tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89863838041670704462024-03-13T08:59:09.898+05:30Ramachandra BabuRamachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-32422298510581867572019-02-16T18:50:00.003+05:302019-03-24T05:48:43.793+05:30KUMBALANGI NIGHTS – A Memory<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is NOT a review about the Malayalam Film KUMBALANGI NIGHTS (2019) , but about a film shot in KUMBALANGI !</div>
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Twenty years back Kumbalangi was an unknown sleepy marshy backwater
village on the outskirts of Ernakulam. I came to know about such a
place when a went to shoot Director Shyama Prasad’s debut feature film
“KALLUKONNDORU PENNU” (1998), Produced by Jayakumar of BHAVACHITRA. It
was the story of a nurse during the Kuwait war, the story of which was
written by S.L.Puram Sadanandan and the Dialogues were by T.A.Razaque
and Sasidharan Aarattuvazhy. The formidable cast included Suresh Gopi ,
Dileep, Murali, Rajan P Dev and Vijaya Shanthi in the title role.
Since the film was shot in Kuwait and Kerala in many schedules it was
difficult organize the dates of technicians accordingly. Since the
original Cinematographer P.Sukumar was busy I took over and later on
Salu George and Saroj Padhy respectively.</div>
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Coming back to
Kumbalingi, the selected house for the Heroine was near the back waters
and we had to walk for some distance from the road through swamps and
water logged fields carrying our equipments. We had a long night’s shoot
ahead. To create wind effect we have brought from Trivandrum a
locally made wind machine, which was basically a big electric motor
fitted with huge aluminum fan blades . There was also a protective
metal grill for that contraption. It usually makes more sound than
wind. That particular night at Kumbalangi, there was a huge crowd to
witness the shooting as Dileep, Vijaya Shanthi, Murali and others were
participating in the shoot. Since the wind machine was not producing
enough power it was dismantled and fitted again. When the motor was
started suddenly one of the blades had hit the metal cage, got broken
and the piece flew away high in the darkness. Fortunately none in the
crowd or crew were hurt. We could not find the broken piece anywhere
nearby in the dark surrounding area. Only in the next morning it was
found embedded at the top trunk of a coconut palm tree about half a
kilo meter away.</div>
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Since the wind machine was out of use, we
proceeded with the scene to be taken. It was a shot of Dileep’s
character Venu’s dead body being brought to the house carried on a
stretcher. I have lighted up the area and kept my camera on a trolley.
Dileep got into position lying on a stretcher with cotton wool stuffed
in his nose. As the shot was about to be taken one local drunkard came
and stood before the camera. He refused to leave in spite of onlookers
pleading with him. Then he started moving towards the camera and tried
to get hold of it. I warned him not to play with it. Suddenly he lunged
at me and pulled my spectacles which was hanging on a neck strap. On
seeing that others got hold of him and a big scuffle erupted. Some
persons belonging to his group threw stones. Fearing that lighting
equipment may get damaged they were switched off. In total darkness
only shouts and the sound of breaking things were heard. People ran in
all directions. Somehow we all managed to reach our vehicles wading
through the mud missing the path in the darkness.</div>
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Finally all of us
reached the safety of Kavitha Hotel at Chitoor road and were sitting in
the lobby sharing our bad experience. Then some more vehicles came in
and out emerged members from another film unit. It was Jayakumar’s
brother Seven Arts Vijayakumar’s Joshiy directed film LELAM’s crew
members. Jayanan Vincent was working as Cinematographer for that
schedule. He told us that they were shooting some stunt scene in
Kakkanad area. The crowds there were uncontrollable. During one of the
action scenes a jeep driven by a stunt man had grazed some onlooker and
a fight erupted. Ultimately they had had to wind up the shooting and
escaped. It was really a coincidence that crowd trouble had caused
disturbances in both the brothers’ shooting on the same night.</div>
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Of course with necessary security we completed the rest of the shooting in the same house at Kumbalangi.</div>
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Years later in 2011, I had visited Kumbalangi for the script reading
of T.V.Chandran’s SANKARANUM MOHANANUM and stayed in a resort near the
backwaters with a view to the railway bridge. I saw some locations
too, but ultimately I could not work in the film due to personal
commitments. In the few days I stayed there, I found that the place had
developed a lot and had become a tourist destination. Now that the
film KUMBALANGI NIGHTS had become an artistic and popular hit, the name
KUMBALAGI had become more famous from its earlier Infamous origins!</div>
Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-76469144225577156412018-01-28T09:49:00.000+05:302018-01-28T09:57:25.910+05:30Girl with Four LegsA BBC News item under Entertainment & Arts dated 26 January 2018 entitled <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42830535" target="_blank">"VanityFair gives Oprah and Reese Witherspoon extra limbs"</a> </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">brought </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to my mind an incident that happened to me a few years back.</span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The BBC article is as follows:</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO_4Lirn0tM/Wm0dOMt7VDI/AAAAAAAAKaI/2eiSHEIdYqgZcL8TcbHc8GehchUZKhY6wCLcBGAs/s1600/BBC_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="954" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO_4Lirn0tM/Wm0dOMt7VDI/AAAAAAAAKaI/2eiSHEIdYqgZcL8TcbHc8GehchUZKhY6wCLcBGAs/s400/BBC_1.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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</xml><![endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reese Witherspoon has asked fans to accept her for who
she is - after Vanity Fair's latest cover revealed her to have a secret third
leg.</span>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She's one of 12 film stars photographed by Annie
Leibovitz for the magazine's Hollywood issue, which is published every year
during awards season.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vanity Fair said the appearance of Witherspoon's third
leg was, in fact, "the lining of her dress".</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Coming back to my Four legged Girl, it is still a mystery of how it happened. While visiting Goa in 2013, I had been to the famous SHRI MANGESHI Temple at Ponda..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM0m44ombQA/Wm0gIHcTp2I/AAAAAAAAKaU/PYLMnX2sZc8M3TGYLE3CfJBP7qQCXxAvgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sree%2BMangeshi%2Btemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1400" height="242" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM0m44ombQA/Wm0gIHcTp2I/AAAAAAAAKaU/PYLMnX2sZc8M3TGYLE3CfJBP7qQCXxAvgCLcBGAs/s400/Sree%2BMangeshi%2Btemple.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>SHRI MANGESHI TEMPLE, PONDA</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
The Temple had a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese Architecture and I have been taking some photographs of the temple. I was intrigued by the Kerala style tiled roof entrance to the temple and took a wide shot of it with my camera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-azUajiaEbyA/Wm0ivl30IHI/AAAAAAAAKag/NYpDPtE6g4I2FTR6YmsqnXKv6jrKLLO7wCLcBGAs/s1600/Goa_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-azUajiaEbyA/Wm0ivl30IHI/AAAAAAAAKag/NYpDPtE6g4I2FTR6YmsqnXKv6jrKLLO7wCLcBGAs/s400/Goa_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Entrance to the Temple</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Suddenly a young girl sitting in the shadows of the building rushed towards me and demanded what I was photographing. She had thought that I was photographing her. I showed her the photos I had taken and she was convinced that I was actually photographing the Building. In fact, I was standing quite far and had taken the above picture using a compact Point and shoot camera set in Auto Mode. Still I was puzzled by the strange behaviour of the girl.<br />
<br />
I returned back home to Kerala and while going through the photos in my computer, I remembered the incident and enlarged the image and I was shocked and surprised to find this lurking in the shadows :<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q26xvLy80_s/Wm0nBbOE3CI/AAAAAAAAKas/rv3X3yWjjooFQ0u1WExhGLOKNLg1N-eewCLcBGAs/s1600/Goa-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="480" height="323" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q26xvLy80_s/Wm0nBbOE3CI/AAAAAAAAKas/rv3X3yWjjooFQ0u1WExhGLOKNLg1N-eewCLcBGAs/s400/Goa-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> Four Legged Girl on the Left</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Girl sitting on the left seems to have Four Legs....</b><br />
<br />
I think that while I was taking the Photo she was sitting with her legs wide apart and had had crossed her legs just at the instant I clicked. That is why she had panicked and came to check my photo. I am really puzzled as to how this got registered in a Single exposure by the camera. Since it was bright sunlight the shutter speed must have been high enough to freeze any movement.If the shutter had been slow the moving legs should have appeared as a blur. But here the image of the legs are sharp and clear. This is not a PHOTO SHOPPED picture..<br />
<br />
Can any one explain how this had happened. I had used a an old 10.3 MP Kodak Point and Shoot camera.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 235px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 364px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfKwEMCn6us/Wm1Mzbun0WI/AAAAAAAAKa8/8xb_on6_wvEnP-dfaqaujsOMcXTDPRg4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfKwEMCn6us/Wm1Mzbun0WI/AAAAAAAAKa8/8xb_on6_wvEnP-dfaqaujsOMcXTDPRg4QCLcBGAs/s400/Camera.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kodak 10.3 MP Camera</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-53151339364886329302017-06-10T06:11:00.000+05:302017-06-10T06:11:15.371+05:30Bored to Death by spin bowling in a Test Cricket Match<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Though I am a fan of cricket from my school days, I rarely
had the opportunity to watch an International Cricket match live from the
stands in the ground. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in those days
there was no Television and only 5 Day Test Matches, which were played in big cities
like Delhi, Calcutta, Madras etc which are called Test centres.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That left us glued to our Transistor Radios to
listen to the All India Radio running commentary to follow the match. In the 1960’s
Test</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> cricket had
become less popular, because of uninspiring captaincy and a safety-first
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was while studying in Madras Loyola College that I
got my first opportunity to watch a Test match live. The First Test match
between England and India<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>under the
captaincy of legendary Nawab of Pataudi was being played<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the Nehru Stadium, Egmore<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from 10 th January <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1964 to 16 th January with a day of rest in
between.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">England toured India for what was by the standards of
the time a whistle-stop seven-week five-Test series. After two warm-up matches,
England arrived in Madras for the first Test, ready for what was expected to be
a battle between spinners and the bat, so much so their team had only one fast
bowler.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Since the Test match coincided with the Pongal
Holidays, I was keen on going to the match, but Five day season tickets were
very expensive and hard to get. Huge crowds jostled in the ticket counters just
to get into the galleries, which were issued on a daily basis. Some early
birders even slept overnight at ticket counters to get the tickets first!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wondering how will able to get in and
watch the match and resigned to hear the commentary on the radio. But my more
experienced mates had a strategy to get the tickets. Some of them will go early
in the morning to stand in the “Queue” armed with bed sheets. As soon as they enter
they will reserve seats for others by spreading them in strategic places on the
cement galleries. Meanwhile another batch will arrive with food packets for
breakfast and lunch supplied from the Hostel Mess. Jointly as a big group they
had a field day enjoying the match.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On the first day, the Nawab of Pataudi, India's
captain, won the toss and batted, and a crowd of Thirty thousand <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>left happy as India closed on 277 for 2, with
opener Budhi Kunderan making 170 not out. The next day India moved on to 457
for 7 ( Wicket Keeper Kunderan dismissed for a career-best 192) before
declaring 90 minutes before the close of the second day, and England reached 63
for 2 by stumps. I was very much excited by India’s high scoring innings and
envied my friends who had watched the game in the stadium. I decided to join them
at any cost to witness this Test match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, next day I got my place in the late comers’ group which
hauled the food stuff as more healthy individuals were deputed to battle the
crowds at the gates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So on January 12, 1964, I got the opportunity to watch
a Test match in person. The Nehru stadium was fully packed with enthusiastic crowds
making all kinds of noises with bells, plates, drums, horns etc. The match
starts at 9.30 A.M. and the impatient crowds welcomed the umpires entering the
pitch with a huge applause. In those days jumping barricades and invading the
Pitch was common and so a lot of police personnel were posted around the
ground<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to prevent this. They had to be
alert and constantly watch the spectators for any misdeeds. At times they get
carried away by some spectacular shot hit by one of the players and turn to see
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it for a moment. The instant they turn
their backs, is an opportunity for the crowds to pelt them with paper balls and
fruit peels and have some harmless fun.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The English side was already suffering from the
perennial problems associated with an Indian tour, mainly with food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Micky Stewart was indisposed with upset
stomach and high temperature. Before England started their innings, Jim Parks
joined him on the sick list. On the Third day, Fred Titmus and Barry Knight
were also feeling unwell. Parks and Stewart had stayed in their beds at the
hotel, with a car stationed to get the latter to the ground in desperate
situation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our slow pitches were prepared to aid the spinners and
it started showing signs of wear and tear by the third day.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Englishmen decided that they would
stonewall their way to guard the sick and ailing team members. Only
night-watchman Don Wilson showed some enterprise, as he did not fancy his
chances of batting through the day. It was mainly due to his 42 that the first session
was mildly watchable. But, when Wilson was dismissed, Ken Barrington joined
Brian Bolus, launching a partnership which would bring time to a standstill and
freeze the scoreboard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOu-GsHEmbc/WTs-AJkpiAI/AAAAAAAAINM/KzQ7_4z78Akk_MGNfDRUInTmTT1XdH5mwCLcB/s1600/Nadkarni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOu-GsHEmbc/WTs-AJkpiAI/AAAAAAAAINM/KzQ7_4z78Akk_MGNfDRUInTmTT1XdH5mwCLcB/s1600/Nadkarni.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bapu Nadkarni in action</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After lunch Nadkarni came on , rolling his arm over
again and again, his deliveries slow and flat, and landing on an imaginary coin
on the pitch with nagging accuracy and slight turn. Ken Barrington and Brian
Bolus could do little but pat them back along the pitch. From the other end,
Borde kept sending down his leg breaks. Ball after ball was blocked or patted
away.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The first run after lunch came in the 12th over,
stirring some of the spectators awake with the by then unusual sight of two
batsmen crossing over. By the end of the first hour, lethargy had seeped into
the veins of all the batsmen, fielders and – most of all – the scorers. Only
the two bowlers kept coming in, briskly running the few steps and sending them
down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We spectators were utterly bored by the happenings at
the pitch and started booing and clapping for every ball. Even a rhythmic
chorus of “Barrington …Bore…Bore.” …….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Barrington …Bore…Bore.” had not no effect on
the batsmen. In fact Barrington seems to have enjoyed the attention being given
to him and encouraged us by punching his bat in the air rhythmically. Once, a
stray dog was chased by the spectators on to the pitch. The play was stopped
for awhile and resumed after the dog was shooed off by the police.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The spectators were bored to death by the constant
maiden overs bowled by Nadkarni and the batting of Barrington and co. In order
to liven up the proceedings someone flew a paper kite over the pitch with a snapped
string. Again play was halted and Barrington sportingly caught hold of the
thread and brought it down to the applause of the crowd. Meanwhile we
entertained ourselves by throwing paper balls and fruit peels on to unsuspecting
spectators sitting in front.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Barrington finally scored a single off Nadkarni after
21 overs and five balls had been bowled by the left-arm spinner without a run
being scored. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had bowled 131
consecutive dot balls! According to The Times, he “was immediately taken off as
though being altogether expensive.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was a world record, breaking Horace Hazell’s record
of 17 consecutive maidens.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At first, Nadkarni was not aware of his achievement. “<i>I
came to know about it later. In the evening the official scorer came up to me
and told me that I have set a new world record and have bowled the most
economical spell. A few of my team-mates took a dig at me. At that time there
was no media coverage and things like these went unnoticed</i>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One curious aspect of Nadkarni was the fact that he
wore loincloths (Langoti)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>instead of
underwear, often causing amusement in the dressing-room. As a result he earned
the nickname ‘Bapu’, for Mahatma Gandhi used to do the same.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The five-match series ended in one of the most
stagnating 0-0 stalemates in the history of the game.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was so thoroughly disappointed
by witnessing 21 Maiden overs being bowled in my Maiden Test Match as a viewer
that I vowed never to </span></div>
Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-22493942372320255552017-01-02T19:30:00.002+05:302017-07-02T05:42:15.270+05:30A friend passes away in a far off land<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had many foreign students studying in various departments during my days at the Film Institute (1968-71). They were mostly from Afghanistan, Africa, Singapore and from neighbouring countries Nepal, Bhutan, Ceylon etc.Each course had quota for two Foreign students and were mostly filled up. In our Cinematography class were Prem Kumar Upadhyaya from Nepal and Naapo Gbande from Ghana. Since Prem knew Hindi very well, we never felt he was a foreigner. Naapo was the most silent one who always spoke in a soft voice.Though he was much older than many of us, he looked young , tall and trim with a thin figure. Away from home he was a little bit homesick and always had a worried look. In due course we all became friends and he became happy and concentrated in his studies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-lR7tszmW8/WGpM6r17pPI/AAAAAAAAGok/aNie9pISqsMUnr_lYrOF2ecNmrnqNKuPgCLcB/s1600/Nappo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-lR7tszmW8/WGpM6r17pPI/AAAAAAAAGok/aNie9pISqsMUnr_lYrOF2ecNmrnqNKuPgCLcB/s640/Nappo.jpg" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>As a model in Lighting exercise</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We used to have Lighting exercises in our Still Photography classes and we ourselves used to stand in as Model for each others practicals. Also we worked as a three member unit for our cinematography exercises etc. Remember the <a href="http://institutewallah.blogspot.in/2007/11/puzzle-solved.html" target="_blank">photo</a>, I published many years back in this Blog which was the main reason for me to write this Blog on my Institute days. The person pushing the dolly is Naapo Gbande and I am there holding the reflector while Jaya Bhaduri faces the camera handled by Mr.Edwards.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqYTPvVcDPo/WGpPGVNusrI/AAAAAAAAGpE/w2bi9NbZOnUB3pvpRRi-PFr4VCoyV6OzACLcB/s1600/Ftii%2Bpractical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqYTPvVcDPo/WGpPGVNusrI/AAAAAAAAGpE/w2bi9NbZOnUB3pvpRRi-PFr4VCoyV6OzACLcB/s640/Ftii%2Bpractical.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Camera Practicals - Naapo pushing the Dolly</b></span><u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the <a href="http://institutewallah.blogspot.in/2011/01/hung-up-on-wisdom-tree.html" target="_blank">strike at the Film Institute</a>, all foreign students supported me and stood by me at all times. In fact Naapo and David Ankora ( Sound Engineering) were always beside me to protect me from any intended attack by the Acting students.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H586vZGku-Q/WGpSRrTXDRI/AAAAAAAAGpg/80mZMQoYymc9XDQ4Zrxr45qxWM6LHYKfwCLcB/s1600/Babu%2BFriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H586vZGku-Q/WGpSRrTXDRI/AAAAAAAAGpg/80mZMQoYymc9XDQ4Zrxr45qxWM6LHYKfwCLcB/s400/Babu%2BFriends.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>David, me and Naapo</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it was time to leave the Institute a whole lot of my foreign friends turned up at the railway station to see me off. Almost half of my friends in the photograph are from far off lands.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAKlNjXX5x4/WGpTNZuF0nI/AAAAAAAAGpk/4cVQSLFyErg4Fo9jbDeTexMjpMCYfCY0gCLcB/s1600/Sendoff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAKlNjXX5x4/WGpTNZuF0nI/AAAAAAAAGpk/4cVQSLFyErg4Fo9jbDeTexMjpMCYfCY0gCLcB/s640/Sendoff2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Send off at Poona Railway station</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We parted ways....immersed in our life and work we could not communicate with them later on. Meanwhile my batch mates Ramlal Agarwal and Debu Deodhar passed away some years back. Last month in the International Film Festival of Kerala held at Thiruvananthapuram there were some films from Ghana. I wanted to meet those film makers to inquire about my old friends Naapo and David. But somehow I missed meeting them. I thought of using the Internet to start searching for Naapo and I came to know of the sad news that he passed away on October 17 th 2015.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0oPfdsd1Y/WGpVyntx1TI/AAAAAAAAGp0/IpDmidtcA8YMU6sXR0a2B0yH-XVp3PEnACLcB/s1600/Naapo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0oPfdsd1Y/WGpVyntx1TI/AAAAAAAAGp0/IpDmidtcA8YMU6sXR0a2B0yH-XVp3PEnACLcB/s400/Naapo_1.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Naapo in Ghana</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Given below is an obituary written by <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kouame
Koulibaly :</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A great cinematographer is gone </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The film
industry in Ghana lost one of its extremely brilliant cinematographers when Mr
Naapo Gbande<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>died on October 17,
2015<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the 37 Military Hospital in
Accra. He was 76.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Mr
Gbande worked for several years with the defunct Ghana Film Industry Corporation
(GFIC) where he shot numerous newsreels, documentaries and feature films.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">He later
moved on to the National Film and Television<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Institute (NAFTI) as a lecturer and many of the current professional
cinematographers in this country passed through his hands.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The
soft-spoken Mr Gbande worked as the cinematographer on several projects with
veteran film director, Mr Kwaw Ansah, who described him as an extremely
creative and diligent collaborator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“I
worked with him on Harvest At 17, Love Brewed In The African Pot, Heritage
Africa and several television commercials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“He
always tried to get images that truly complemented the essence of whatever was
being shot. His work brought true meaning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to the functions of a DOP<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on a
film set,” Mr Ansah said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">A native
of Kpandai in the Northern Region, Mr Gbande realised early in life that
photography<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was his calling and he
diligently pursued it throughout his working life. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Mr
Gbande was trained in film photography at the Film and Television Institute of
India at Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra.</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Experienced
lighting technician, Mr Tetteh ‘Wrally’ Apain,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>worked with Mr Gbande on numerous productions and they remained close
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“I
enjoyed being on a set with him because he always knew what he was about. He
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Apart
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>late cinematographer will be buried on
