiful way.
Even the Padmarajan’s movie names are so poetic. Who else can think of names like ‘Nombarathipoovu’ and ‘Kariyilakkattupole’.
JJ- refer my comment # 4 – even I’ve mentioned
Thingalazcha Nalla Divasam.
I read this post on one of those days when listening to old songs had instigated another lamenting session about how rich Malayalam cinema was when we were growing up,and wondered which characters and lines and stories kids today will reminiscence about when they grow up.
JJ, true..one good wordsmith he was
Shikha ..nothing like reminiscing those moments of cinema over a cup of strong tea… :-)
@Shikha…. Yeah, as I am born and brought up outside Kerala, but thanks to the malayalam movies of late 80’s and early 90’s which had fused me the interest to learn malayalam and I use to practice the same while reading the credits of malayalam movies. Really a nostalgic feel, I pray the coming generations are blessed with some great movies in Malayalam, which might keep them rooted to Kerala’s rich, though extinguishing traditions!
Cheers,
ram great writeup…..padmarajan for me is above human understanding….he was in a way devine,otherwise how could an ordinary human explore such vivid aspects of life.
i think we should consider ourselves lucky to have lived in an era when genuises like pappetan wer alive
i read a tribute by both mohanlal and ashokan on papettan…ashokan said he still believes…papettan is alive somewere…
really wish he were alive….really miss his creations
thanks for the description. great
I have n’t seen any films of Padmarajan .But i heard a lot about him. The big problem for me is ,i am not getting DVDs .Please tell me where can i get Padmarajan films (with eng .subtitles) in Hyderabad?
After reading this one, i am feeling bad about myself for not watching Padmarajan films. can any one send me the dvds to my address ? I will send money through moneyorder likethat. Please help me in finding the dvds of Padmarajan films.My phone number is 9395136495.