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Junk commerical films, Karunam director advised

D Jose in Thiruvananthapuram

Malayalam movie director Jayaraj, who won the Golden Peacock Award for Karunam at the International Film Festival of India 2000, has been advised by filmmakers and artistes in Kerala to stop making 'commercial junks'.

They applauded Jayaraj for bagging the award but said it was time he ended his romance with the commercial circuit and devoted his "exceptional talents to serious films."

"He should now stick to making films such as Karunam, Kaliyayttam and Desadanam which catapulted him to the club of giants like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Aravindan, Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani," said Shyama Prasad, a member of the jury that selected Karunam for the IFFF 2000.

Prasad, who made waves in the national circuit last year, described the film as an outstanding work. "The film first taken in 166 mm owing to paucity of funds has done full justice to the medium and story. The director's commitment to the medium is discernible in each frame," he said.

Prasad felt the award for Jayaraj was a recognition for low budget films. Karunam was shot on a shoestring budget of Rs 1 million. The award would encourage other filmmakers to exploit the potential for low-budget films, he added.

Kerala Film Academy chairman and noted director Shaji N Karun said a director who dables in serious and commercial films should recognise his path.

"He may have his own reasons for sticking to mainstream circuit. I feel he should select one path," Karun said.

Suresh Gopi, who won the national award for best actor last year in Jayaraj's film Kaliyayattam, said the director should now aim for the Cannes. "I will be satisfied only if he wins an award there. He has the talent to go that far," he said.

The actor said he had recognised the potential in Jayaraj when he worked with him to make Paithrukam. "I felt he was special," said Gopi, who is producing a film for Jayaraj to direct.

For superstar Mohanlal, Jayaraj's award negated the disappointment he faced when his own film Vanaprastham was rejected for the IFFF 2000.

"Listening to the news of Jayaraj's achievement I have completely forgotten my frustration. He has done all of us proud by winning this coveted award," Mohanlal said.

Director Priyadarshan said it was hard work and determination that brought Jayaraj the laurels. "I feel he should stick to making these kind of films which explore the depths of human mind," he added.

Karunam portrays the loneliness of an old couple. "This film is for the aged who face the agony of lonliness," he said.

An electronics engineer by training, Jayaraj started his film career as an assistant to director Bharathan. His first independent film was Vidyarambham. The turning point in his career was Desadanam , his 10th film, which earned him honour at the 1997 Karlovy Vary International festival. The 'Hindutva tone' in the film invited accusations that he was dancing to the saffron brigade's tune. However, he disproved his critics with Kaliyattam, which retold Shakespeare's Othello in the backdrop of the Theyyam festivals of north Kerala. It brought him the Kerala State Award for best director in 1997. The film won two more awards the next year.

Jayaraj is at ease with both commercial and 'serious' movies. While engaged with Karunam , he had made a commercial film, Millennium stars, which is now running to full houses in Kerala.

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