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fraternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>Adieu my friend, though we couldn't meet afterwards your memory will always linger in our minds forever. Rest In Peace</i></span></span></div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-24675609156827884132015-08-05T13:10:00.002+05:302015-08-05T13:10:57.181+05:30Razor encounters over the years<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a child I watched in wonder my grand father stropping a straight razor on a belt like leather piece at my ancestral home Sakaramangalam, Thamallackal in Kerala. He would then apply some water and the a coat of soap and deftly hold the razor in his hands and shave his daily growth on his chin. He did not keep a mustache and the whole daily ritual was performed on the verandah remains well etched in my mind.. These are the earliest memories of my grand father who was an ayurvedic vaidyar.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3R3p88DVYFI/VcFaYZnZWhI/AAAAAAAACiY/QsOujYVUYcc/s1600/Razor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3R3p88DVYFI/VcFaYZnZWhI/AAAAAAAACiY/QsOujYVUYcc/s400/Razor.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Later on I had watched the barber using it deftly on lathered faces of men whenever I go for a hair cut in the hair cutting Saloon at Maduranthakam where we had settled. Before hair cutting the barber used to spray water from a green bottle fitted with a metal pump on to the thick growth of hair on my head. It was really a blissful experience as some the water mist cooled by the swinging overhead punkah falls on your face. Those were the days without electricity and the punkah was the only means of circulating air and served like a fan. It was a rectangular piece of fabric fixed on a framework and hung on the ceiling. It was swung back and forth to make the air move which was by means pulling it back and forth. There was an arrangement of rope and pulleys which ended outside the shop where sat a boy , the barber's son pulling the rope up and down rhythmically and often nodding in to sleep. The spray and the punkah were the star attraction which made my monthly visit to the Barber shop joyful even though I didn't like the way he cuts my hair, which was a crew cut ( as in the military armed forces)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Punkah Wallah</b></td></tr>
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During my adolescent years I keenly watched my uncles and other relatives deftly working up lather from a round white soap with a brush and applying it on their face. One of my uncles used one blade for one year, sharpening it on a curved glass sharpener. Another cousin will shave without using a razor, just holding the blade in his fingers.</div>
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By the time I started shaving the stainless steel razors consisted of three parts, you just put the blade on the top part then the bottom one and screw the handle.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Three Part Safety Razor</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td></tr>
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The blade easily available at that time was Ashoka Stainless steel which was a good one, Made in India and affordable though 7O'Clock was an expensive imported alternative, I remember buying a foreign NACET blade when the Burmese Refugees arrived and sold foreign goods on the roadside near Madras Park Railway station. later on it became Burmah Bazaar.Other blades like Gillette, Wilkinson, Topaz etc made their presence in the Indian Market. Some of the blades are so poor in quality they were only used for sharpening pencils etc. Bharat blade was much preferred in the Film editing rooms for scraping and joining film rolls.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wva6yfShRvU/VcGoRenJUyI/AAAAAAAACjM/GfhSJb9nbDI/s1600/Blades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wva6yfShRvU/VcGoRenJUyI/AAAAAAAACjM/GfhSJb9nbDI/s400/Blades.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Varieties of Blades</b></td></tr>
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Meanwhile developments took place in razor design and a single piece twist and open model came out in Stainless steel and Gold plated varieties. It was much easier and soon I acquired a Gillette Gold model.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s87MymwL5rE/VcGpUmUtmWI/AAAAAAAACjU/MBVovPsT6yo/s1600/Aristocrat%2BRazor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s87MymwL5rE/VcGpUmUtmWI/AAAAAAAACjU/MBVovPsT6yo/s640/Aristocrat%2BRazor.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
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In 1971 Gillette introduced Tarc II Twin blade shaving system which had a fixed Twin blade that gave a smooth shave. Later by 1977 they introduced the Altra/Contour system, the first twin-blade shaving cartridge with a pivoting head, which allows the blades to follow the contours of the face for a closer shave. I bought one Altra Razor in the U.S, in 1978, where I went for the filming of Malayalam film Ezham Kadalin Akkare ( Ore Vaanam Ore Bhoomi - Tamil Version ),</div>
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I am still using it even though 37 years had passed in spite of the fact that several triple, four or even five bladed cartridges were introduced, I still use Gillette Vector blades with my old sturdy Altra Razor. The heaviness of the handle and well balanced grip ensures a smooth shave.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbGbCzCpdiU/VcGu155CKNI/AAAAAAAACjk/iilBtCdMNl8/s1600/about-gillette1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbGbCzCpdiU/VcGu155CKNI/AAAAAAAACjk/iilBtCdMNl8/s640/about-gillette1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gillette razors over the years</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td></tr>
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And finally here is my old faithful Altra Razor with GilletteVector Blade...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBZvQuj72v8/VcGvdvaBk4I/AAAAAAAACjw/s9ZECB9mwuQ/s1600/Gillette%2BRazor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBZvQuj72v8/VcGvdvaBk4I/AAAAAAAACjw/s9ZECB9mwuQ/s640/Gillette%2BRazor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-14929228119251364382015-04-12T20:31:00.000+05:302015-04-12T20:31:30.164+05:30John Abraham and Jayakanthan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWWysJ59I2Q/VSpzhQGY9EI/AAAAAAAACUo/OW0k51FduSk/s1600/John_JK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWWysJ59I2Q/VSpzhQGY9EI/AAAAAAAACUo/OW0k51FduSk/s1600/John_JK.jpg" height="253" width="400" /> </a></div>
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It may sound very interesting if eccentric film maker John Abraham were to make a movie based on a script by an equally unorthodox writer like Jayakanthan. In my opinion it would have been an extraordinary Tamil film it had happened....... it almost had happened and here is the unknown story...</div>
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Jayakanthan had written a Tamil short story "Agni Pravesam" in which a girl who was offered a lift in a car on her way back from college by a young man, gets seduced. He drops her near her home and when her anxious mother learns the truth, instead of raising hell, she takes her to the bath room and pours a pot of water saying this is not water, but fire that will purify you, as you were not polluted in spirit. When the story was published there were lot of criticism and protests against JK. In order to silence his critics he wrote a novel extending the short story, in which the mother will scold her daughter and all neighbourhood learns about her and the consequent suffering she had to undergo in her life. It was titled " <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sila_Nerangalil_Sila_Manithargal" target="_blank">Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal</a>" which later came out </div>
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as a film Directed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._Bhimsingh" target="_blank">A.Bhimsingh</a> which got Lakshmi the National Award for the Best Actress in 1976.</div>
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While John was doing his debut Malayalam film "Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile " in 1971, he was fascinated by the short story "Agni Pravesam" and the Novel " <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sila_Nerangalil_Sila_Manithargal" target="_blank">Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal</a>". Our producer Minnal was a friend of Jayakanthan and John had a few meetings with JK and I had been with him during those discussions. John had a brilliant concept which was to film the short story as it is and when the mother pours water over the head of her daughter Ganga and says that you are purified, the screen goes dark and in the sound track cat calls and voices of noisy protest is heard. Then on the screen the writer Jayakanthan himself appears and pacifies the audience...O.K. you want the mother to raise hell... see what happens...</div>
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The mother creates a big hue and cry, every one around comes to know of her daughter's downfall and her life becomes miserable as written in the novel " <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sila_Nerangalil_Sila_Manithargal" target="_blank">Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal</a>" </div>
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Unfortunately the project could not take place. But another great film maker A. Bhimsingh in his own way made a National award winning film based on the same subject. </div>
<br />Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-32169361763499995872013-09-17T21:18:00.001+05:302013-09-17T21:18:42.335+05:30SWAPNADANAM - A Journey in Dream with K.G.George<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=director&artist=KG%20George" target="_blank">K.G. George</a> was my Batch mate from the Film Institute of India, Poona. In fact we first met each other at Madras where we both wrote our entrance exam conducted at the Punjab Association Adarsh Vidyalaya , Peter's Road on 12-5-1968. There were three papers General Knowledge, English Composition and Science of 2 hours duration each. During the interval I found this young man very knowledgeable about world cinema and when I talked with him, I found that he had earlier attended the Film Appreciation Course at Poona. It was George's first visit to Madras and after the exams, I told him which bus to take from Safire theatre stop to reach the Central Station.</div>
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Our friendship continued and when I started my first feature film <a href="http://msidb.org/m.php?965" target="_blank">VIDYARTHIKALE ITHILE ITHILE</a> under the Direction of John Abraham, he used to be with our unit and later on joined with Director Ramu Kariat. When the opportunity came for him to direct an independent feature film, P.A.Latheef who was the Production Manager took an office at Thayar Sahib street behind the Wellingdon Theatre, Mount Road. Editor Ravi, John, Latheef, George, myself and others used gather there for script discussion. Though the original script was written by Pamman based on a story by Psycho Muhammad, George rewrote it several times. As part of research, we visited Kilpauk Mental Hospital and spoke to some of the Doctors regarding the special kind of mental condition called "FUGUE" . The script work took a long time and different versions were written by George until he was fully satisfied with the result.</div>
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Our team consisting of Producer Mohammed Bappu, George, Editor Ravi, Latheef and myself went to Kollam to meet NANA Film magazine's Proprietor Krishnaswamy Reddiar. At that time in KUNGUMAM magazine Uroob and Kadavanadu Kuttikrishnan were also present during the script reading session. After hearing the subject, they suggested that the film be titled SWAPNADANAM instead of the intended title PALAYANAM.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Switching on the Camera</b></td></tr>
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The main location was Thiruvananthapuram Medical college, a few houses, Kovalam beach etc. George, Latheef, Editor Ravi, myself and few others were accommodated in the M.L.A's Hostel at Palayam. It may have been the only time that a Film Unit had stayed there. It was possible because the Producer had connections with some of the Ministers. For the lead character Gopi enacted by Dr. Mohan Das we required a scooter as set property in a number of scenes. Latheef told us that he knows a cinema crazed youngster who has a scooter and we can use it for the shoot free of cost. He came to the set every day with the scooter and soon became part of the unit.Soon he made friends with Soman and Rani Chandra by bringing home made Kanji and Chutney etc. He picked up the rudiments of film making by observation and soon directed a film called <a href="http://msidb.org/m.php?4191" target="_blank">THANAL</a> and won the Best Director Award from the Kerala Government. It was <a href="http://msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=director&artist=Rajeevnath" target="_blank">Rajeev Nath</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rajeev Nath, N.L. Balakrishnan and myself</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Since Rajeev Nath, myself and Still Photographer N.L.Balakrishnan were sporting stylish French beard, we had a photo taken together. Though Rajeev Nath wanted me to work in his debut film THANAL, I could not accept it as I had committed myself for another film on the same dates. After many years we happened to come together for Rajeev Nath's <a href="http://msidb.org/m.php?6537" target="_blank">PAKAL NAKSHATHRANGAL</a> in 2008, resulting in the photo given below:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp1vQtqUE84/Ui2ZOgM8WMI/AAAAAAAABuM/05AKUD89NmQ/s1600/Three2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp1vQtqUE84/Ui2ZOgM8WMI/AAAAAAAABuM/05AKUD89NmQ/s400/Three2008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Read the full story in Malayalam FLASH MOVIES magazine article given below : </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>FLASH MOVIES Article</b></td></tr>
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We had many hallucination scenes in the film and George had some strange imagery in his mind and I had to visually translate it without any help from the special effects department. One long sequence towards the climax we planned to shoot at night in Vettukadu Beach. By the time we reached there were thousands of people and when the artistes arrived they were mobbed and could not get down from the car and they returned back. But our Production Manager Latheef calmed the crowd with his friendly talk and cleared an area for our shoot. Then the artistes arrived and the shooting stated the crowd was quietly sitting and watched the show. Since we were delayed we had to extend the shoot till the sun rose in the morning and some how we managed to finish all the scheduled shots.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnX-1DDT6O0/Ui2iU35A4DI/AAAAAAAABuk/ep0t5qcsc4U/s1600/Babu_swapnadanam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnX-1DDT6O0/Ui2iU35A4DI/AAAAAAAABuk/ep0t5qcsc4U/s400/Babu_swapnadanam.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>On Location</b></td></tr>
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Another Hallucination scene was to be shot in the Dissection hall where the cadavers were arranged on the row of tables and the female lead Rani Chandra had to lie on the steel table.When told about that she started crying and refused to lie on the table along with the dead bodies preserved with formalin. In order to give her courage and to prove that nothing will happen if you lie down on the table, I climbed up and posed like a dead body, saying that one day we are all going to end up like this. N.L.Balakrishnan clicked a photo of it. Encouraged by my action finally Rani Chandra took her position on the table for the shot to be taken.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugCcnHuHsSU/UjZSPus3VPI/AAAAAAAABw8/mLHSFnrDBF4/s1600/Swapnadanam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugCcnHuHsSU/UjZSPus3VPI/AAAAAAAABw8/mLHSFnrDBF4/s400/Swapnadanam2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In Mathrubhumi Weekly, N.L.Balakrishnan' column "Behind the Photo" the incident and the picture were published:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UV081kfewSc/UjZTxRD3L0I/AAAAAAAABxI/ZjgcqjKfhaM/s1600/swapnadanam03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UV081kfewSc/UjZTxRD3L0I/AAAAAAAABxI/ZjgcqjKfhaM/s400/swapnadanam03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mathrubhumi Article</b></td></tr>
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Another Hallucination scene was to be shot at night in the Mortuary of the General Hospital, rows and rows of dead bodies were arranged including a fresh one of a recently hanged criminal killer. Many from the unit were afraid to enter the hall and stayed out. It was midnight when we finished lighting up an extreme long shot of the big hall and the camera was placed at the exit door. All unit members were standing behind the entrance door. I went inside the hall to check the final light readings with my exposure meter. The whole place looked eerie with darkness, with patches of light highlighting the dead bodies. I was the lone person walking among them, suddenly I felt some one tugging at exposure meter's cord. My heart stopped for a moment and when I turned back, I found that the cord had somehow got entangled with the outstretched hand of a corpse. It was indeed a most frightening experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6uxyA_QH8o/UjehrDMn7aI/AAAAAAAABxY/YVof71ull-8/s1600/Swapnadanam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6uxyA_QH8o/UjehrDMn7aI/AAAAAAAABxY/YVof71ull-8/s320/Swapnadanam3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mallika, Rani Chandra, myself and Dr.Mohan Das</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td></tr>
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Our main location was a house belonging to the son in law of Minister Ilangath, which had spacious exteriors and large living room etc but the bed room was not big enough for our purpose. So we decided to erect a set at Merryland Studios. To keep it realistic I asked the Art Director to build it with a full ceiling so that I won't be tempted to light up the scenes by using catwalk mounted lights. I lit the scenes from the ground as if I was shooting in a real location instead of a set. In the film it matched so well that the bed room set appeared to be a part of the house itself .<br />
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At our Madras office an eccentric young man used to pester Latheef for a role in the film. We had some shooting at Madras in a Private Mental Hospital at Neelankarai run by Dr. Dhairiyam. Latheef thought that we can use him as one of the patients in the back ground and asked him to come for the shooting on a particular day. But somehow the shooting was postponed. Without knowing that this man went to the hospital and wanted to join the shooting, but they told there was no film unit in their campus. But he created a lot of fuss and tried to get in forcibly but was subdued by the warders and put in a cell. By evening it had a calming effect and he begged them to release him showing them his bus ticket etc. He straightaway came to our office and started abusing Latheef, who then pacified him and later on gave him a role as one of the inmates.<br />
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Dr. Mohan Das was basically not an actor but he suited the role admirably. George had the marathon task of enacting each action during rehearsals, several times so that at least he can get 50% result from Mohan Das. Ultimately when the time came for the State Film Awards, Dr.Mohan Das was declared as the Best Actor. He also served as member of the the Award Jury too in later years!<br />
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Another location was the hill station of Yercaud, near Salem and during the shooting the relationship between Dr.Mohan Das and Rani Chandra became stronger and stronger. It was so deep that when she died tragically in an air crash, he was one of the few persons to come from Kerala to Madras for attending the funeral ceremonies. My reminiscences about Rani Chandra in my earlier BLOG Entry can be found <b><a href="http://ramachandrababu.blogspot.in/2011/10/like-meteor-she-vanished.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
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Although a few songs were recorded for the film by <a href="http://institutewallah.blogspot.in/2009/07/silent-sitar-strings.html" target="_blank">Bhaskar Chandavarkar</a>, who was the Head of the Department of Music at The Film Institute, Poona, it was never used in the film. He also did the back ground score for the film.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aa67M2lGxI/Ujh1olXR8_I/AAAAAAAAByE/cOqwRG9896w/s1600/Chandavarkar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aa67M2lGxI/Ujh1olXR8_I/AAAAAAAAByE/cOqwRG9896w/s320/Chandavarkar.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bhaskar Chandavarkar</b></td></tr>
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The film when released was well appreciated and won several Awards in the State and National levels.<br />
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K.G.George had written about the film in his Memoirs - <b>FLASH BACK: ENTEYUM CINEMAYUEYUM </b>, Published by D.C.books, Kottayam.<br />
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Also, Mathrubhumi Books had brought out the Full Script and Memoirs of the Producer Muhammed Bappu in the book - <b>SWAPNADANAM : JEEVITHAVUM CINEMAYUM</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InFMxmUfF9E/UjhiUkHmSWI/AAAAAAAABxo/CqvedKUt4r4/s1600/Swapnadanam+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InFMxmUfF9E/UjhiUkHmSWI/AAAAAAAABxo/CqvedKUt4r4/s400/Swapnadanam+book.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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After many years the SWAPNADANAM team got an opportunity to meet during a marriage function where Kabeer Raother whose Hindi film LUBNA was produced by Muhammed Bappu and <a href="http://msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=musician&artist=Jithin%20Shyam" target="_blank">Jitin Shyam</a>, Music Director of THANAL, were reunited with K.G.George and me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcP7JTHZjuM/Ujhk2eEpK9I/AAAAAAAABx0/jMq8KyC9YEo/s1600/Swapnadanam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcP7JTHZjuM/Ujhk2eEpK9I/AAAAAAAABx0/jMq8KyC9YEo/s400/Swapnadanam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>(From L to R) Muhammed Bappu, myself, K.G.George, Kabeer Raother, Jitin Shyam</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Finally, a few lines from <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/ramachandrababuk/poems" target="_blank">MY POEMS </a>: <br />
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<b>SWAPNADANAM - A Journey in Dream</b><br /><br />( <i><b>To K.G.George</b></i>.)<br /><br />He had a million hallucinations<br />To be forever transfixed on celluloid.<br />The path was long and arduous,<br />I was a fellow traveler<br />On this psychedelic journey.<br /><br />We built dreams upon dreams<br />On an invisible foundation.<br />In that mad house<br />Strangers herded together<br />Shot each other.<br />Fools fell in love with fairytale princesses.<br />Some had nightmares even when awake, and ran off to distant places.<br />Others followed us blindly<br />Without knowing their destination,<br />My friend led the way in the darkness<br />His polestar was called “Fellini”.<br />At last the long night seemed to end.<br /><br />The new Cinema<br />Hangs frozen on the horizon<br />Like a Truffaut ending.<br /><br />The weary world watches hopefully<br />For the slightest upward movement<br />To pronounce a new Dawn.<br /><br />In that twilight<br />Before us lies the endless road in to the sky<br />And we march on ………<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQK5fhScee4/Ujh4rPwjWsI/AAAAAAAAByQ/-I8DIKJUQD8/s1600/swapnadanam_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQK5fhScee4/Ujh4rPwjWsI/AAAAAAAAByQ/-I8DIKJUQD8/s1600/swapnadanam_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>SWAPNADANAM</b></td></tr>
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<b>Film Data: </b><br />
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Banner: <b>K.R.Films International</b><br />Producer<b> : Muhammed Bappu</b>Director: <b>K.G.George</b><br />
Cinematography: <b>Ramachandra Babu</b><br />
Story: <b>Psycho Muhammed</b><br />
Screenplay: <b>K.G.George, Pamman</b><br />Music : <b>Bhaskar Chandavarkar</b><br />Editing : <b>Ravi</b><br />
Production Manager: <b>P.A.Latheef</b><br />Art: <b>Sundaram</b><br />Sound : <b>Devadas</b><br />Stills: <b>N.L.Balakrishnan</b><br />Make up: <b>P.N.Mani</b><br />Actors: <b>Dr.Mohan Das, M.G.Soman, P.K.Venukuttan Nair, P.K.Abrahaam, Issac Thomas, Rani Chandra, Sonia, Mallika, T.R.Omana, Prema, Azzez, Anandavally</b><br />
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<b></b>Release date:<b> 12 March 1976</b><br /> Please go to <a href="http://msidb.org/m.php?3489" target="_blank">Malayalam Movie Data Base Page Here</a> to listen to songs <i>not included</i> in the film<br /><br /><br />
