# Rekha Nambiar
30 December 2023, 08:44 PM IST
In 2023, a group of new directors who won the approval of Malayalam cinema audience… the films created by them are giving new hopes to Malayalam cinema.
The theaters are going to be a paradise for moviegoers. OTT Along with the big films of the stars, a bunch of debut films of newcomers have won the love of the audience through stages and theatres. Thriller, horror, comedy, feel good movies… rocked the theatres. Audiences applauded the heartfelt stories and embraced the strong characters. It is these newcomer directors who have stunned the audience and Malayalam cinema alike by giving innovations in terms of theme and presentation. Romancham, Neymar, Patchuum Adbhutavilakam, Maduramanoharamoham, Dattana, Pranayavilasam, Kannur Squad, RDX, Garudan, Falimi, then Maikil Fatima, Phoenix…etc., they were able to capture the audience in the theaters with the help of their directing work. Most of the films made it to the hit list when the film was aiming to achieve average success as any starter would. A group of directors marking the new era of Malayalam cinema share their first film experiences and hopes.
Romancham is this year’s first blockbuster directed by newcomers and directed on a minimum budget. Jithumadhavan, who has given the best film adaptation of the horror comedy story, is getting ready to think of a new story in the new year. Steffy Xavier from Wayanad was a girl who aspired to be a costume designer in films. That desire led her to film. Costume designer Steffi Xavier wrote Kaalum in the films titles. Finally, from the designer, the director took the role. Maduramanoharamoham, which tells the story of a middle-class family where the girls are of marriageable age, has garnered good responses. ‘I have been part of 95 films in the last eight years. I want to do more films. And costume design should also be carried. A new script is being discussed. I am also happy that my most awaited film Aadujeetvam will release in this new year.’ Steffy shares her hopes.
RDX, directed by Nahas Hidayat, was a film that rocked the audience and the box office. Although this was Nahas’ first film, the prolific director’s talent was on display in RDX. After the success of the film, he is gearing up for his next film produced by Sophia Paul. ‘I felt very happy when Kamal Haasan sir and Vijaysar congratulated me after seeing RDX. I try to take my time and make a film I like without rushing. Make movies in every genre you like’
Phalimi was a good start for Nitish, who entered cinema after directing short films. Falimi made it to the big screen after overcoming many difficulties. I felt very happy when I got a good response from the audience. I realized that if we wait, our time will prove.’
What makes Phoenix stand out is the fact that it is made without any of the stereotypical horror movie ingredients. And Malayalam cinema also got a great director named Vishnu Bharatan. ‘There are many stories in mind when entering the new year. It should be done slowly one by one. Efforts for the next film have already started. -‘ said Vishnu.
Director Sudhi Maddison has become a new hope for Malayalam cinema through Neymar. Born and brought up in Kochi, Sudhi started getting to know cinema through editing. ‘I didn’t know anything about being a co-director or talking philosophically about films other than I make films out of passion. As Mamooka said, the cinema doesn’t need us. We need a cinema. This is work that is done without food and sleep. That film can change our lives sometimes, like Neymar… A new project is currently being written and discussed. Sudhi waits for good films to happen without any rush.
Manu C is the director who created the dreams of Chelampachi Pathu. Kumar. The novelty of the film is the story of a girl who aspires to be a football commentator. Manu has been able to portray Fatima’s journey towards the realization of a dream in a remarkable way. Film was a dream for Manu during his seventeen years of media work. Manu’s other two scripts are being prepared to be turned into films.
At the end of the year, Arun Verma is the director who stunned the audience by preparing an amazing crime thriller in collaboration with Suresh Gopi-Biju Menon. The script of the film was written by Mithun Manuel Thomas, which changed from the repetitive patterns and was approved by the audience. Arun is on his way to his next film by taking the responsibility given by Garuda. Listyn is preparing for another film with Stephen. ‘I’m not one to say OK to a story right away. Arun’s words are encouraging to the audience.
#faces #hopes #weekend
