History of Malayalam Cinema
Malayalam cinema is rich and colorful. It has significant contributions to Indian film industry. There are some eminent directors like Adoor Gopalkrishnan, a follower of Bengali Oscar winning stalwart Satyajit Ray, who have been ruling the Malayalam filmdom. The actors and acresses have huge potential with big movies tagged to their names. Although not comparable to the Bollywood, there are many big-budget films in its history. Several Malayalam heros and heroines have won national and internations awards.In fact, many Bollywood heroines have Malayalam background. Initialy, they acted in Malayalam films before joining the Hindi movies. Bollywood heroines over the years have South Indian origin. It is a unique contribution of the South to Indian film indusry. Many of them even actes in other regional films.
The first Malayalam movie was produced well before in 1928. It was naturally a silent one since till then Talkies have not reached India. The name of the silent film was Vigathakumaran. Kerala, where Malayalam language is spoken, had to wait for five long years to get its second film Mathanda Varma. However, the film was never released following some legal problems. The third Malayalam film was a Talkie titled Balan which was released in 1938. Producers of all these films were Tamils as Kerala had no film studio.All these productions were made in Tamil Nadu until the first studio was structured in Kerala in 1947.Considering that, the 1954 Kerala production Neelakkuli could be said the first Malayali film. The film is also notable since it won the Presisent’s Silver medal. Since then there was only one mentionable Malayalam film in 1950s and that was Newspaper Boy (1955). The film won National award.The first color film was Kandam Becha Coat.Eminent director Adoor Gopalkrishnan appeard in Malayalam filmdom with the introduction of New Wave Cinema, started by some innovative French and Italian film dirrectors. Adoor’s first film titled Swayamvaram was released in 1972. Through this film, Mlayalasm movie crossed the national boundary as it won overseas accolade Adoor’s other noteworthy films were Elipathayam (1981), Mukhamukham (1984), Anantharam (1987), Mathilukal (1989), Vidheyan (1994), Kathapurushan (1995), Nizhalkuthu (2003). Adoor’s Elipathayam won an award from the British Film Institute.
In 1960s more than 100 films were released. Those included Christmas Rathri (1961), Kotte (1961). Ummini Thanka (1961), Laila Majnu (1962), Vale Yhammi (1962), Doctor (1963), School Master (1964), Pithri (1966), Indulekha (1968) and Janma Bhoomi (1969).
In 1970s the notable Malayalam movies were Nirmalyam (1972), directed by M T Vasudevan Nair and Uttarayanam (1974) of G Aravindan. Aravindam is a name in Indian cinema. His other notable movies were Kanchana Seeta (1977), Thampu (1978), Kummatty (1979), Chidambaram (1985), Oridathu (1986) and Vasthuhara(1990).About five years from late 1980s are held as the most remarkable period of Malayam fim history. Better narratives having everyday real Malayali life portrayals, mature screenplay, brilliant cinematography, skilled technicians and appearances of potential directors made the period outstanding. Distinction between commercial cinema and art films was also narrowed down in the period. Memorable movies of the period were Nammukku Paarkhan Munthiri Thoppukal ( 1986) of Padmarajan, Apooran Tahdikal (1988) of Kamal, Oru Vaddakkan Veeragatha (1989), Kireedam (1989) of Sibi Malwali, Muthiklal (1989) of Adoor Gopalkrishnan, Perumthachan (1990) of Ajayan, Amaram (1991) of Bharathan and Sargam (1992) of Hariharan.Powerful comedy directors like Priyadarshan, who later made waves in Hindi comedy movies, Sathyan Anthikkad and Kamal appeared on the scene in the period. Notable comedy movies of the time were Daisy (1988) of Prathap K Pothan, Piravi( 1989) of Shajn K Pothan, In Harihar Nagar (1990), His Highness Abdullah (1990) of Sibi Malayil and Abhayan (1991) of Sivam.
The height of these movies somehow got curtailed in mid 1990 films. However, these films still maintained their appeal and popularity. Those included Kaalapaani (1996) of Priyadarshan, Sphadikam (1995) of Bhadran and Deshdanam (1997) of Jayaraaj. Special mention should be made about Swaham (1994) of Shaiji N Karun which was the firstMalayalam fim screened in the Cannes International Film Festival.These high quality movies gradually became the thing of the past. The new movies thereon, specially in late 1990s were mainly entretainment films, nakedly copied from the Bollywood commercials. Major movies of the period were Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) and Vanaprastham (1999).In the new century, the quality further declined. Of those movies were Madhuranombarakaatu (2000), Meghamalhar (2001), Eessamadhavan (2002), Kunjikkoonam (2002), Perumazhakaalam (2004), Rajamanikyam (2005) which has so far the most popular Malayalam movie, and Karuthapakhshikal (2006).
Despite its lows and heights, Malayalam filddom is an important part of the Indian film industry.It has enriched Indian cinema with Malayalam culture, ethos, diversity, exetic setings and powerful acting cabilities of actors and actresses. Malayalam directors have earned praises from across the border.