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-41107330965335570052013-07-28T11:10:00.000+05:302013-08-05T06:34:24.461+05:30NIRMALYAM - A Land Mark in Malayalam Cinema<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was taken aback when I was asked by M.T. Vasudevan Nair the renowned Malayalam Writer, to be the cinematographer of his Directorial debut film NIRMALYAM. His screen play was based on his own short story “Pallivalum Kaal Chilambum”. At that time MT was a sought after Script writer in the Malayalam film Industry and I was just an up coming cinematographer. He could have obtained the services of any one of the top cameramen of that day for his film. But he didn't opt for it. MT himself told me later that he did not want any top people in his film as sometimes the credit for the success of film may get attributed to them. Also he wanted the film to be done in his own way, whether correct or not without any kind of interference. At the same time he was open to creative suggestions for the betterment of the film.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70JKUdNanns/UfNIQNbWvrI/AAAAAAAABfs/E8IsrE4Jq40/s1600/Nirmalyam_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70JKUdNanns/UfNIQNbWvrI/AAAAAAAABfs/E8IsrE4Jq40/s400/Nirmalyam_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Sukumaran, Ravi Menon and Sumithra</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had first met M.T. while a student at the Poona Film Institute in 1970, and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he had come there as visiting Professor to take Screenplay classes. After that meeting I had met him once or twice at Madras and I have done only three films before I was contacted to do Nirmalyam. My senior friend at the Institute M. Azad was the associate Director and my batch mate again from the Institute Ravi Menon was doing a prominent role and P.J Antony with whom I have done Ragging ( he had written the lyrics and also acted in it) was doing the lead role. So I was quite comfortable in doing the film with people previously known to me. Being the youngest member in the unit, M.T. used to address me as “Thampi” meaning younger brother in Tamil. He always treated me as his younger brother and the relationship continues till now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The shooting location was in a small village near Edappal called Mukkola (Mukuthala) and there were no lodges or hotels capable of accommodating all the unit members. Actor Sukumaran's uncle Edappal Kuttan made arrangements in his relative's houses for Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Sumitra etc to stay. There was a rice mill in Edappal where a building with two rooms and a hall was available. We were able to get that building for ourselves. MT took one room, P.J.Antony the other and the Hall was for the rest of us. Ravi Menon, Azad and myself slept there on grass mats spread on the floor. Sukumaran was acting in his debut film and though his house was nearby in Edappal, he also joined us to become more familiar with film making methods. Since we were shooting mainly in and around the temples we had to be satisfied with only vegetarian food. At night after the shoot we will sit around Antony Asan as he had bottles of different varieties of fish pickles with him as accompaniment to his drinks, and he will offer us some of the tasty fish pickles which to an extent fulfilled our craving for non vegetarian fare.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddOvIw57X7A/UfNIP9Q1qHI/AAAAAAAABfY/W1BCXENNzL4/s1600/Nirmalyam_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddOvIw57X7A/UfNIP9Q1qHI/AAAAAAAABfY/W1BCXENNzL4/s400/Nirmalyam_1.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">P.J.Antony as Velichappad</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When P.J.Antony Asan came to the location he didn't have much idea about the Velichappad ( Oracle) character. So he requested M.T. to get the services of the local Velichappad, gave him Guru Dhakshina and learnt from him the steps and mannerism of temple performances. He observed him minutely and succeeded in bringing alive on screen the Velichappad, as M.T. had envisioned. During the climax shooting for a whole day he performed as if in a trance even though his feet was bleeding with the painful hitting of heavy bronze anklets.The next day he could not even walk, but still when the shot of Velichappad walking home after bathing was being taken, he walked proudly with a smile acknowledging the villagers' reverence. Such was his dedication to the art of acting, it is no wonder that he got the National Award as Best Actor. He truly deserves it and I had never come across such a true actor any time in my career so far. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9SfDvZyKD0/TBITPufiXfI/AAAAAAAAArs/35wQE5ZsrFU/s1600/Nirmalyam_unit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9SfDvZyKD0/TBITPufiXfI/AAAAAAAAArs/35wQE5ZsrFU/s320/Nirmalyam_unit.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>With Camera assistant Venkitaraj (R)</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In those days we could not afford to have generators for our power supply and had to depend on the State Electricity Board outlets for our lighting needs. We have to apply in advance for Temporary 3 phase connections with separate meters in all the locations where power supply is needed. Fortunately we required the use of lights in two locations only, the Temple and the Velichappad's house which were adjacent to each other. We managed with one connection for both the locations. But the power situation in those days was worse in Malabar area and the voltage was very low at night, around 100 – 120 volts only. Hence most of our night shooting was done after 9 PM only when people switch off the lights and go to sleep. Then the power consumption load goes down and the voltage rises to a usable level of around 200 volts. That made our night shoots extending till the wee hours! For daytime shooting we used reflectors which we got fabricated at Calicut in Balan K Nair's workshop, since we did not have the luxury of having a full out-door unit from Madras at our disposal.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lr6FH81MvaQ/TBITQBKoSFI/AAAAAAAAAr0/VtLE06tj-d8/s1600/Nirmalyam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lr6FH81MvaQ/TBITQBKoSFI/AAAAAAAAAr0/VtLE06tj-d8/s400/Nirmalyam3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shooting at the Bharathapuzha, myself on camera, M.T.(with dark glasses) and Devadas (Sound Engineer) sitting on the sands</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of the locations were situated within a radius of few kilometres from our main location.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The steps of T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hirumittakode temple </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">on the Bharathapuzha riverside was the location for the song</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> " <a href="http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/s.php?3147" target="_blank">Thinthinathano </a>" where the Unni Namboothiri departs the village as his beloved Ammini, looks on with teary eyes. It was an overcast day, dull and dark, a suitable mood for a sad situation. The sun was setting, the light was low and we had many more shots to be taken. When there was not sufficient light to shoot with normal film, I loaded my camera with higher speed ORWO NP7 film ( 400 ASA ) and went on shooting. When the light was really low, some one tapped me on the shoulder and when I looked back it was Samiyettan ( S.Konnanatt) the Art Director. He asked me whether I will get any image in such a poor light. I took out my meter, checked the light and told him, " Why not? I have enough light to take a few more shots". He exclaimed that even an expert cinematographer like Vincent master will not shoot in this light. I told him "I am confident about my exposure, I'll show you the rush print" When he saw the rushes afterwards, he really appreciated my work. Only much later I came to know that he originally started his career as camera assistant to Vincent Master!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoOh0Ev9go8/UfNIQPMjBMI/AAAAAAAABfo/OZNadnsY3O8/s1600/Nirmalyam_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoOh0Ev9go8/UfNIQPMjBMI/AAAAAAAABfo/OZNadnsY3O8/s400/Nirmalyam_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Sumitra and Ravi Menon</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another location we needed was a natural cave where the characters Unni Namboothiri and Ammini take refuge when it suddenly rains. We were lucky to have found a large cave in a nearby hillock and when we started shooting the scene it was a bright sunny day with clear skies and I was in a dilemma whether to start shooting the scene or not because it was supposed to rain in the end. Since we had hired a Fire engine for the afternoon ( they charge per hour) we could not afford to waste our time. Any how we decided to start shooting the scene and, fortunately as the shoot progressed the weather Gods pitied us and filled the clear blue sky with clouds and the atmosphere got totally changed. It was really like a rainy day and with the help of the fire engine we made it very realistic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our main location, the Temple was really in a neglected state with out any puja or rituals being done for a long time. We came to know that a few people thought that a non Hindu, Christian P.J Antony should not enter the temple. M.T. planned to finish all the exterior scenes including the climax and kept the temple interior scenes involving </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.J Antony</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> at the end of the schedule. In case any strong objection arises at that time, we can safely complete the film by erecting a matching set of the interior portion. After finishing all the other scenes we had to shoot the scenes of P.J. Antony inside the temple, and as usual we started doing the lighting after 9 PM and there were only few onlookers to watch the shooting. We had a stand in dressed as Veichappad whom we said will be entering the temple instead of P.J.Antony to dupe the curious onlookers. We took a long shot of him entering the temple and didn't permit any one inside saying that they will come in camera's field of view as we were going to take a full view of the temple interior.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the doors were secured, through a back entrance </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.J Antony</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> was let in and all his scenes were taken before sunrise. Later on after the film was released M.T. was charged with a case for polluting the temple and he had to pay for the purification ceremonies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Towards the end of the shooting schedule M.T. ran out of money and we still had to shoot the climax and other scenes. M.T describes the scenario:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I specially recall the tension I went through one particular day.We had arranged to shoot the festival sequence from next morning on wards. Groups of</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Pootham", "Thira" and drummers were fixed. The village girls would be ready with "Thalappoli". I n the evening the camera crew said they have only hundred feet in the magazine. The film stock has not come from Madras. Then I checked with the cashier," How much money do you have?". He said "five". I was worried " You mean you have only five hundreds left??" He said "No , only five rupees left".</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I discussed the severity of the situation with a few trusted friends. Somebody suggested to call off the next day's work. I was reluctant. i had a feeling that somehow the problem would be solved. I immediately sent a messenger to Shoranur, where I knew Mr.Vincent was shooting a film, to lend me some film. By midnight a person came back with thousand feet of film. That was enough to see us through till afternoon when the Madras stock was expected to arrive. Now the problem of money was still to be solved. We started work in the morning. It was difficult to raise funds from the locality as i had already tapped three well-to-do houses. But when I started work I cleanly forgot the money problem. I avoided the cashier's anxious looks. Before lunch break two familiar faces from Calicut appeared on the scene. They were my good friends, businessmen. they ere on their way to Cochin for auctioning rosewood. I cornered them and asked them whether they would lend me some money. Between them they parted with ten thousand rupees.I said I required only five , as I was expecting funds the next day. One of them said"suppose it is delayed? You keep the ten and we will settle the accounts later"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as he got the funds shooting was interrupted to make arrangements for the festival scene on a war footing. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had arranged for a second camera to be handled by my friend Kasturi R Murthy so that we can cover the action in two angles. By </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">next day</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> morning, every thing was in place and till dusk it was all hectic and frenzied shooting activity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Desamangalam Mana was the location for a day's shoot for the scene involving the rich Land lord Namboodiri and we moved to Shoranur early in the morning. The actor to play that role, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair arrived at the Rest House in a car in an inebriated condition. He could not even stand let alone act. On seeing him in this condition M.T. was in a fix. How to find a person with a majestic Namboodiri look in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the last minute </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to replace him. It was Sankaradi who found a solution by making him to consume some curd and have a cold bath. In the meantime we shot some interior scenes involving P.J.Antony and Sankaradi. By noon Kottarakkara was in a position to act and it was the timely intervention of Sankaradi which made it possible. The same night we did the dance sequence at Kalamandalam Auditorium and finished Kottarakkara's work without any further incidents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Except for the Sreekovil ( Sanctum sanctorum) portion all other scenes were completed in one schedule. The original Sreekovil was a very cramped place </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and customs prevented us from entering inside it to place camera, lights etc. Also there was no proper idol. So we </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">erected a set of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the Sreekovil</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in Calicut where the shots involving the idols were taken in another schedule. During the shooting at Calicut, I stayed at M.T's home "SITHARA". His wife Prameela Chechi and daughter Sithara considered me as one of their family members.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34fn3jWzNjc/Uf5uhzioChI/AAAAAAAABl8/Z0Axka-xuV8/s1600/Sithara3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34fn3jWzNjc/Uf5uhzioChI/AAAAAAAABl8/Z0Axka-xuV8/s320/Sithara3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>With M.T's daughter Sithara</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was full co-operation from the villagers and they always were there to help us with properties for the scenes and also acting in minor and crowd scenes. In fact they got so attached to the unit, many children were in tears when it was time for us to depart after the shooting was over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were some funny interludes during the shooting - We were fed up with eating only vegetarian food day after day. So one day M.T. took us along with him for dinner at the invitation of his friend at Ponnani. It was a sumptuous feast with all kinds of fish, prawns, crab and chicken. Everyone ate to their heart's content. The result most of us got our stomachs upset and had to rush to the bathroom during the shooting. Since we didn't have toilet facilities near the location we had to take the car and go our place of stay and come back. For our absence we have to invent some other reason - in my case I told the light has become dull and we will have to wait for some time for the clouds to clear, and hurriedly took off in the car!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the shooting at Calicut I received a letter from Sukumaran, thanking me and saying :</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"As a novice in the field I would like to take this opportunity to express my heart felt thankfulness and gratitude for your well timed suggestions and sincere advices during our outdoor work. I expect the same amount of sympathy and consideration in future also......."</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RY8Mk_CKOk/Uf5v1XYU9tI/AAAAAAAABmM/DwL3d1Dzlns/s1600/suku%27s+letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RY8Mk_CKOk/Uf5v1XYU9tI/AAAAAAAABmM/DwL3d1Dzlns/s640/suku%27s+letter.jpg" width="529" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sukumaran"s letter</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though many actors made their debut film with me except Sukumaran, none other bothered to express their gratitude to me. That was the unique quality of Sukumaran, the man!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The post production work was done at Madras and a house was rented and M.T., Sukumaran, Azad, assistant directors, all slept on grass mats spread on the floor. Some times Editor Ravi, John Abraham, K.G.George and others visited to give us company. Food was mostly cooked there and we had a nice time of staying together like a family. Never again I have worked for such a film from beginning to end in such a manner. That was a very memorable experience in my film career as such!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though the film won the Best Film Award at The National and State level,Best Actor etc, I did not get any such recognition for my work as Cinematographer. But later on when I was given the Kerala State Award for Excellence in Colour Cinematography for the Film DWEEPU, M.T. sent me a short note: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <i>"</i> <i>My dear Thampi,</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I did not congratulate you formally for the Award. I thought that was unnecessary. What is there to talk about something coming in which was long overdue? "</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLr49-vAnac/Uf5tDpBlxSI/AAAAAAAABls/zAC5A2shh0M/s1600/21_9_77+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLr49-vAnac/Uf5tDpBlxSI/AAAAAAAABls/zAC5A2shh0M/s400/21_9_77+note.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>M.T's Note</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That note from M.T was worth more than a National Award to me, because it came from the heart of the creator of our film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The film ultimately won several other laurels and is still being discussed about even after 40 years, "whether any film with a theme like this can be made now in our country at this period of religious fanaticism " </span><br />
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<b>Film Data:</b></div>
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Banner: <b>Novel Films</b></div>
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Producer : <b>M.T.Vasudevan Nair</b></div>
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Director: <b>M.T. Vasudevan Nair</b></div>
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Cinematography: <b>Ramachandra Babu</b></div>
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Editing: <b>Ravi</b></div>
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Screenplay: <b>M.T.Vasudevan Nair</b></div>
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Lyrics: <b>Swathi Thirunal, Idassery</b></div>
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Music: <b>Raghavan Master (Songs)</b></div>
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Background Music: <b>M.B.Sreenivasan</b><br />
Choreography : <b>P.S.Gopalakrishnan</b></div>
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Cast: Vincent, <b>P.J.Antony, Sankaradi, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, Ravi Menon, Sukumaran, S.P.Pillai, Kuthiravattom Pappu, Nilambur Balan, Kunhandi, Surasu, Sumithra, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Vijayalakshmi Balan, Santha Devi</b></div>
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Release date: 23-11-1973</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Please go to <a href="http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/m.php?4736" target="_blank"> Malayalam Movie Data Base Page Here</a> to listen to songs from the film</span></span></div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-44283082759802048502013-07-19T06:52:00.001+05:302013-07-19T06:52:59.203+05:30RAGGING - My Second Malayalam Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUVwQOMN3d0/UbB-hqDrXUI/AAAAAAAABdM/WlWN5IQfhW8/s1600/indian_cinema_100.jpg" />Director N.N. Pisharady who directed "NINAMANIJA KALPADUKAL" in which Actor Madhu did his debut in Malayalam films gave me the opportunity to work in his film "RAGGING". Actor P.J.Antony wrote the lyrics for the film and the Music composed by M.K.Arjunan. It was produced under the banner Hari Sree Productions by Issac Thomas , Advocate from N. Paravur. Vasudevan Nair (whom we used to address as Vasu annan) the elder brother of Producer Shobana Parameswaran Nair was the Production Manager.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpzRb2e4yW8/UbCAxln0Z7I/AAAAAAAABdc/wyvkvNBASek/s1600/Ragging1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpzRb2e4yW8/UbCAxln0Z7I/AAAAAAAABdc/wyvkvNBASek/s320/Ragging1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Asst Director Baby, Vasu Annan, N.N. Pisharady and me</b></td></tr>
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Vasu annan was a chronic bachelor and his house at No.7, Gokulam Colony was a refuge for those aspiring to enter the film industry and other fields. There were some permanent residents like Aslam who was employed in Railways. But others came in and stayed for some time and left when they found jobs and places to stay. Vasu annan was very generous to everyone by giving food and accommodation for the needy and supported them to find their way in to the film industry at Kodambakkam. I too enjoyed his hospitality for a few days before I found some other lodging place. Some of the inmates I remember were Kalliyoor Sasi and singer Chirayinkil Soman. M.T.Vasudevan Nair also addressed him as Vasu annan" and was very close to him and entrusted the Madras part of the production work of NIRMALYAM to him. On his last day Vasu annan dropped M.T. in his car at Palm Grove Hotel, came back to his house, had a heart attack and died the same night.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PydcdJDmu4/UbCA10Tdh4I/AAAAAAAABdk/-9qe7JRwWdE/s1600/Ragging4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PydcdJDmu4/UbCA10Tdh4I/AAAAAAAABdk/-9qe7JRwWdE/s320/Ragging4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>N.N. Pisharady and me</b></td></tr>
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The Producer Issac Thomas and Director N.N. Pisharady wanted to cast newcomers in the film as they felt that to act as college students the actors should be really young. A group of youngsters were selected and Jameela Malik a batch mate of mine from the Film Institute was assigned the female lead role. The shooting started at Kalamassery Rajagiri College, near Alwaye. This was the first time I am doing a location shooting in the State of Kerala as my first film was entirely shot in Madras. After a few days of shooting we found that some of the boys were not capable of emoting and we had to look for regular actors to play the lead roles.We retained Jameela and Balan Nair a new comer with a rough look to play a negative character. For others we cast popular actors Vincent and Sudheer and local theatre artists. Below is a photo taken with the Still Photographer Pappachan ( Noble Pictures, Meenangady) and Balan Nair who still keep in touch with me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEJ3hGCdrsk/UbCBAkif_hI/AAAAAAAABd8/70wTtnSGvmY/s1600/Ragging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEJ3hGCdrsk/UbCBAkif_hI/AAAAAAAABd8/70wTtnSGvmY/s320/Ragging.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Stills Noble Pappachan and Actor Balan Nair</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To play the love interest of Sudheer we decided upon <a href="http://ramachandrababu.blogspot.in/2011/10/like-meteor-she-vanished.html" target="_blank">Rani Chandra</a> who at the time was shooting for P.N.Menon.s film CHEMPARATHI. My self <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">N.N.Pisharady and Aluva Thampy went to Kollam </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">to contact Sudheer and Rani Chandra and get their dates for our film. That was my first meeting and she was a simple and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">friendly person. Though she was selected as Miss Kerala, I found her to be a typical Malayalee girl with curly hair and tanned skin with an out going nature. At Neela Hotel Bamboo bar we also had an eventful meeting with veteran Malayalam writer Kakkanadan too along with S.K.Nair playing host.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjdS0bsbiV8/TpUXVTsGn2I/AAAAAAAAA94/4kRVMyWn9zo/s1600/Ragging2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjdS0bsbiV8/TpUXVTsGn2I/AAAAAAAAA94/4kRVMyWn9zo/s320/Ragging2.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rani Chandra</b></td></tr>
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The Producer Issac Thomas played the role of the Jesuit Principal of the college with ease and he later on acted in the film SWAPNADANAM as a Psychiatrist.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Producer Issac Thomas (sitting)</b></td></tr>
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In the initial stages we had some problem in obtaining permission to shoot in the college locations so we went to Mysore to do the shooting. The added attraction was the Film Subsidy of Rs.50,000 given by the Karnataka Government.We were travelling at night in car through the forest area and suddenly a lone tusker appeared blocking our road. On seeing it I was excited and shouted " Look..an Elephant" P.J. Antony who was with us in the card scolded me for making noise as it was an wild elephant. We remained in the car with tension till it moved away after a few minutes.</div>
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After doing some shooting we found Mysore also not suitable and returned to Alwaye where the film was shot.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWoGq9D6Cr8/UbCA8f2CcRI/AAAAAAAABd0/KX_9Xo3roRI/s1600/Ragging6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWoGq9D6Cr8/UbCA8f2CcRI/AAAAAAAABd0/KX_9Xo3roRI/s320/Ragging6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Through the Mitchell Camera's Viewfinder</b></td></tr>
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Director N.N. Pisharady was a pleasant man to work with, cool tempered and widely read person. He really wanted to make an interesting film. The censors chopped the film badly and the film failed at the box office as a result.For instance there was a comic character called Prof. Iyer in the film and most of his comedy dialogues were cut by a Brahmin censor board member who objected it on caste grounds.</div>
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Present New Generation film makers are credited with the trend in giving the film with English Titles. But way back in 1973, Director N.N. Pisharady had given his film the title - "RAGGING" </div>
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<b>Film Data:</b></div>
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Banner: Hari Sree Productions</div>
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Producer : Issac Thomas</div>
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Director: N.N. Pisharady </div>
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Cinematography: Ramachandra Babu</div>
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Editing: G.Venkitaraman</div>
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Screenplay: N.N. Pisharady </div>
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Lyrics: P.J.Antony, Issac Thomas</div>
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Music: M.K. Arjunan</div>
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Cast: Vincent, Sudheer, P.J.Antony, Sankaradi, Balan Nair, Jameela Malik, Rani Chandra</div>
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Release date: 22-2-1973</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277980/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1" target="_blank">IMDB Page HERE</a></div>
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Please go to <a href="http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/m.php?2595" target="_blank">Malayalam Movie Data Base Page Here</a> to listen to songs from the film</div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-76561777595865003722013-06-06T18:49:00.000+05:302017-08-15T20:39:42.861+05:30My First Feature Film - VIDYARTHILKALE ITHILE ITHILE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUVwQOMN3d0/UbB-hqDrXUI/AAAAAAAABdM/WlWN5IQfhW8/s1600/indian_cinema_100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUVwQOMN3d0/UbB-hqDrXUI/AAAAAAAABdM/WlWN5IQfhW8/s1600/indian_cinema_100.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now
that 100 Years of Indian Cinema is being celebrated , as part of it I who have
completed more than 100 Malayalam Films will be writing about some of the films
I have worked as Cinematographer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'll
start with my first feature film VIDYARTHILKALE ITHILE ITHILE Directed by John
Abraham. The year, 1971. I was studying in the Final year of Diploma in
Motion Picture Photography Course at the Film Institute of India , Poona. There
was a student strike going on, and when it extended for a long time,our
parents were instructed by the authorities to take us back home, to cool our
tempers. While at home I was informed that John Abraham is planning to direct a
Malayalam film based on a script by M. Azad and both of them were at Madras. So
I went there and met them. They had in mind to have S. Ramachandra as the
Cinematographer for the film as he was a close friend and room-mate of Azad.
They have offered me an opportunity to work as an assistant cameraman in that
film. Since I have still not completed the course and was looking for an
opening to enter the film industry, I readily agreed to their proposal so that
I can get familiar with the working methods in Malayalam films.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Azad and John in serious discussion</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The producer was Mr. Minnal, who was running an AD Agency called Mars Advertising Company located at 49, Wallajah Road, Triplicane. The Malayalam film titled "VIDYARTHIKALE ITHILE ITHILE" was to be produced under the banner Mehboob Movies. At that time both John and Azad were staying there in the office itself and were working on the script as the dates of the shooting schedule have not yet been fixed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After my return to the
Institute the strike prolonged for some more time and finally ended as the
Government had agreed<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to
constitute an enquiry commission. Our courses were nearing completion and I was
wondering about the future, whether to try my luck in the Bombay film industry
or in the Madras film field. In those days Film Institute graduates had a tough
time finding work as they were thought to have only bookish knowledge and no
practical experience. They had to struggle for some years assisting the
veterans in the industry before they get a break. Though I was offered a job at
the Hindustan Thompson AD agency, I declined because the work involved was only
making sample films in 16mm for clients to view and I was more interested in
doing feature films.I was thinking of going down south at Madras which was a
much familiar city to me as I had done my graduation from Loyola College there.
Also there was no language problem too as I had my schooling in Tamil medium.
Then I received a letter from John and Azad saying that they have decided to
give me a break in the film as the principal cinematographer!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It came as a great
surprise as I was offered this film directly without working as an assistant to
anybody at any capacity in the film industry and that too before the completion
of my final examinations. I was really lucky indeed to have got such an easy
entry in films ! I asked my old roommate and batch mate Kasturi Ramachandra
Murthy, who was also keen on going to Madras to work as my assistant in the
film and he readily agreed to my proposal and joined me.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlDgw76OtZg/TejF82VAEQI/AAAAAAAAA5k/aP-lT-5GkFU/s1600/John_letter_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlDgw76OtZg/TejF82VAEQI/AAAAAAAAA5k/aP-lT-5GkFU/s400/John_letter_1.jpg" width="331" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Letter from John </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">After a few days I received the official letter from the producer confirming that the shooting is scheduled from 5 th June 1971 on wards and I was expected to be in Madras on the 1st of June to attend the pre-production work.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsPr0i0Dzyw/TejOhXoANiI/AAAAAAAAA50/iRjgGA0Ez6c/s1600/First_job.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsPr0i0Dzyw/TejOhXoANiI/AAAAAAAAA50/iRjgGA0Ez6c/s400/First_job.jpg" width="333" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> <b>Producer's Letter</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">After our classes were over at the Institute myself and Kasturi R Murthy travelled by train to Madras to take up our first feature film assignment. Since Murthy had some relatives at Madras, he preferred staying with them. I joined John and Azad at their office at 49, Wallajah Road and was accommodated there for the time being. We did not have a separate room for ourselves and spent the day amongst the office staff and at night, we all slept in the settee and carpet in Producer Minnal's air conditioned cabin. In the hot and humid climate of Madras the air-conditioning was really a luxury. There was a nearby "Nair's Mess" at Triplicane which provided tasty Kerala type meals at very low prices. It was a small place and was always crowded and you have to wait for some time to manage a seat. The food and accommodation was quite comfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I was a novice in the
Madras film Industry I had to learn many things about the procedures and
working methods there. At the Institute you had all the equipment at your
disposal and all you have to do is to write the list in the register and take
them for the shooting. But here the equipment had to be hired from rental
companies. Since Azad had worked in a few P.N.Menon’s films, he took me to
Sujatha Movietone Unit, whom he said charge reasonably and had good workers.
The camera we wanted was Arri IIC with option to use blimp as John wanted to
use location sound recording. But the compact and portable Nagra recorder was
not available at Madras as it was not considered a "Professional"
equipment by the sound recordists there. Because of its small size and 1/4 inch
tape they thought that it will create sync problems in lengthy shots. P.Devadas
an alumni of the Institute who was at that time was with Chitralekha Film
Co-operative Studio founded by Adoor Gopalakrishnan was contacted and he joined
us with his Nagra equipment to do the sound recording.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had planned to do our
shooting in real houses instead of the usual practice of using studio sets
using the household power supply. But to match the indoor light with the bright
sunny out door light required the use of more powerful lights, such as 5KW or
10 KW. We could not use them as they would consume more power and the house
connection will not take up such heavy electrical load. Generators were rare
and very expensive too; hence locations with 3 phase power supply were only
selected if additional lighting is required. Apart from the usual Junior and
Baby lights I asked for Colortron (USA) lights which I have used at the
Institute and are known to give much brighter light output. To my surprise I
was given a Bombay made light which had a sealed beam spot light whose
intensity can be varied step by step using a transformer and they called it
"Colortran" light! Since it always produced a hot spot I asked for a
few white boards to be made for bouncing the lights.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Having been brought up in Tamil Nadu, I haven't
seen many Malayalam films. I have seen a few of them while we went to Kerala on
summer holidays to my parent's place. I had seen Ramu Kariat's CHEMMEEN at
Madras and P.N.Menon's KUTIYEDATHI ( Starring Jayabharathi ) and few other
Malayalam films at the Institute. In fact I have never even witnessed the
shooting of a Malayalam film either before I ventured into the film industry as
Cameraman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4uhBbQs608c/TjH0Hp0IbpI/AAAAAAAAA68/SNwNA5UQP3g/s1600/Orwo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4uhBbQs608c/TjH0Hp0IbpI/AAAAAAAAA68/SNwNA5UQP3g/s320/Orwo_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="text-align: center;">ORWO Film</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were using ORWO Black
and white negative film as Kodak film was much expensive and also hard to get
and required and import licence. Since ORWO film was manufactured in Communist
East Germany and was imported against Rupee payment it was freely available and
cheaper than Kodak film. ORWO negative was available in two speeds, ORWO NP55
which was 64 ASA and ORWO NP27 which was 400 ASA but rated as 320 ASA.I used
the faster NP 27 stock for indoor filming and the slower NP 55 for the
outdoors. Since we had white walls all around I did the lighting by bouncing a
few units on the ceiling, the walls and on the white boards to get a soft day
light effect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I started the first day
of my cinematographic career by taking a close up shot of Malayalam Actress
Jayabharathi at a small house in CIT colony in T.Nagar. The scene we had to
shoot was her interaction in the role of a school teacher with a few children,
who were playing their role of her students. After the day’s shooting was over
Jayabharathi called the Producer aside and expressed doubts whether some image
will be recorded on the film as this novice cameraman had not put any light on
my face. Instead he had focused the lights everywhere on the walls, ceiling,
boards etc except my face. Having been used to the hot direct spot lights
hitting her face in studio floors, it was but natural for her to think like
that. Also I was very young (hardly 23 years old) thin and still not out of the
Institute and an inexperienced hand. Having heard this doubtful remark from the
Leading lady the Producer also started worrying about the results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next day I got a
call from the Vijaya- Vauhini Laboratories asking me to meet the Laboratory
Chief Mr. Sen Gupta. The reason was they were getting only blank film when they
processed the test negative. In those days a 5 ft Test shot close up of a face
is taken either in the beginning or at the end of the roll which will be
processed first and after checking the density the duration of the processing
is adjusted accordingly. Under exposed negatives will be brought up to required
density by processing for more duration and over exposed ones for lesser time
to obtain a uniform density final negative. Usually the density of the negative
image is visually checked by experienced personnel and may vary from person to
person. Also there will be a variation of the skin tone of the actor in the
close up. In order to overcome this I took a Test shot of 18% grey card
(considered to be equivalent average skin tone) and asked them to develop it
and measure the density in the Densitometer and keep it as standard for the
processing. It was the grey card that they found instead of the close up and
that created the confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Laboratory Chief Mr.
Sen Gupta agreed to my contention but requested me to have the face close up as
test since the Lab technicians over the years are used to that practice.
Finally when the rushes were printed and projected in the Lab theatre all
anxieties vanished and the producer and the Director were fully satisfied with
the results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Madhu who had by then
been well known all over India for his role in CHEMMEEN was the leading actor
in our film. On his first day in our set, unfamiliar with the formalities
existing in Malayalam film industry I addressed him as "Mr.Madhu". He
turned and gave a piercing look at me, a thin young man of only 23 years for
calling a top hero like him in this manner. I noticed it and continued "
Please come and stand in position for the lighting". He understood the
nature of the Institute bred people as he himself was the product of National
School of Drama and willingly came and stood in his mark for me to adjust the
lighting. Later on I found everybody else on the sets were addressing him as
"Madhu Sir" and I too followed it!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We continued our
shooting in that C.I.T Nagar house location and also in the streets of
Madras for a few days. We shifted to a flat at Mahalingapuram which functioned
as our production office as well as our residence and guest house. In the floor
below us were Director J.D.Thottan’s Office and Vayalar used to stay
there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were
fortunate to have M.B Srinivasan as our Music Director. In those days the
Institute graduates were looked upon with contempt and suspicion by the
veterans of the film world. But MBS was different, he immediately took a liking
for us and soon became our friend, philosopher and guide. Along with John
Abraham and Script Writer M.Azad , I used to attend the song composing sessions
and rehearsals at his Cenatoph Road residence at Chennai, which was enhanced by
warmth and hospitality of Zahida Deedi, his Kashmiri Wife. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was at MBS's
residence that , I met Yesudas for the first time. In those days the singers
learned the songs and had the rehearsals at the residence of the Music
Directors before going to the Recording theatres. They have to be well prepared
as recordings are done with full orchestra and in one full take and any mistake
means that the whole take had to be once again taken in full! Unlike the
present cut and paste era, in those days every sound was recorded live, in the
studio. During the rehearsals the musicians, singers and other assembled at one
place and practiced to perfection. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">During the rehearsals I
listened to MBS singing the song “ Nalanda…. Thakshasila …” written by Vayalar
Rama Varma. Later on, I heard the recorded song sung by Yesudas. But in spite
of the great voice somehow I felt that the song sung by MBS even with poor
Malayalam pronunciation and voice quality was superior and Yesudas could never
match the feelings and emotional quality of the song. This I am not saying to
belittle Yesudas as a singer. Any Director who sits during song composing
sessions will agree with me. When it comes from the Music Director the impact
is direct and never a second hand product. It comes from deep inside the Music
Director's soul itself as he had been living with the song for many days. A
singer could never match the emotional feel of the song as sung by the music
director as at the maximum he can only imitate the Music Director. There lies
the difference between the original and a copy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">John had a great sense
of Music and sings fairly well and in spite of his eccentricities was much
liked by MBS. He treated him like a younger brother and advised him against
excessive drinking. John had the freedom to knock at his door at any hour of
the day or night and MBS was always willing to play host to him. It was this
relationship that was instrumental for John to cast MBS as the eccentric
professor in "Agraharathil Kazhuthai", a Tamil Film, produced by
John's sister and Charly John.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">MBS always stood for the
working class and fought for their genuine and reasonable rights and welfare.
With the late Nemai Ghosh in the Sixties he established the early Trade Unions
for the Film Industry at Chennai. He made me to become a Member of the Cine
Technician’s Guild the first Trade union for Cine workers in South
India.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Meeting with Bala Mahendran</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">One day while walking towards our Producer Minnal's office at Wallajah Road, Triplicane, a tall lean man approached me. When he came near I recognized him, it was Bala Mahendran with out his French beard. I had known him at the Institute as he was my senior by one year and was also the batch mate of John Abraham and Azad. During the Institute days he had a different look with receding hair and a French beard and had not started wearing his trade mark cap. He was mostly found in the company of foreign students since he was a native of Ceylon. Even though most of the time he spoke in English, since his name was Bala Mahendran I guessed that he must be knowing Tamil and I used to speak to him in Tamil when ever I met him on a few occasions. He was a reclusive person and had only a few friends mostly foreigners and some South Indians at the Institute. His peers at the Institute told me that he was such a romantic person that even when he visited Budhawar Peth Red light area he used to take flowers, kaajal, bra's etc as gifts to his regular girls there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bala Mahendran</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A tired looking Balu was
extremely happy to see me at Wallajah Road and narrated his sad
condition. D. Gautaman, his senior at the Institute in
Direction who was working as assistant to Director Ramu Kariat had
recommended Bala Mahendran for his next colour film NELLU. Hoping that the film
will start soon, Bala arrived in Madras and was staying with some distant
relatives. The start of the film got delayed and with no income, his relatives
were about to show him the door. He was on the look out for alternate
accommodation and had no money as Ramu Kariat had gone to Kerala for the
shooting of another film. He also didn't have much friends at Madras and was
roaming around. It was then he happened to see me on Wallajah road. On
learning about his pathetic condition, I offered to take him up with me for
staying in our producer's flat at Mahalingapuram. At that time there was a
break in our shooting schedule and all others like John, Azad etc had
left for their native places and I was living there alone and it was easy to
accommodate him there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My producer Minnal on
his way to his office used to come there and give me money
for the day's food expenses and I used that amount to feed both of us. After a
few days I had to go home for Deepavali and Bala could not be left there
as he was not in a position to meet his daily expenses in my absence. So
I decided to take him along with me to my home at
Maduranthakam which was 50 miles away from Madras. There he stayed for a few
days with my family and then we returned to Madras together. Soon Ramu
Kariat returned from his Kerala location shooting and Bala managed to get some
money and found alternate accommodation, but he still remained unemployed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the mean time myself
and Kasturi Kurthy had to go Poona for my Viva Voce examinations.
But a few days of the busy actress Jaya Bharathi was available and all of a
sudden the shooting of a song sequence was planned on the same dates. So I had
to find an alternate cameraman to do the work in my absence. Since
Bala was from the Institute and batch mate of John and Azad, I suggested
to let Bala do the work. John preferred someone from the Institute and he
accepted Bala. Thus Bala started his career in feature films by cranking
the camera under the direction of John Abraham for a song picturisation
sequence in the film VIDYARTHIKALE ITHILE ITHILE.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The film Nellu took
still longer to materialize and Bala used to visit us often as we were all from
the Poona Film Institute. K.G.George who had joined Ramu Kariat also was part
of our group. In the meantime Director P.N.Menon was on the lookout for a
cameraman for his B&W Malayalam film " PANIMUDAKKU " (
Strike). Bala got the break to work as an independent cameraman for a feature
film. The film was to be shot in a place called Puthukkad near Trichur, Kerala.
At that time Bala didn't have an exposure meter the essential tool for
any cameraman. He didn't have the money to buy one either and even if he had,
he need to place an order with the Xaca company at Mount road and it will take
weeks to arrive from Bombay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since I wasn't shooting
at that time, I lent him my own exposure meter and also sent my friend Kasturi
Murthy who was working with me to be his assistant for the film. After the
shooting started, from the money I obtained from the producers of that
film I purchased a new Sekonic exposure meter and sent it over to Bala's
location. Kasturi Murthy later kept on associated with him for many
of Bala's films.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The film NELLU
still needed more time to materialize, but soon Ramu Kariat started
a B&W film MAYA and gave Bala the opportunity to work with him. Ramu
Kariat was the main reason behind Bala coming to India from Ceylon.
Meanwhile he had changed his name into Balu Mahendra and is now known only by
that name.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In spite of having done
this much for him he had never shown the courtesy of inviting me
inside his home on the two or three occasions that I visited his
residence at Madras. He always met me at the gate and saw me off, never
letting me in. Strange!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">May be he was too much
protective or possessive about his family !<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Practical
Examinations and Viva Voce were not over when I started my career as a
Cinematographer in the film industry. In the meantime the dates of our Viva
Voce examination at Poona were intimated to us.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Entrusting the two days of song
shooting to Bala, myself and Murthy left for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Poona
and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> finished our exams! We
bid farewell to all our dear friends at a party held at a hotel Deccan
Gymkhana. Many of them came to see us off at the Railway station.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> After a long train
journey from Poona, Kasturi Murthy and I returned to our flat at Madras
Mahalingapuram and were getting ready for a refreshing bath. I was standing on
the balcony and some one beckoned me from the road, who claimed to be a policeman.
Since he was not in uniform, I signed him to come up to my flat and explain
what he wants. The man came up and showed his identity card and said that our
Director John Abraham had been arrested for being drunk and is being held in
the lock up at the Nungambakkam police station. ( those were the days when
Prohibition was in force in Tamil Nadu). Suddenly he noticed two empty XXX Rum
bottles lying near our baggage and started questioning us about it. We
convinced him that we had just arrived from Poona and those bottles were
filled with water for use during our long train journey and as
proof we showed him our train tickets too. In those days when packaged drinking
water was not in vogue, empty glass bottles were used by most of the passengers
to fill up water from wayside stations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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The policeman then told us arrange for bail to get John released from the
Police station. I immediately telephoned our producer Mr.Minnal and informed
him and soon he went to the station and obtained bail for John and they
both arrived at our flat. Then John explained to us how it all happened.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Under the Kodambakkam railway over bridge there were a few illicit country liquor dens catering to die hard addicts during Prohibition days. That afternoon John went there to have a few drinks and was returning back to our flat. In 1971, Mahalingapuram was a vast open space littered with a few building here and there. That day even at noon it was a really deserted place except for a young girl walking ahead of John. He was shabbily dressed with unkempt long hair, beard and mustache and was walking with faltering steps. His very appearance created fear in the girl's mind and she started walking faster. On seeing this, just for fun John also increased his pace a little more. As she increased her speed of walking , John also increased his speed. This continued for some time till the girl started to run and just like that, John also ran after her. She ran into a slum adjoining the railway tracks and shouted for help and people started coming out of the huts. Meanwhile someone telephoned the police and in a few minutes police came and arrested him before he was beaten up. Thus a small innocent act for fun ended in John being put behind the bars in police lock up.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b></b><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The next day he was produced in the Saidapet Magistrate's court and one by one cases were being heard and disposed off quickly as most of them were Prohibition cases. It went on like this:</span></span></b></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i>What is your name ?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Accused : <i> Kuppusami </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i>Did you drink?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Accused : <i>Yes Sir.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i>What's your Job ?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Accused : <i>Carpenter</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: Fined Rs.5..</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The next person comes...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i>What is your name ?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Accused : <i>Muthu</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i>Did you drink?</i> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Accused : <i>Yes Sir.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i> What's your Job ?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Accused : <i>Rickshaw puller.</i>.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Magistrate: Fined Rs.5..</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now it was the turn of John</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i>What is your name ?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">John : I am, John Abraham</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magistrate: <i> Did you drink?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">John : Yes</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div>
Magistrate: What's your Job ?</div>
<div>
John : I am a FILM DIRECTOR !</div>
<div>
Magistrate: <b> Twenty Five Rupees !</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Afterwards the Producer was jokingly lamenting that had John told the Magistrate that he was employed in some petty other job, he would have saved Twenty Rupees!</span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><b></b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The duration of the shooting extended to nearly a year in several schedules due to John's vagaries and Producer's financial conditions. Inspite of that Producer Minnal had immense faith in John and had roped in some of the popular artistes such as, character actor S.V. Ranga Rao, comedienne Manorama and M.R.R Vasu from the Tamil Industry to act in his film. Manorama even had sung a Malayalam song </span><a href="http://msidb.org/s.php?2683" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">" Chinchilam chiluchilam"</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> with Adoor Bhasi for the first and only time in this film, under the baton of M.B.Sreenivasan.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b></b><b></b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">We<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were fortunate to have M.B Srinivasan as our Music Director. In those days the Institute graduates were looked upon with contempt and suspicion by the veterans of the film world. But MBS was different, he immediately took a liking for us and soon became our friend, philosopher and guide. Along with John Abraham and Script Writer M.Azad , I used to attend the song composing sessions and rehearsals at his Cenatoph Road residence at Chennai, which was enhanced by warmth and hospitality of Zahida Deedi, his Kashmiri Wife. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">It was at MBS's residence that , I met Yesudas for the first time. In those days the singers learned the songs and had the rehearsals at the residence of the Music Directors before going to the Recording theatres. They have to be well prepared as recordings are done with full orchestra and in one full take and any mistake means that the whole take had to be once again taken in full! Unlike the present cut and paste era, in those days every sound was recorded live, in the studio. During the rehearsals the musicians, singers and other assembled at one place and practiced to perfection. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">During the rehearsals I listened to MBS singing the song </span><a href="http://msidb.org/s.php?2682" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“ Nalanda…. Thakshasila …”</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> written by Vayalar Rama Varma. Later on, I heard the recorded song sung by Yesudas. But in spite of the great voice somehow I felt that the song sung by MBS even with poor Malayalam pronunciation and voice quality was superior and Yesudas could never match the feelings and emotional quality of the song. This I am not saying to belittle Yesudas as a singer. Any Director who sits during song composing sessions will agree with me. When it comes from the Music Director the impact is direct and never a second hand product. It comes from deep inside the Music Director's soul itself as he had been living with the song for many days. A singer could never match the emotional feel of the song as sung by the music director as at the maximum he can only imitate the Music Director. There lies the difference between the original and a copy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There was one more song </span><a href="http://msidb.org/s.php?2684" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">"VelichameNayichaalum"</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> sung by S.Jankai which is still very popular even today. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">John had a great sense of Music and sings fairly well and in spite of his eccentricities was much liked by MBS. He treated him like a younger brother and advised him against excessive drinking. John had the freedom to knock at his door at any hour of the day or night and MBS was always willing to play host to him. It was this relationship that was instrumental for John to cast MBS as the eccentric professor in "Agraharathil Kazhuthai", a Tamil Film, produced by John's sister and Charly John.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">MBS always stood for the working class and fought for their genuine and reasonable rights and welfare. With the late Nemai Ghosh in the Sixties he established the early Trade Unions for the Film Industry at Chennai. He made me to become a Member of the Cine Technician’s Guild<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the first Trade union for Cine workers in South India.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Another escapade by John </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One day I received a
call from K.G. George <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>frantically
asking for John’s whereabouts, and he told me to find John immediately and keep
him in some safe place as John’s life is in danger . <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I asked him the reason for it. It so
happened that a drunk John went to meet George who was working as Assistant to
Ramu Kariat for the film MAYA. George was supposed to be at the Jayamaruthi
pictures <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>office which was a
part of the residence of the Producer T.E.Vasudevan. When <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>John went there George was not there
and the doors were closed. The house had two gates, the larger one was
permanently locked and the other smaller one open. John was standing in front
of the locked gate and rang the bell. No one opened the door, but he could see
some movement behind the window and sensed that there are indeed people inside
the house. Actually what happened was, there were only womenfolk inside and
seeing <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>John’s shabby dress
and beard mistook him for a beggar and did not open the door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since whoever was inside
were not deliberately opening the door, John banged at the gate and made a big
noise. Those inside were frightened by this sudden development. Finding no one
coming out of the house, he jumped over the gate, reached the main door
and started banging it repeatedly. In fear of their life the inmates called
their near and dear for help. The news spread like wildfire in the film
industry as Producer T.E.Vasudevan of Jayamaruthi pictures <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was one of the most respected <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>people in Madras. It was atrocious
that someone created trouble when only women folk were there, and it was
decided that whoever responsible was to be given a severe beating. Harry
Pothen’s drivers, Padmini’s brother Aniyan, Sobhana Parameswaran Nair,
Manikandan Nair <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and a whole
lot of people were in search of the culprit John. They were looking for him in
every possible place at Madras.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was then George
telephoned and told me that any moment they will catch hold of John and beat
him up. I then contacted our Producer Minnal and together searched and found
John in one of his regular arrack den. We told him a lie that his brother at
Kumbakonam wants him to come there on some urgent matter. John was taken to
Egmore Railway station and was put in a second class compartment (those were
the days of First, Second and third classes) and waited till the train left. On
seeing the shabbily dressed John sitting in the second class compartment, a
gentleman passenger seated nearby was staring at him with suspicion.
Sensing that, John immediately pulled out his ticket from his pocket, showed it
to him and said “Look, I have got a second class ticket”. The man hung his head
in <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>shame as he had thought
John was some vagrant travelling without ticket !<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">John returned months
later well dressed with his shirt tucked in and with a clean shaved face and a
nice mustache. He had transformed himself into an entirely new person, totally
unrecognizable!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Producer Minnal had
entrusted the safeguarding of John to me and always handed over the money for
our daily expenses to me and not to John. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>John was left penniless so that he
will not go after liquor. From the money I had, I paid for all <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>John’s needs like food, beedi and
other expenses but liquor was the forbidden item.. I was always with him to see
that he doesn’t get access to country liquor sold under the Kodambakkam bridge.
Even if he begs, I will not give him money for drinks but once in a while, <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ll give <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>him a rupee for a ganja smoke. When he
is high on ganja he is a very different personality altogether, very docile and
soft mannered and becomes creative singing songs and composing poems. I found
that only liquor makes him violent and boisterous bringing out his Satanic
nature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once we were invited for
a party at Ramu Kariat’s place at Ashok Nagar attended by celebrities like
Vayalar, Kannadasan, Harry Pothen, Sobhana Parameswaran Nair, K.G. George and
others. In those days the last bus from Ashok Pillar left at 8 P.M. and the only
other mode of public transport was cycle rickshaw. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>After the party was over it was my
duty to take John back to our flat at Mahalingapuram <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and it was past <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>1 AM. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I engaged a cycle rickshaw for our
journey back and managed to get the fully drunk John board the vehicle. While
we were travelling on the deserted Kodambakkam High Road John burst into
singing loudly some old song. Once in a while he will put his leg on the
shoulder of the rickshaw driver. I had to pacify the driver and take off John’s
legs from his shoulder. Fortunately there was no police patrol at that time,
otherwise we both would have ended up in the lock up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> In spite of his
wayward life and addiction to alcohol John <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>had a great number of friends and
admirers amongst the cream of intelligentsia of Madras. Apart from the film
industry <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>he had contacts
with people like literary critic M. Govindan, <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Danseuse Chandralekha, Tamil writer
Jayakanthan, Painter K.C.S. Panikkar, Theatre group Madras players etc. He had
the extraordinary capacity to mingle with any class or type <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of people. Once while the editing was
going on at the New Era Lab <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>suddenly
he was missing. He was later found to be among <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the mourners dancing in the funeral
procession that passed by the Lab. Even though I had never seen him reading any
book, mention the name of any book and he will quote or say something about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our shooting unit
entirely consisted of Film Institute Graduates - Director John Abraham,
Scriptwriter M.Azad, Editor Ravi and Sound Recordist Devadas. At that
time Devadas was working in the Chitraleka Film Co-operative in Trivandrum and
he used to come and join us with the Nagra Recorder as at that time many Sound
recordists at Madras were reluctant to use a portable recorder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
John was open to new ideas and planned one sequence of stop motion animation of
Adoor Bhasi's character riding without a bike being chased by Dracula in a
nightmare sequence.It took one full day to shoot with my friend Kasturi Murthy
hand cranking one frame at a time using the Mitchell camera and Adoor Bhasi
moving a little at time holding the position of riding an imaginary motorbike.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of those days we
shot a small sequence on the sets of a studio where popular Tamil
Director A.P.Nagarajan was shooting a Devotional film, where our child artiste
solicit donation to help a noble cause.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Below are the two
frames from the original camera negative taken when the camera was
test run after the film from loaded magazine was threaded in the camera.
I found this piece from the NG negative cuttings in the editing room and it is
the only surviving " working still of my First feature film!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaijbrCJ_SY/UWyfN7RhwmI/AAAAAAAABUU/RpvLsJyyEWE/s1600/vidyarthikale_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaijbrCJ_SY/UWyfN7RhwmI/AAAAAAAABUU/RpvLsJyyEWE/s320/vidyarthikale_1.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>Two Frames from the original negative</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFX32BQdwgk/UWyfS2geWwI/AAAAAAAABUc/OrikMS7SZk0/s1600/Vidyarthikale2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFX32BQdwgk/UWyfS2geWwI/AAAAAAAABUc/OrikMS7SZk0/s400/Vidyarthikale2.jpg" width="327" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%;">A discussion : John in centre and myself on the right</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The story was an
adaptation of a French film by Azad and John was not happy about introducing
the so called " Commercial elements" in his film. He often used
to say that it was not his kind of film and ultimately decided to include and "Alienation
sequence" in the film. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
In a Ganja smoker's den John, Azad. Deavadas, Editor Ravi and myself discussed
about the film we were making and denounced the film saying that it doesn't
represent our true intentions and likings and not the kind of film we, as
responsible film makers should have attempted to make. Although we actually
shot the scene, it was ultimately edited out of the film for obvious
reasons.</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br /><b>Finally a year after the film started, it ultimately made it to the theatres in Kerala 1972, but for a lukewarm reception.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%;">Film Data: </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Banner: Mehboob Movies</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Producer : Minnal</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Director: John Abraham</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Cinematography: Ramachandra Babu</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Editing: Ravi</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Screenplay: M. Azad</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Lyrics: Vayalar</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Music: M.B.Sreenivasan</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Cast: Madhu, Adoor Bhasi, Paravur Bharathan, T.K.Balachandran, Sp.Pillai, S.V.Ranga Rao, M.R.R.Vasu, Jayabharathi, Manorama, Santha Devi, Master Sathyajith, Master Vijaya Kumar</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
Release date: 19-5-1972</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/m.php?965" target="_blank">Listen to the songs Here at MMDB</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>UPDATE AUGUST 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For many years I have been looking for any still photo from my debut
film VIDYARTHIKALE ITHILE ITHILE, I could not find any... But recently I
got two photos... rare ones from Malayalam Movie & Music Database
(m3db)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This group photo is from a deleted scene from the film
VIDYARTHIKALE ITHILE ITHILE. John wanted Alienation technique to disown
his film. So a scene was written in which myself, the cameraman, Editor
Ravi, Script writer Azad, and other technicians sit in a smoking <span class="text_exposed_show">den
and express our dislike for the film. But ultimately the scene was
deleted from the film. This is the first time I am seeing this photo and
a Big thanks to who ever had sourced it and posted it. Coming to the
photo - Editor Ravi is at extreme right and myself sitting on the
left.The person lying in the lap of John is Kasturi Ramachandra Murthy,
my batchmate from the Film Institute and had worked as associate
cinematographer. He was the cinematographer for K.P.Kumaran's film
Aththi. His other films were Breshtu, Saptapathi (Telugu film directed
by K.Vishwanath). I am not very sure of other two persons...one of them
may be Kuthiravattom Pappu . In the other photo you will find Producer
Minnal, S.V.Ranga Rao, Jayabharathi and Madhu. I have a request - if any
one you happen to come across some stills or video copy of the film
VIDYARTHIKALE ITHLE ITHILE please inbox me. I will be forever
thankful...</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pws89__FTPE/WZMK9IHJhXI/AAAAAAAAIs8/G9Io8qoUqBY17D5dd7Ms408tsYDjRa4ZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Vidyarthikale%2Bithile%2Bithile%2Bscene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="720" height="460" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pws89__FTPE/WZMK9IHJhXI/AAAAAAAAIs8/G9Io8qoUqBY17D5dd7Ms408tsYDjRa4ZwCEwYBhgL/s640/Vidyarthikale%2Bithile%2Bithile%2Bscene.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4Bx_NI-Yj8/WZMLMFMh38I/AAAAAAAAIs8/5vUrhRsJOI0txOKPXeibBol1qj0Q1Cq7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/John%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bsets%2Bof%2BVidyarthikale%2BIthile%2BIthile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="720" height="460" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4Bx_NI-Yj8/WZMLMFMh38I/AAAAAAAAIs8/5vUrhRsJOI0txOKPXeibBol1qj0Q1Cq7QCEwYBhgL/s640/John%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bsets%2Bof%2BVidyarthikale%2BIthile%2BIthile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Minnal (Producer) S.V. Ranga Rao, Jayabharathy, John Abraham and Madhu</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvH4UWf5UV0/WZMNwF1qaRI/AAAAAAAAItE/sfaVTp3Ww6Ij453dQAaXmlvXYD_oiBjxACLcBGAs/s1600/Poster_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="979" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvH4UWf5UV0/WZMNwF1qaRI/AAAAAAAAItE/sfaVTp3Ww6Ij453dQAaXmlvXYD_oiBjxACLcBGAs/s400/Poster_2.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5xt83xCXvw/WZMN6utr8iI/AAAAAAAAItI/7JTbbFkOGBUoY-Ax2NrKva7g9jf3ksHjwCLcBGAs/s1600/Vidyarthikale%2BPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5xt83xCXvw/WZMN6utr8iI/AAAAAAAAItI/7JTbbFkOGBUoY-Ax2NrKva7g9jf3ksHjwCLcBGAs/s640/Vidyarthikale%2BPoster.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Posters and Advertisements </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpWOv6WnmSk/WZMOMZo2liI/AAAAAAAAItM/dURhBvf1Fx0mSQMBKw04hJT4qIxg0u5OgCLcBGAs/s1600/Vidyarthikale%2Bnews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1465" height="433" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpWOv6WnmSk/WZMOMZo2liI/AAAAAAAAItM/dURhBvf1Fx0mSQMBKw04hJT4qIxg0u5OgCLcBGAs/s640/Vidyarthikale%2Bnews.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> News in Malayalam about Song Recording</b></span></div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-73912050568476596382013-06-04T11:51:00.000+05:302013-06-04T11:51:12.174+05:3040 th Anniversary of First Cinemascope Film in South India<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are now celebrating the 100 Years of INDIAN CINEMA. This year also
happens to be the 40 th Anniversary of the First Cinemascope Film in
South India - RAJA RAJA CHOZHAN ( Tamil) which was released in 1973. The First Indian Cinemascope film was Guru Datt's KAGAZ KE PHOOL ( Hindi - B&W ) released in 1959.The legendary Cinematographer V.K.Murthy was the man behind the camera.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O97g26ovNuQ/Ua19HgQiCeI/AAAAAAAABb0/6818hjyqPfk/s400/RRC3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>RAJA RAJA CHOZHAN CinemaScope - Colour</b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O97g26ovNuQ/Ua19HgQiCeI/AAAAAAAABb0/6818hjyqPfk/s1600/RRC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3s9rAnGkbxE/Ua183Z19YAI/AAAAAAAABbs/YWfDU42tuVA/s1600/RRC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3s9rAnGkbxE/Ua183Z19YAI/AAAAAAAABbs/YWfDU42tuVA/s400/RRC2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>First CinemaScope Tamil Film Produced in South India</b></td></tr>
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The film was produced by G. Umapathy of Anand Theatres , Chennai and Directed by A. P. Nagarajan. The Music scored by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and the Cinematography by W.R. Subba Rao.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Censor Certificate Dated 16 th March 1973</b></td></tr>
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The cast : Sivaji Ganesan, R. Muthuraman, Sivakumar, M.N.Nambiar, Lakshmi, Manorama,Vijayakumari,S. Varalakshmi. It also had Singer actors T. R. Mahalingam and Sirkazhi Govindarajan </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lSamwFHZSE/Uavyi7mAxcI/AAAAAAAABbc/gmh6Q839bNo/s1600/Sivaji.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lSamwFHZSE/Uavyi7mAxcI/AAAAAAAABbc/gmh6Q839bNo/s640/Sivaji.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sivaji Ganesan and M.N.Nambiar</b></td></tr>
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Many, even from the Film Industry are not aware of the fact that CinemaScope is the Registered Trade Mark of 20 th Century Fox International Corporation and Royalty had to be paid for the use of the name "CinemaScope" in the publicity material. But in the First CinemaScope film, there is a special title card regarding this:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eP3DLdA_onY/Ua1-yPAHK4I/AAAAAAAABcM/lg9X9p5MOu0/s1600/RRC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eP3DLdA_onY/Ua1-yPAHK4I/AAAAAAAABcM/lg9X9p5MOu0/s400/RRC4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>License from 20 th Century Fox</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;">Inspite of the new wide screen CinemScope format, grand settings and super actors the film bombed at the box office</span> and it was only few years later that Cinemascope as format was revived and came into vogue. I think that the next one was my film ALLAVIDHEENUM ARPUTHA VILAKKUM (Tamil and Malayalam - 1979) Directed by I.V.Sasi.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzIHETMx9RA/Ua2F1arTyuI/AAAAAAAABcs/MRBDNBfa3A4/s1600/AllaudinaumArputhaVilakkum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzIHETMx9RA/Ua2F1arTyuI/AAAAAAAABcs/MRBDNBfa3A4/s400/AllaudinaumArputhaVilakkum.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>ALLAVIDHEENUM ARPUTHA VILAKKUM </b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwOTixrayi0/Ua2HMNvXowI/AAAAAAAABc8/B4Y2zn2xETM/s1600/alladin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwOTixrayi0/Ua2HMNvXowI/AAAAAAAABc8/B4Y2zn2xETM/s1600/alladin.jpg" /></a></div>
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Afterwards there was no going back and now it had become the most widely accepted format in India!</div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-57201732451067102862013-05-04T19:01:00.000+05:302013-05-05T09:48:41.718+05:30Cats in our life<div style="text-align: justify;">
At home over the years many cats came, some left, some gave birth to kittens and a few died.There were no periods when there were no cats, even when we had dogs, they used to stealthily jump up over the lintel and wait for their food.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ce1sjDhbRqc/UYG4joWyPnI/AAAAAAAABXU/5wXxKqC-FwM/s1600/mother+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ce1sjDhbRqc/UYG4joWyPnI/AAAAAAAABXU/5wXxKqC-FwM/s400/mother+and+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>MOTHER CAT WITH KITTENS</b><br />
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One cat we used to call as Mother cat which always had kittens had a long tenure with us. Though she had a long bushy tail like a Siamese cat , her kittens never had that feature.<br />
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Below are the pictures of some of the cats from the past:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9HW-W8oTo/UYG42bcZeDI/AAAAAAAABXc/SnwaKfC3UAc/s1600/Cat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9HW-W8oTo/UYG42bcZeDI/AAAAAAAABXc/SnwaKfC3UAc/s400/Cat1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nhpr0fU0iw/UYG45fcJKUI/AAAAAAAABXk/TOZKAp8opEE/s1600/Tiger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nhpr0fU0iw/UYG45fcJKUI/AAAAAAAABXk/TOZKAp8opEE/s400/Tiger1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>TIGER looking like an OWL</b></td></tr>
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Some time back we had a male cat called BONU. A similar looking cat arrived after a few days and they both always had a fight the moment they saw each other. We named the new intruder - VILLAIN. In the mornings BONU always had some injuries on him and it was our job to apply medicines. We always tried to keep them apart during feeding time and soon they got used to each other and adjusted their arrival timing ! There were no serious fights. But one day BONU disappeared and never came back. Then VILLAIN became the sole pet.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTW6xff26Ps/UYG8fchlTAI/AAAAAAAABX0/gsNPd2oo9X8/s1600/villain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTW6xff26Ps/UYG8fchlTAI/AAAAAAAABX0/gsNPd2oo9X8/s400/villain.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>VILLAIN</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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While the Villain ruled the home , a young timid newcomer with stripes arrived one day with pleading look. Because of his stripes on his body he was named Tiger.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry0oi4DzCF0/UYG8kTm6_yI/AAAAAAAABX8/dZB6poUr5S8/s1600/wild_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry0oi4DzCF0/UYG8kTm6_yI/AAAAAAAABX8/dZB6poUr5S8/s400/wild_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>TIGER on his arrival</b></td></tr>
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Tiger manged to adjust with the bigger and stronger villain and did not compete with him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yx29KSjQUfA/UYG__5NQyZI/AAAAAAAABYM/f7HMmgvejPU/s1600/2+Cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yx29KSjQUfA/UYG__5NQyZI/AAAAAAAABYM/f7HMmgvejPU/s400/2+Cats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tiger watching Villain eating </b></td></tr>
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But things changed and one day Villain disappeared with out a trace! Now Tiger became the sole pet and got all attention.He grew up, ate well slept most of the time and became a fat cat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIJRelu7rVg/UYHBSWdwX1I/AAAAAAAABYY/wjnONf-4To4/s1600/sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIJRelu7rVg/UYHBSWdwX1I/AAAAAAAABYY/wjnONf-4To4/s640/sleep.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sleeping on the door mat</b></td></tr>
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Then came another young new comer cat , not a rival but a good looking female!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AeV3uk8gjE/UYHDpcDv3MI/AAAAAAAABYs/iKppSGQUMmA/s1600/Mother2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AeV3uk8gjE/UYHDpcDv3MI/AAAAAAAABYs/iKppSGQUMmA/s640/Mother2.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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They started a new life together and had a baby which unfortunately died at a very young stage because the young mother did not know how to care. But soon she became pregnant and had four nice kittens in a variety of colours Black, White, Grey striped and Brown striped.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Et1RUhbu5GY/UYT7NKHApOI/AAAAAAAABZY/15BsDoJ0f_w/s1600/cat+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Et1RUhbu5GY/UYT7NKHApOI/AAAAAAAABZY/15BsDoJ0f_w/s640/cat+family.jpg" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cat Family</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UD-Mn_GLG68/UYXdIJOhFUI/AAAAAAAABaE/z6Y3d1l3NSU/s1600/four+kittens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="610" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UD-Mn_GLG68/UYXdIJOhFUI/AAAAAAAABaE/z6Y3d1l3NSU/s640/four+kittens.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Feeding Time</b></td></tr>
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On seeing them, I am reminded of the poem by the great <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharathiyar" target="_blank">Tamil Poet Bharathiyar</a> :<br />
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"Sambal niramoru kutti<br />
Karum chandhu niramoru kutti<br />
Pambu niramoru kutti - V<span class="text_exposed_show">ellai<br /> Paalin niramoru kutti<br /> <br /> Entha niramirunthalum avai <br /> Yaavum orey tharamanro? "</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyX0lu8dMgo/UYUJbRekeSI/AAAAAAAABZo/JRzYknosESo/s1600/Bharathyar+poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyX0lu8dMgo/UYUJbRekeSI/AAAAAAAABZo/JRzYknosESo/s640/Bharathyar+poem.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Original Tamil Poem by Bharathiyar</b></td></tr>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Clich <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScA2TJ-IUkU" target="_blank">Here</a> to see the song " Kelada Maanida " from the Tamil film BHARATHI</span></div>
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<br />Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-31227008260566643672013-03-27T09:46:00.002+05:302013-03-27T09:46:38.508+05:30Sukumari Amma - A Mother's touch in Malayalam Cinema<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sukumari amma always comes to the set with a smile on her face and hands out prasadams from the temples she had visited earlier, greeting everybody from the light man to the director. Her presence on the set brings an atmosphere of homeliness as well as holiness on the sets. Many film makers insisted that Sukumari amma should face the camera in the very first Pooja Shot of their films as they believed that it will bring them good luck and success. To an extent it was true and most of such films became Hits or Super hits. Same was true of the countless shops and establishments she had inaugurated. She had no airs about being a busy and well known actress and mingled freely with everybody right from the production boy to the Superstar. On the location, if there is no chair available she will just sit on the floor or any available space unlike others who want caravans. She will eat whatever food was available and also serve dishes to others sitting along with her. Though she was very busy acting in number of films in different places, going from set to set like Jagathy Sreekumar, there never was a complaint that the shooting was delayed because of her. She had a good eye for talent spotting and through her recommendation many were able make their debut in the film industry.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7uRzmGvzGk/UVJPf_HIFqI/AAAAAAAABTs/4WOsy83K5p8/s1600/ms2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7uRzmGvzGk/UVJPf_HIFqI/AAAAAAAABTs/4WOsy83K5p8/s1600/ms2.jpg" /></a></div>
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She had the old world charm of dedication to her art as an artist and was always serious about her profession. During lighting many of the actors do not come and be in their positions for adjusting the lights. So some stand-ins like assistant cameraman or clapper person are made to stay in position and the lights are arranged. When the actor finally arrives from the caravan, again some more modifications are to be made to suit the facial structure, skin tone, colour of the dress etc. and this causes further delay.</div>
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But a senior artiste like Sukumari amma even in her advanced age, will insist on being in the set and stay for the lighting, saying it is her face that is going to be on the screen and not the stand-in's. Even at an advanced age she used to stand for a long time for the lighting to be done. That was her sense professionalism and dedication. During my association with her, right from Director Jesy's AGNIPUSHPAM (1976) till Asok R Nath's MIZHIGAL SAAKSHI (2008) and on several other occasions later, she had the same affection and consideration towards me. She gave such an wonderful performance in the film MIZHIGAL SAAKSHI we all thought that she will get the National Award and State Award for her role. But unfortunately it went to other less deserving persons.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwvglqlOwEQ/UVJOn6uDdbI/AAAAAAAABTg/seM0kB3Xhww/s1600/sukumari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwvglqlOwEQ/UVJOn6uDdbI/AAAAAAAABTg/seM0kB3Xhww/s400/sukumari.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>On the sets of Mizhigal Saakshi - Mohan Lal, Sukumari and Me</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>United with her Lord</b> <b>( Mizhigal Saakshi)</b></td></tr>
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She is so devoted a person, that she started her last journey to unite with the Lord from her Puja room. I humbly offer my prayers for this great soul to Rest in Peace.Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-79270871118227023812013-03-24T09:32:00.000+05:302013-03-24T09:32:30.584+05:30MADHAVA SANDHYA - MACTA Honours Actor MADHU<br />
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On 28 th February 2013, a grand function to honour veteran Actor, Producer, Director Madhu on completion of 50 years in Malayalam Cinema was organized by MACTA ( Malayalam cine Technicians' Association ) along with the entire Film Industry was held at the Fine Arts Club Auditorium, Ernakulam. In the same function many of the Kerala state Film Award winners were also honoured.</div>
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My association with Shri. Madhu started in 1971 when I did my debut as cinematographer for john Abraham's Malayalam film VIDYARTHIKALE ITHILE ITHILE. Over the years we have worked in many films such as Itha Ivide Vare, Padayottam etc and we are going to work in a forthcoming film too. I am happy that in my tenure as MACTA Chairman this function was organized with the co-operation of the entire Film Industry and MACTA family.</div>
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Here are some photos taken on that happy occassion: </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mitB2AnYW_M/UU5yqs-2sGI/AAAAAAAABTQ/HbsnWaPytNQ/s1600/Madhavasandhya_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mitB2AnYW_M/UU5yqs-2sGI/AAAAAAAABTQ/HbsnWaPytNQ/s400/Madhavasandhya_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Prof. O.N.V.Kurup arriving</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXmMDNnYcK0/UU5QwBg_nYI/AAAAAAAABR4/7Qc2H6r-Dr0/s400/Madhavasandhya_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>V.B.K.Menon, Kaloor Dennis, M.T. Madhu, Shahul Hameed, Mohan</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDf23H8DKco/UU5Qw96J7mI/AAAAAAAABSA/2um-1hE-yVo/s1600/Madhavasandhya_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDf23H8DKco/UU5Qw96J7mI/AAAAAAAABSA/2um-1hE-yVo/s400/Madhavasandhya_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Minister K.Babu , O.N.V, Madhu, M.T.</b> <b>Yesu Das</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QonfeI0C9TY/UU5Qy64pW6I/AAAAAAAABSQ/0sNK96y6S1Y/s1600/Madhavasandhya_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QonfeI0C9TY/UU5Qy64pW6I/AAAAAAAABSQ/0sNK96y6S1Y/s400/Madhavasandhya_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lighting of the lamp by Adoor</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1bBcU7E88c/UU5Q0kIfh_I/AAAAAAAABSY/K2_BRgDnPR0/s1600/Madhavasandhya_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1bBcU7E88c/UU5Q0kIfh_I/AAAAAAAABSY/K2_BRgDnPR0/s400/Madhavasandhya_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Memento presented by Veteran Producer T.E.Vasudevan</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4o6gSk1LQOA/UU5Q2KjJhGI/AAAAAAAABSg/b5SirtfyJbw/s1600/Madhavasandhya_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4o6gSk1LQOA/UU5Q2KjJhGI/AAAAAAAABSg/b5SirtfyJbw/s400/Madhavasandhya_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>24 Frames special issue released by Ramachandra Babu & received by Prof.O.N.V</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je54PmHFLf0/UU5Q21_QRvI/AAAAAAAABSo/5ejDYrSlXgA/s1600/Madhavasandhya_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je54PmHFLf0/UU5Q21_QRvI/AAAAAAAABSo/5ejDYrSlXgA/s400/Madhavasandhya_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ramachandra Babu & Jayaram</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Re0rvoRGfZg/UU5Q4sRcXWI/AAAAAAAABSw/f_ikSAVDO44/s1600/Madhavasandhya_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Re0rvoRGfZg/UU5Q4sRcXWI/AAAAAAAABSw/f_ikSAVDO44/s400/Madhavasandhya_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Madhu, Ramachandra Babu, Mohanlal & Mamta Mohandas</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCr5eMxPGNY/UU5Q-FDnCqI/AAAAAAAABS4/0GS2WuVm4xY/s1600/madhu092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCr5eMxPGNY/UU5Q-FDnCqI/AAAAAAAABS4/0GS2WuVm4xY/s400/madhu092.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>24 Frames Special Edition</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WaJD39uwUJM/UU5Q-a_YQeI/AAAAAAAABTA/Yg45fC6I-_E/s1600/madhavasandhya093+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WaJD39uwUJM/UU5Q-a_YQeI/AAAAAAAABTA/Yg45fC6I-_E/s640/madhavasandhya093+copy.jpg" width="459" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>MACTA Chairman's Page</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-30038791091775331362013-03-10T10:14:00.002+05:302013-03-10T10:14:39.739+05:30Two Gates and a span of 42 years – John Abraham remembered<div style="text-align: justify;">
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</xml><![endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">During the last week of February , 2013 myself
Directors G.S. Vijayan and Joshy Mathew went to the Panampilly Nagar, Ernakulam
residence of veteran Producer T.E.Vasudevan to invite him for the Madhavasandhya
function organized by MACTA. There were two gates for entry to the house, one
big and the other small. We rang the calling bell installed at the gate and no
one opened the door for a few minutes. Then I remembered an incident that took
place years back and told my companions to move and stand a little away from
the gate as both of them are bearded. They were curious to find the reason
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promised to narrate it later. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After again ringing the bell his daughter came out and
asked us to come inside through the smaller gate and since Shri. T.E.Vasudevan
was not at home we gave them the invitation letter and promised to come back on
another day.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OI0Uqd90_OE/UTq7WMArLzI/AAAAAAAABRo/xav8UMFcIuA/s1600/T_E__VASUDEVAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OI0Uqd90_OE/UTq7WMArLzI/AAAAAAAABRo/xav8UMFcIuA/s320/T_E__VASUDEVAN.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>T.E.Vasudevan</b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The year was 1971. I was doing my debut film as
Cinematographer for John Abraham’s Maiden Directorial venture in Malayalam “
Vidyarthikale Ithile, Ithile” We were all staying in the office cum residence
of Mehboob Movies at Mahalingapuram. Since there was a gap in the shooting
schedule, Azad and others had left for their home town and only John and myself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stayed behind in that flat.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Our Producer
entrusted the safeguarding of John to me and always handed over the money for
daily expenses to me and not to John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John was left penniless so that he will not go after liquor. From the
money I had,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paid for all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s needs like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>food, beedi and other expenses but liquor was
the forbidden item.. I was always with him to see that he doesn’t get access to
country liquor sold under the Kodambakkam bridge. Even if he begs, I will not
give him money for drinks but once in a while ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll give<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>him a rupee for a ganja
smoke. When he is high on ganja he is a very different personality altogether,
very docile and soft mannered and becomes creative singing songs and composing
poems. I found that only liquor makes him violent and boisterous bringing out
his Satanic nature</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">One day I received a call from K.G. George<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>frantically asking for John’s whereabouts,
and he told me to find John immediately and keep him in some safe place as John’s
life is in danger .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him the
reason for it. It so happened that a drunk John went to meet George who was
working as Assistant to Ramu Kariat for the film MAYA. George was supposed to
be at the Jayamaruthi pictures<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>office
which was a part of the residence of the Producer T.E.Vasudevan. When<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John went there George was not there and the
doors were closed. The house had two gates, the larger one was permanently
locked and the other smaller one open. John was standing in front of the locked
gate and rang the bell. No one opened the door, but he could see some movement
behind the window and sensed that there are indeed people inside the house.
Actually what happened was, there were only womenfolk inside and seeing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s shabby dress and beard mistook him for
a beggar and did not open the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Since whoever was inside were not deliberately opening the
door, John banged at the gate and made a big noise. Those inside were frightened
by this sudden development. Finding no one coming out of the house, he jumped over the gate, reached the main
door and started banging it repeatedly. In fear of their life the inmates
called their near and dear for help. The news spread like wildfire in the film
industry as Producer T.E.Vasudevan of Jayamaruthi pictures<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was one of the most respected<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people in Madras. It was atrocious that
someone created trouble when only women folk were there, and it was decided
that whoever responsible was to be given a severe beating. Harry Pothen’s
drivers, Padmini’s brother Aniyan, Sobhana Parameswaran Nair, Manikandan Nair<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and a whole lot of people were in search of
the culprit John. They were looking for him in every possible place at Madras.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It was then George telephoned and told me that any moment
they will catch hold of John and beat him up. I then contacted our Producer
Minnal and together searched and found John in one of his regular arrack den.
We told him a lie that his brother at Kumbakonam wants him to come there on
some urgent matter. John was taken to Egmore Railway station and was put in a
second class compartment (those were the days of First, Second and third classes) and waited till
the train left. On seeing the shabbily dressed John sitting in the second class compartment,
a gentleman passenger seated nearby was staring at him with suspicion. Sensing that,
John immediately pulled out his ticket from his pocket, showed it to him and
said “Look, I have got a second class ticket”. The man hung his head in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shame as he had thought John was some vagrant
travelling without ticket !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">John returned months later well dressed with his shirt
tucked in and with a clean shaven face and a nice moustache. He had transformed
himself into an entirely new person, totally unrecognizable!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">On our back in the car, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained to my friends about the
incident<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>involving John Abraham, that
happened 42 years back at Madras. This time also there were two gates to </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Shri. T.E.Vasudevan’s house and instead of one bearded
fellow there were two, and Vasu Sir was not at home. I was wondering about the
similarity and what will be the outcome…..</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Next day we
three, once again went to Panampilly Nagar, this time accompanied by another
lady member of MACTA, Dubbing artiste Bhagyalakshmi. Vasu Sir warmly welcomed
us home and we had a long chat and he happily agreed to come for the function.
He kept his word and presented the Memento to Shri. Madhu and honoured him on
the Madhavasandhya Function held on 28 th February, 2013.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBWqHs0m_as/UTq7ALX4MII/AAAAAAAABRg/tP5NMKl78og/s1600/TEV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBWqHs0m_as/UTq7ALX4MII/AAAAAAAABRg/tP5NMKl78og/s400/TEV.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-85723792057611274182013-02-23T10:41:00.002+05:302013-09-18T09:48:12.984+05:30Assistant Directors who became Directors...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During my long career I have worked with many talented people who started their career as Assistant Directors and later on proved their ability to become well known Directors. The list is quite long starting with M.Azad in my first film Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile to Priyadarshan, Sibi Malayil, Matthew Paul in Padayottam, Sathyan Anthikkad and P. Chandra Kumar with Director Jesey's films. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzCl0ufYhWg/USg2Q8ONPnI/AAAAAAAABRQ/nQLeYafXCTM/s1600/MT_Azad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzCl0ufYhWg/USg2Q8ONPnI/AAAAAAAABRQ/nQLeYafXCTM/s400/MT_Azad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>M.T. ( L) Azad (R) with Sukumaran looking up</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRdhCye2Nyk/ULLKryyiyXI/AAAAAAAABMo/6ze9ml6ZNFo/s1600/sathyan+chandrakumar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRdhCye2Nyk/ULLKryyiyXI/AAAAAAAABMo/6ze9ml6ZNFo/s400/sathyan+chandrakumar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sathyan Anthikkad (L) Director Jesey (sitting) and P.Chanda Kumar (R)</b><br />
<br />
<b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rajan Sankaradi, Shajiyem and
R.Gopinath can be seen in the photo below taken on Director Balachandra Menon's film Maniyan Pilla adhava Maniyan Pilla. Raju, Ambika and Cinematographer Nambiyathri can also been seen.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rajan Sankaradi, Shajiyem, R. Gopinath with Balachandra Menon</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Viji Thampi also had worked in some of Balachandra Menon's film like Achuvettende Veedu, a location still from the film is given below.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Balachandra Menon (L) Viji Th<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">a</span>mpi in centre</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> In Sundar Daas' film SALLAPAM, Blessey, Biju Varkey and Thomas Sebastian were assisting him.Blessey also had worked in Lohitha Das' films too.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thomas Sebastian ( 2 nd from Left) Sundar Daas and Blessey</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Biju Varkey ( L) Blessey (R) with Sundar Daas in Centre</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blessey and Rajesh pillai worked with Rajeev Anchal's English film Beyond the Soul.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rajesh Pillai second from left in Rajeev Anchal's film BEYOND THE SOUL</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">T.S Suresh Babu was the associate of P.G. Viswambharan in several films. K.K.Haridas, Thevalakkara Chellappan also were P.G.V's assistants.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25M9O2tH_HI/ULLK2lKvmII/AAAAAAAABM4/G8RLkgjR5Rs/s1600/suresh+babu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25M9O2tH_HI/ULLK2lKvmII/AAAAAAAABM4/G8RLkgjR5Rs/s400/suresh+babu.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Akku Akber, Lal Jose, Salim Padiyath and also Dileep (Actor) worked as assistant Directors with Kamal while Suryan Kunissery was the main Associate. Later on Lal Jose worked with Director Anil Das in the film Sargavasantham before he became an indepenent director with the film Oru Maravathoor Kanavu. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lal Jose (Right) with Anil Das ( Centre)</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In Director Hariharn's film ORU VADKKAN VEERA GAADHA<b>, </b>Shrikuttan was the<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></u></span>Associate and Mohandas was the main assistant.<b><br /></b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shrikuttan (L) Mohan Das ( extreme right) with Hariharan on the sets of Oru Vadakkan Veera Gaadha</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">George Kithu, Kareem, Nazeer, Paul Babu, Venu B. Nair all worked in Director Bharathan's films. Shajoon Karyal, M. Padma Kumar, Sasi Mohan in Director I.V.Sasi's films. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgekfJoLOsg/UjkoNTCkMAI/AAAAAAAAByg/NwTHA_oKJsE/s1600/saphalyam9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgekfJoLOsg/UjkoNTCkMAI/AAAAAAAAByg/NwTHA_oKJsE/s400/saphalyam9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>On the sets of G.S.Vijayan's film SAAPHALYAM - Salim Ahmed on extreme right</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> T.K.Rajeev Kumar ( Raghunath Paleri), Salim Ahmed ( National Award winner for Adaminte Makan Abu) , Anil C Menon ( G.S.Vijayan), G. Prem Kumar ( Sasi Kumar), Joseph Vattoly ( Thomas Berly), Johny ( Thulasi Das), M.A.Venu ( Lohitha Das) Sreeprakash ( Lenin Rajendran) are some of the others who come to my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Although many started their career as assistants some of them didn't want or they chose to remain as Associate directors for life and are excelling in their field till today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One interesting fact is that I have been asked to do a film under their direction only by a few like R.Gopi ( Deivathai Orthu), George Kithu ( Aadharam, Savidham) and Sreeprakash (Gamanam).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am very happy to find that many of those who started life as assistant directors have reached the top and had established their own space in the Malayalam Film Industry!</span></div>
Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-49226668586944728722013-02-21T08:32:00.000+05:302013-02-21T09:00:43.150+05:30D.Gautaman , Genius away from the limelight <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When I joined the Film Institute, Poona in 1968 one of the Diploma
Films from the earlier batch which impressed me most was " A Love Tale"
which was Directed by D.Gautaman. The way a car accident sequence's
shots were edited was a real eye opener of how shots can be taken and
used to create an impact much like the famous shower scene in PSYCHO
directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film went on to win many awards
Nationally and Internationally. His student Documentary " The Builders"
also won a few awards</div>
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A brilliant student, Gautaman passed out from the Film Institute with
Gold Medal along with Prem Sagar ( Motion Picture Photography) and Navin
Nischol (Acting) who both became stars in their respective fields.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcLyh-_Dp48/USWLwObLARI/AAAAAAAABQM/rrRL72esi6o/s1600/Gautaman_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcLyh-_Dp48/USWLwObLARI/AAAAAAAABQM/rrRL72esi6o/s400/Gautaman_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>At the Convocation - Front row, extreme right is Gautaman and next to him is Prem Sagar</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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I was sure that Gautaman will definitely become a great feature film
maker in the Indian Film scenario. For some time he had worked in the
Institute as part time lecturer and had also directed a Diploma film "A
View from the Fort" in which Radha Saluja did the lead role and I think
cienematography was done by Bala Mahendran. It was during his sojourn at
the Institute I had the the opportunity to get acquainted with him.He
was quiet by nature, with an unassuming personality.It was he who
proclaimed that John Abraham was a Genius, says his friend and alumni
Kabeer Rowther.</div>
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Gautaman later on joined Shri Ramu Kariat to assist him in the Malayalam
Feature film ABHAYAM. It ws he who recommended Bala Mahendran as a
talented Cinematographer to Director Ramu Kariat and brought him to
Madras from Ceylon. In those days except for Acting students in Bombay
few of the Institute Graduates could get a break in the film industry.
He found it hard to face life's insecurities at the Film Industry and
sought security of Government job at the Films Division. I was told that
he was selected for the job of Producer by none other than the great V.
Shantaram. He was much impressed when during the interview Gautaman
recollected from memory a long list of films directed by Shantaram !</div>
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For Films Division he had produced many Nationally and Internationally
award winning Documentaries and rose up to the top as the Chief Producer
and retired. Though he ws a native of Kerala, he settled with his
family in Bangalore. After retirement he became a Member of Advisory
Committee of U.P.S.C. While on duty in Delhi for conducting an interview
he had massive heart attack and passed away on 18 th February 2013.</div>
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He was 73, and is survived by his wife Saramma and son Soumendhu.</div>
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It was a great loss to the Film Industry that he did not attempt to make
any Feature film though he was one of the most talented Directors of
our time. But Films Division becme the winner by having him at its helm
and Documentaries became his forte. Film Industry's loss became Films
Division's gain!</div>
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Unfortunately his passing way was not given its due importance in the
media since he chose to work away from the limelight. All I could find
only was a small obituary note in Mathrubhumi Malayalam Newspaper.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjqVQmlg9uY/USWNeO-HKfI/AAAAAAAABQs/3jmosCFP-zY/s1600/Gautaman_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjqVQmlg9uY/USWNeO-HKfI/AAAAAAAABQs/3jmosCFP-zY/s400/Gautaman_04.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
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He really deserves much more recognition than this. I do hope that his
friends and well wishers would come out with their memoirs and fill the
void. I was told that even on the night before his death he was
talking of his time at the Film Institute and reminiscing about his
fellow alumni who made it into the film industry.</div>
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My heartfelt condolences to his bereaving family.</div>
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Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-89712113462884557412012-10-28T09:02:00.001+05:302012-10-28T09:02:49.812+05:30A Captain's Salute to A Soldier<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the location shooting of K.G.George's film "Elavamkodu
Desam"(1998) at Olappamanna Mana at Vellinezhi, actors Thilakan,
Narendra Prasad and Captain Raju were staying in the same hotel near
Ottappalam. Although Captain Raju did several roles in many films as Villain, it was the character of Aringoder in ORU VADAKKAN VEERA GAADHA that brought up his acting potential in him. After that film onwards he had changed his mind and refused to do negative character roles in further films.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During one of the after shooting drinking sessions, Thilakan,
Narendra Prasad and Captain Raju were having a heated discussion about performing in films, stage etc. Prof Prasad and Thilakan went deep in to the merits and demerits of various styles of acting in theatre, dance, classical arts etc about which Raju didn't have any clue at all. Finally when Thilakan remarked something about the wooden faced expressions of Raju, he could not bear any longer and burst up - " Thilakan! You may be the Award winning Best actor in India, but remember I am a Captain in the Army and you were just a foot soldier. As a superior Officer whenever you see me, you are bound to stand up in attention and salute me !."</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8oGYtfKJg8/UHlNSXl2ymI/AAAAAAAABLU/zflW_3yL7YI/s1600/captain+Raju.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8oGYtfKJg8/UHlNSXl2ymI/AAAAAAAABLU/zflW_3yL7YI/s320/captain+Raju.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Captain Raju's Farewell Salute to Thilakan</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether it was intentional or not , the above incident came to my mind when I witnessed the scene of Captain Raju giving the Farewell salute to Thilakan's body lying in state at the V.J.T Hall, Thiruvananthapuram. Here is a Captain saluting a Soldier - yes, a <b>Bold, Brave Soldier who single handedly fought against all evils in the film </b><b>industry!</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH43yXelym8/UIyRXEZMUUI/AAAAAAAABME/sup2gpDG1AY/s1600/Thilakan_namboodiri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH43yXelym8/UIyRXEZMUUI/AAAAAAAABME/sup2gpDG1AY/s400/Thilakan_namboodiri.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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<b>Thilakan and Babu Nambbodiri in</b></div>
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<b>Elavamkodu Desam </b></div>
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<b>On Location at Elavamkodu Desam ( From L to R) Bharat Gopi, K.G.Georgr Mammootty, MAK Ali, myself and Thilakan</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had known Thilakan for more than 40 years, ever since he started his career in films in P.J.Antony's Directorial venture PERIYAR. At that time (1972) I was at Alwaye shooting the film RAGGING (Director: N.N.Pisharody ) which was scripted by P.J.Antony. Later on we worked together on K.G.George's film KOLANGAL based on P.J Antony's subject. It was only YAVANIKA which brought Thilakan to limelight and earned him the First of the many State Awards. Since then I had the opportunity to work with him in several films including a Double role in MUGHAMUDRA directed by Ali Akbar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Like a jack fruit he had a tough thorny outside but a soft sweet interior. His tough looking exterior might frighten people but when you become closer you will understand his goodness and outspoken nature. He had the natural tendency to pick up arguments for argument's sake, and relish it. For example, when some one on the sets greets him "Good Morning , Sir!"He will call him and tell " Hey, what is so good about the morning, today is just like any other morning, so don't use the word good when you are wishing" Then the guy agrees " Ok. Morning Sir!" Then Thilakan will retort " Oh man, It is morning only and everybody knows it and why you have to say it again" The guy surrenders and says just " Sir" Thilakan cuts him off by saying"Look , we are all human beings and all men are equal,so please don't call me sir" The dumbfounded poor fellow avoids greeting him from the next time onwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He was always precise with his words. When he reads the script he will point out unnecessary words and repetition of dialogue. And most of the time he as correct and the Directors made the necessary changes in the script. Being a Theatre Director, he had an excellent sense of performance and dialogue delivery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I distinctly remember him arriving on the location of the film GHAZAL (1993) at Perinthilmanna in his Fiat Premier 118NE car. It was just after his By Pass Surgery at Chennai and he had driven the car all the way from Thiruvananthapuram to Perinthalmanna all alone. When we asked him why he had not taken the services of a driver , he said he never liked others driving the car. He had consulted the doctor regarding the driving and he had advised him to take a few minutes rest and a little walk after every hour of driving. But he didn't stop that many times and drove on . That shows his will power and boldness. Any other person would have arrived with a driver and helper just to show off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had to film an early morning song in a Mosque set with him and Vineeth and it required him to get up early at 4 AM and be ready with make up and be on the set by 5 AM. As we have to shoot just as the sun rises we had only a few minutes to take the shot. So the song was shot over several days, early in the morning and in spite of his physical conditions he was already on time to take the shot. Such was his dedication towards work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Though Thilakan had acted in a notable role in </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Director </span>K.G.George's film KOLANGAL, it was a stage curtain that was instrumental in landing Thilakan his First State award winning role in K.G.George's film YAVANIKA. The Production Executive of the film P.A.Latheef, in order to save production costs suggested to George, that if we book Thilakan for the role of the Drama troupe owner we can also get the stage curtain for free as Thilakan was running his own Drama Troupe at that time.So, whenever the shooting schedule of YAVANIKA was fixed, Latheef would telephone Thilakan to remind him to bring the stage curtain along with him ! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The last film work we did together was the Film SAPHALYAM(1999) directed by G,S,Vijayan and after that we could not get an opportunity to be associated together. Of course I occasionally used to meet him at public functions and at his daughter's marriage. The last time I saw him was at the Thiruvananthapuram <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwqZT3OSsIY&feature=related" target="_blank"> KIMS Hospital </a>a few days before his demise and that time he was in a totally unconscious state.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Indian Cinema had lost a Great Performer and upright Personality !</b></span></div>
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<b>On Location of the film SAPHALYAM with Director G.S.Vijayan </b></div>
<br />Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-44207881674649167132012-01-22T11:13:00.009+05:302012-02-15T05:59:41.808+05:30My Unreleased Tamil Films - 2<div style="text-align: justify;">The film PAADUM VANAMPADI which was the Tamil remake of Mithun Chakraborty's Super hit Hindi film DISCO DANCER, starring new comer Anand Babu ( son of veteran actor Nagesh ) was a very great Musical hit and ran for more than One Hundred days at Chennai and other centres. The Director of the film M. Jayakumar was flooded with many film offers from big production companies. After some failed projects he took up a film named KADHAL VIDUTHALAI. The Puja invitation card can be seen below:<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWBAXiMu5R8/TxulTtdDWqI/AAAAAAAABCU/hKh2DPlTHU4/s1600/KadhalViduthalai_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWBAXiMu5R8/TxulTtdDWqI/AAAAAAAABCU/hKh2DPlTHU4/s400/KadhalViduthalai_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700331511405042338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9gl4BFiRww/TxulTcPEZMI/AAAAAAAABCI/pKzeoBlCgn4/s1600/KadhalViduthalai_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9gl4BFiRww/TxulTcPEZMI/AAAAAAAABCI/pKzeoBlCgn4/s400/KadhalViduthalai_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700331506782987458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGT27m15xIc/TxulTOFetTI/AAAAAAAABB8/WlQXcj-EkEo/s1600/KadhalViduthalai_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGT27m15xIc/TxulTOFetTI/AAAAAAAABB8/WlQXcj-EkEo/s400/KadhalViduthalai_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700331502984672562" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The film starred Ramki, Janakaraj, Nizhalgal Ravi, Vennira Aadai Murthy, Nishanthi, Manorama, Subha etc. and Music by S.A. Rajkumar. The shooting took place in Chennai and Ootty and other locations.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-py_EwGvM5iE/Txuma_U-MaI/AAAAAAAABCg/Ds9WsuW_X-o/s1600/Kadhal_viduthalai1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-py_EwGvM5iE/Txuma_U-MaI/AAAAAAAABCg/Ds9WsuW_X-o/s400/Kadhal_viduthalai1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700332735973700002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">With Director M. Jayakumar<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tyi190APyTI/TxumbK7K8ZI/AAAAAAAABCs/ka7wHx48V4g/s1600/Kadhal_viduthalai2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tyi190APyTI/TxumbK7K8ZI/AAAAAAAABCs/ka7wHx48V4g/s400/Kadhal_viduthalai2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700332739086709138" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Actress Manorama with the crew</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The film shoot went on smoothly without any hitches. The editing and re-recording done and finally the first copy was taken. Unfortunately there was some dispute amongst the producers and the film never got released ever. After a few years I heard that there was a change of title and the film will be released, but that never happened.<br /><br />The Director Jayakumar never could make any other film and had started a retail business for livelihood.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;">Another Tamil Film that failed to take off</span><br /></div></div><br /><br />Director Bhadran wanted me to work in his Tamil film EZHAVATHU SWARAM in which he wanted to introduce Actor Vineedh to Tamil audiences. The Puja was conducted with all pomp and publicity with Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi inaugurating the function. But the film never progressed any further!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAv3Eh5lvrk/TxujsDJPKZI/AAAAAAAABBw/DjhoIR-7t8I/s1600/7th_swaram_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAv3Eh5lvrk/TxujsDJPKZI/AAAAAAAABBw/DjhoIR-7t8I/s400/7th_swaram_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700329730521115026" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOv-I7xlJQA/TxujrttkI1I/AAAAAAAABBk/J-kmDGCmJqg/s1600/7th_swaram_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOv-I7xlJQA/TxujrttkI1I/AAAAAAAABBk/J-kmDGCmJqg/s400/7th_swaram_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700329724767904594" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhfx1fx0WVs/TxujrbbpFjI/AAAAAAAABBY/3KKBJDh8QTY/s1600/7th_swaram_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhfx1fx0WVs/TxujrbbpFjI/AAAAAAAABBY/3KKBJDh8QTY/s400/7th_swaram_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700329719860893234" border="0" /></a></div>Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-20787118920844430002012-01-08T15:12:00.014+05:302012-02-18T17:47:55.332+05:30My Unreleased Tamil Films - 1<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: justify; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">Some time back Actor Devan called me regarding a Tamil film " Puthiya Swarangal" in which he had acted in the main role and was completed in 1991 but was not released. He now wanted to give the film for Telecasting purpose in Tamil Satellite Channels. Unfortunately the film negatives that were stored in the Prasad Film Laboratories at Chennai were damaged beyond repair. I wonder how many such films of the past in different parts of our country are getting lost because of our carelessness. Already a large portion of our film heritage in Black and White films have been lost for ever.Still we do not have a Film archive in South India!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="text-align: justify; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; ">It was the First and only film Directed by Tamil actor Vijayan and produced by Good Knight Films. Being a very popular actor and a favourite of Director Bharathi Raja he had all top technicians lined up for his maiden venture in Directing - Music by Ilaya Raja, Lyrics by Kavinjar Vaali, Gangai Amaran, Editing by V. Lenin etc. The song cassettes released were very popular.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvCwd-wOVVo/TzOhAfSrLSI/AAAAAAAABDU/VpzsgYKOH7k/s400/P_S_Cassette.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707082182580448546" /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Song Cassette</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SA-_DNEerIk/Tzr4xVBUajI/AAAAAAAABDg/R5ozDY2dBGs/s400/scan0004.tif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709149003985480242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 248px; " /><span style="text-align: left; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Details</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; ">So much effort was put in the making of film in locations at Chennai and Ootty where Art Director Radhakrishnan had erected some beautiful sets in studio floor and out door locations which were enhanced by glass Matte paintings.<br /><br />Even though the film was complete and the first copy was taken, for some unknown reason it was not released and still lying in the cans,<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCHip6_6C_g/TwlxP7cSJNI/AAAAAAAABBI/Wx1Y_eVROgo/s1600/Vijayan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 163px; height: 204px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCHip6_6C_g/TwlxP7cSJNI/AAAAAAAABBI/Wx1Y_eVROgo/s400/Vijayan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695207722255000786" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="text-align: left; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "></span></div></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vijayan</span><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="text-align: left; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cZufo99hIY/Tz-VARORFNI/AAAAAAAABDw/wtvg-bnX7LM/s400/Puthiya%2Bswarangal_2.tif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710446684384859346" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: left; font-size: medium; "></div><div style="text-align: left; "></div></div></div></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 100%; ">Diwali Greeting Card</b></div></b><br />Below is the Pongal Greeting Card sent in 1991 as part of film publicity, that was 22 years ago!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qa8qe4mkFbc/Twlpt31uB-I/AAAAAAAABAY/qmpXf_phBrs/s1600/Puthiyaswarangal_1.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qa8qe4mkFbc/Twlpt31uB-I/AAAAAAAABAY/qmpXf_phBrs/s400/Puthiyaswarangal_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695199440590997474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-weight: bold;">PUTHIYA SWARANGAL CARD</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gF11pnE57nw/TwlpuwDbVvI/AAAAAAAABAw/Td5pHohf-C0/s1600/Puthiyaswarangal_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gF11pnE57nw/TwlpuwDbVvI/AAAAAAAABAw/Td5pHohf-C0/s400/Puthiyaswarangal_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695199455680878322" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHdzeWj-UBg/TwlpvQizRSI/AAAAAAAABA4/wHvP7xNHmcs/s1600/Puthiyaswarangal_4.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHdzeWj-UBg/TwlpvQizRSI/AAAAAAAABA4/wHvP7xNHmcs/s400/Puthiyaswarangal_4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695199464402404642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50eLcKMTM1M/TwlpuaJJX6I/AAAAAAAABAk/Kw4Lu3033Cw/s1600/Puthiyaswarangal_2.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50eLcKMTM1M/TwlpuaJJX6I/AAAAAAAABAk/Kw4Lu3033Cw/s400/Puthiyaswarangal_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695199449799286690" border="0" /></a><b style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Yet another Pongal...... All my Best wishes to every one!</b></div></b><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div></div>Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-33853285984172632522011-11-05T18:02:00.010+05:302011-11-08T10:19:41.904+05:30Man's Best Friend<div style="text-align: justify;">I have never had a Pet dog at home until I built a house and settled at Trivandrum. Our Labrador was named as Kittu and I was introduced to the world of unconditional love and affection of dog, described as man's best friend. He became one of our family and was great fun as a puppy and used to like bread slices soaked in milk. When he grew up it was bread and butter. Though a cage was built for him, he spent much of the time inside the home and mostly at the kitchen. It was on 18, December, 2003 that he died due to Distemper infection, leaving us all in great sorrow. Though the veterinary doctor had given anti rabies injection etc we were not aware of vaccines for distemper and he died at an early age of two and half years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3hNqBU81iU/TrXY9Fae4rI/AAAAAAAAA-o/TBZduvxEDNU/s1600/Kittu7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3hNqBU81iU/TrXY9Fae4rI/AAAAAAAAA-o/TBZduvxEDNU/s400/Kittu7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671677849679880882" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><div style="text-align: center;">KITTU</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;">In order to overcome the loss, in the next month itself, we bought a similar black Labrador pup and named him Muthu. He got much more affection from all of us and was a much pampered person. He used to eat all sorts of fruits like jack fruit, apples, fish like Tuna or Netholi and snacks like egg puffs, pakoras. Ice cream, squashes and milkshakes are also his favourite items. The joy and the warm welcome he gives whenever return home even after a short trip is unbelievable. He will jump with happiness, bark and express himself, until I pat him down and allow him to lick my cheek. For nearly eight years he was the guardian of our home and love of our life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last October, he was having cold and cough and the doctor who treated him asked us to bring him to the hospital at P.M.G. Junction to have blood tests taken. He was found to have some liver problems and medicines were given. After about 15 days he stopped eating any food and doctor was summoned and Muthu was given intravenous glucose drip and many injections. But early in the morning of 31 October 2011, he died peacefully in his sleep. Till the last day he was healthy and walking and we never expected him to die so soon and so suddenly. His sudden departure had left a void in our life but we still feel his presence in every corner of our house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKjDe-t9zc4/Trcs_CiAhWI/AAAAAAAAA-0/KtPaTjBDDh8/s1600/Pup_Muthu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKjDe-t9zc4/Trcs_CiAhWI/AAAAAAAAA-0/KtPaTjBDDh8/s400/Pup_Muthu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672051717219321186" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Three months old<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gq4TFLWut2k/Trcs_NoX-aI/AAAAAAAAA-8/3M_0CAAfPOw/s1600/Unni_muthu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 355px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gq4TFLWut2k/Trcs_NoX-aI/AAAAAAAAA-8/3M_0CAAfPOw/s400/Unni_muthu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672051720198814114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kittu at 6 Months with son Abhilash</span></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-742XdR8OIBg/TrUuV95PSJI/AAAAAAAAA-E/6Bl-YTHoHTc/s1600/23122010225.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-742XdR8OIBg/TrUuV95PSJI/AAAAAAAAA-E/6Bl-YTHoHTc/s400/23122010225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671490260669778066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Playing with a bottle</span> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3InlsyEqt0/TrUuWA8fjzI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/kmts3beIwlk/s1600/11102010135-002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3InlsyEqt0/TrUuWA8fjzI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/kmts3beIwlk/s400/11102010135-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671490261488734002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Looking up to me with affection</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOx52PxQOmg/TrUuWpICtdI/AAAAAAAAA-c/ASXpajBov3g/s1600/Kittu_Muthu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 443px; height: 193px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOx52PxQOmg/TrUuWpICtdI/AAAAAAAAA-c/ASXpajBov3g/s400/Kittu_Muthu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671490272274593234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">KITTU and MUTHU</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thank you both for showing me what unconditional love and affection means.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">May you Rest in Peace</span></div>Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-80379269992547012012011-10-12T09:56:00.011+05:302013-07-19T16:40:26.965+05:30Like a Meteor she vanished …….<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span lang="EN-IN">The year : <span style="font-weight: bold;">1972</span>. Location : <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kollam </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotel Neela</span>. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinematographer Ashok Kumar was on the camera shooting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a scene involving Shobana for the film “Chemparathy” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>being directed by P.N.Menon. After my first film “ Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile” with John Abraham, I was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into my second feature film “Ragging” directed by N.N. Pisharady. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the film with newcomers in the main roles, but on seeing their dismal performances we decided to rope in well known artistes. Hence myself, N.N.Pisharady and Aluva Thampy went to Kollam <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to contact Sudheer and Rani Chandra and get their dates for our film. That was my first meeting and she was a simple and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>friendly person. Though she was selected as Miss Kerala, I found her to be a typical Malayalee girl with curly hair and tanned skin with an out going nature. At Neela Hotel Bamboo bar we also had an eventful meeting with veteran Malayalam writer Kakkanadan too along with S.K.Nair playing host.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN">On the set of "Ragging " she was simple and friendly with every one and didn’t show any airs of stardom and was at ease with other new comers like Balan Nair and Somasundaran. Others in the cast included Vincent, P.J.Antony and Jameela Malik .</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjdS0bsbiV8/TpUXVTsGn2I/AAAAAAAAA84/lo6LNEB0H9E/s1600/Ragging2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662457761318215522" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjdS0bsbiV8/TpUXVTsGn2I/AAAAAAAAA84/lo6LNEB0H9E/s400/Ragging2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 296px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the set of RAGGING</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN">It was only in K.G.George’s film “Swapnadanam” her acting talent rose to its summit. It was such a powerful role and she took all efforts to perform as the director had intended. K.G.George was instrumental in polishing her talent and bringing out the hidden talent in her. Her acting in </span><span lang="EN-IN">“Swapnadanam”</span><span lang="EN-IN"> earned her Kerala State Award for the Best actress in 1975. After that she was flooded with offers to act in many films including well known Tamil production houses.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1TruvDlk9I/TpUYJ23T2UI/AAAAAAAAA9E/k5EyCVa_vRE/s1600/swapnadanam_c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662458664113658178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1TruvDlk9I/TpUYJ23T2UI/AAAAAAAAA9E/k5EyCVa_vRE/s400/swapnadanam_c.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 226px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 283px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rani Chandra and Dr.Mohandas</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1TruvDlk9I/TpUYJ23T2UI/AAAAAAAAA9E/k5EyCVa_vRE/s1600/swapnadanam_c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span lang="EN-IN"></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oleoOTWT4ls/TpUYcKlsEPI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/CYX3NndW_Ug/s1600/Swapnadanam3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662458978646102258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oleoOTWT4ls/TpUYcKlsEPI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/CYX3NndW_Ug/s400/Swapnadanam3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 338px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mallika, Rani, myself & Dr.Mohandas in SWAPNADANAM</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN">Thirty five years back, on 12 October 1976, after a film career spanning only eight years, Malayalam actress Rani Chandra died in a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19761012-0">tragic accident near Bombay<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Airport<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on a flight to Madras<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in an Indian Airlines Caravelle aircraft.</a> Her last film was “Badrakali” (Tamil) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">in which she starred </span>opposite Siva Kumar, was completed with a similar looking actress enacted Rani’s scenes and released after her death was a huge success.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN">It was really shocking news to the Malayalam Film Industry that she had left this word at the height of her career blazing a trail, she vanished like a Meteor.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN">I felt deeply on losing a personal friend and real human being, and on that occasion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote the following lines:</span><br />
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<b><u><span lang="EN-IN">NOT EVEN MEMORIES</span></u></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN">- (To <b>Rani Chandra</b>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Through fire you made your exit</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">That was no trick shot.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">All that remained in the end </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Ashes, an indistinguishable lot.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Many longed for you </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">But not in this form.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Among the mourners I spot</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">One who still loves you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">A fellow traveller,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">On a journey in dream,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Oh, a friend sweet and lovable</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">You sailed through enormous sufferings</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">A rare one who cared for others</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Even if others cared not.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Your absence</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">None can replace</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Not even memories.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></span></div>
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An abridged Malayalam translation of this article was published in <a href="http://www.metrovaartha.com/2011/10/13013301/ramachandra-babu-ranichadrika.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Metro Vartha</span></a> on 13 October 2011.</div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"> </span></div>
Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-12382864727774985142011-10-11T09:24:00.011+05:302011-10-11T10:34:14.950+05:30Oops! Our Indian English Spelling<div style="text-align: justify;">There are numerous occasions where we come across misspelled English words in boldly written sign boards etc in our country. For example in a Juice shop in Trivandrum I saw this list of milk shakes and fruit juices available there. I can understand the spelling mistake of Chocolate - written as Chockolate, may be because of the choking effect after drinking it. But what about " JINGER LAME" ? Will you become lame afterwards? Actually it was meant to be Ginger Lime !<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0QkkBeaEno/TpO_iAuT8eI/AAAAAAAAA8U/kqtdFd_QtbQ/s1600/board%2Berror.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0QkkBeaEno/TpO_iAuT8eI/AAAAAAAAA8U/kqtdFd_QtbQ/s400/board%2Berror.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662079747565548002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The other day I noticed this blatant spelling mistake written on the side of the out door unit van of Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Film is spelled as " FILIM" and Development as "Devolepment". It is no wonder that any Development of the Film Industry is not taking place at Chitranjali Studios over the many years of its existence.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXgOoD67jdY/TpPBzoXJGnI/AAAAAAAAA8g/behTSM-XtTA/s1600/Ksfdc%2BError.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXgOoD67jdY/TpPBzoXJGnI/AAAAAAAAA8g/behTSM-XtTA/s400/Ksfdc%2BError.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662082249286818418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the side of the Out door unit Van<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Even our TV Channels do turn out to be error prone. See the picture below of CNN IBN Live Channel News Program. Read it carefully - The Government has drafted a policy to <span style="font-weight: bold;">shit</span>... what was that? Did Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi write the News headline?<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3juzXCqRrSI/TpPDvBvvrqI/AAAAAAAAA8s/ZhV5zvOYB4o/s1600/Tv_error.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3juzXCqRrSI/TpPDvBvvrqI/AAAAAAAAA8s/ZhV5zvOYB4o/s400/Tv_error.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662084369224806050" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">CNN IBN LIVE Channel</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Whatever we may be at home we are the best when it comes to English spelling in U.S.A. Just look at the list of Spelling Bee Winners in U.S.A and you will find lot of Indian names. The 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner was <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Sukanya Roy</strong> of South Abington Pennsylvania, a person of Indian Origin ! Sukanya Roy won after spelling the word <strong>cymotrichous</strong>.<br /></div><br />Can you guess what it means...... no way!<br /><br />I just looked it up in the Dictionary, and the meaning is -<br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Curly-headed, having wavy hair</span></div> </div>Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-86856302215510074262011-10-06T15:24:00.008+05:302011-10-07T17:55:45.006+05:30Returning to school after 50 years<div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Recently I was shooting the Malayalam film<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>LITTLE MASTER starring</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> Lal (Siddique) and L</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">akshmi Gopalaswami,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> being <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>directed by L.Rajendran in Thiruvavananthapuram . The location was S.M.V.</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> High School<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>which was one of the oldest schools in Thiruvavananthapuram </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">established by the Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal and he</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">nce the</span> name Sree Moola Vilasam High School.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nQRVUUdODw/To7vExXL_4I/AAAAAAAAA8M/ZAsnCREvv2s/s1600/little%2Bmaster_lal_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nQRVUUdODw/To7vExXL_4I/AAAAAAAAA8M/ZAsnCREvv2s/s400/little%2Bmaster_lal_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660724646900400002" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shooting at SMV H.S</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">with Lal (Siddique)</span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">During the shooting interval, my friend veteran Art Director<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and Director Radhakrishnan ( R.K.) paid a visit to meet me. He told me a very fascinating information that he had once been a student at the S.M.V. school 50 years ago and since then nothing had changed much there. The old tiled buildings and even the benches and desks in the classrooms were the very same ones from his times. Those old wooden benches had cast iron frames which were imported from England. He also told me that a portion of the school was formerly used as Police premises and lockup cells were there. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Going back in time he located the class room and the</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> very bench where he sat during his days as a student there.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPsBpO6HJeU/To17cRCxkbI/AAAAAAAAA70/2AeaGsacn5o/s1600/07092011324.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPsBpO6HJeU/To17cRCxkbI/AAAAAAAAA70/2AeaGsacn5o/s400/07092011324.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660316032216175026" border="0" /></a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">R.K.in his old seat at school</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> In his student days he had a leaning towards Communist ideology and became part of the leftist student organisation SF. In his fervour towards the party he had carved the Sickle and Hammer Party symbol on the surface of <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>his bench.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHH_gQklPFM/To17crT592I/AAAAAAAAA78/a1Tnqbcn6cY/s1600/07092011326.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHH_gQklPFM/To17crT592I/AAAAAAAAA78/a1Tnqbcn6cY/s400/07092011326.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660316039267350370" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The hand that etched...</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Sitting in his old seat and running his fingers over his art work, Radhakrishnan said that he was coming there for the first time, ever since he left the school<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>50 years ago. It so happened only because I invited him to visit our shooting location. Though he had been living for the past many years in Thiruvananthapuram and passed the school on his way many a times, it never occurred to him to get inside and see the place.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lpFTKPPHNo/To17c7Nv0eI/AAAAAAAAA8E/BsdncsS6JTQ/s1600/07092011327.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lpFTKPPHNo/To17c7Nv0eI/AAAAAAAAA8E/BsdncsS6JTQ/s400/07092011327.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660316043536486882" border="0" /></a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">R.K's art work</span><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">I am happy that I was instrumental for his reunion with his Alma Mater and was able to record it for posterity.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">More about R.K.in <a href="http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/03/02/stories/2007030200720200.htm">THE HINDU newspaper</a>:<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p>Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986383804167070446.post-74317921303601607022011-08-17T05:58:00.008+05:302011-08-17T07:32:10.686+05:30" Yahoo" of Indian Cinema - Shammi Kapoor<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZFd_YlCcIk/TksQyUzGayI/AAAAAAAAA7U/IMCOIEQakXA/s400/Shammi-Kapoor.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641621414974221090" /><div style="text-align: justify;">I saw the Hindi film " JUNGLEE" at a Saturday Night screening for the hostel inmates while studying at the Loyola College, Madras for my graduation in 1963. The screenings were held at the Bertram Hall and the films were pre-censored by the warden for objectionable content. It was love at first sight and I became a fan of the dashing, dancing and dynamic Shammi Kapoor. Though I have studied Hindi at high school level it was not compulsory to get pass marks in that subject and if you just write down the question paper that will earn you 15 marks! Even with such scarce understanding of Hindi we all enjoyed every moment of the film mainly due to Shammi's stylish and electrifying performance and the the fantastic music by Shankar - Jaikishan. Later on we were also treated to another film of Shammi, the hilarious "PROFESSOR" and he became one of my favourite actors.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was lucky to have worked with him once for the Hindi Television Serial " Stories from the Bible" in 1991 Directed by Jijo Punnoose, produced by Navodaya. I was doing the Pilot episode of the serial which consisted of Noah's Ark and the Tower of Babel. Shammi was cast as Nimrod who built the mighty Tower of Babel. On his arrival he invited us, the crew to his room to get ourselves introduced to each other. There sitting on the bed was a massive man sporting a beard and wearing a necklaces of big polished stones, colorful beads and rudrakshas. He was entirely different from the image etched on my mind many years ago. He was very friendly and even offered us a drink which we politely declined. He asked the Director to give him the script of the next day's shooting so that he can come prepared for the work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When the time came for his shot and he started the rehearsals, the assistant director began prompting the dialogues as it was the usual practice in the Malayalam film industry. He immediately asked the assistant to stop prompting. He had memorized all the dialogues perfectly and delivered them flawlessly. Such was his dedication to his work that amazed all of us. Even now most of the actors in Malayalam film industry never care to learn their dialogues and think it not at all a part of their acting. They just hear and parrot like mouth their lines. In spite of the hot and humid conditions of the remote location and the dusty atmosphere produced by hundreds of extras engaged in the building activities, he cheerfully endured the shooting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the shoot we had this group photo taken and he called all the unit members to join him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_r5uBYVjRc/TksQyznWg_I/AAAAAAAAA7k/ToFnUXT7KxA/s400/Bible2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641621423246443506" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Crew of "Stories from the Bible"</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yLR_tteEp8/TksQyoqrA6I/AAAAAAAAA7c/wNMXALG2beQ/s400/Bible1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641621420307579810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Director Jijo, Shammi and me</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>
<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>
<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Thanks for the short and sweet association we had with you which we will all remember for ever.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Adieu Shammiji!</b></div>Ramachandra' Babuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709951027986371023noreply@blogger.com2