Malayalam cinema had done its share of experiments since the previous century with the introduction of fresh concepts and unconventional film making techniques by master craftsmen like Padmarajan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Bharathan, and John Abraham, where they created opportunities for regional cinema to reach a global audience. With realistic plots, subtle performances and unique storytelling, malayalam cinema travelled through the 80s golden age with ease. However by late 90s, the momentum changed as cinema became more mainstream and the medium started to get attention as mere business rather than a work of art. The audience lauded the larger than life characters that overshadowed realism until some filmmakers and fans realized that a change was inevitable, and therefore rushed to create a second wave of experiments that fortunately directed Malayalam cinema back on track. With that being said, I shall take you through some of the movies that added fuel to the 21st century New Generation wave in malayalam cinema.
1. 4 the people (2004)
Released in 2004, the Jayaraj directorial is a trendsetter, that emphasized on a new breed of filmmaking by demonstrating unusual camera angles, editing techniques, fresh faces and unheard musical styles. The movie pulled of a great run at the box office on the shoulders of its soundtrack composed by then debutant music director Jassie Gift. The track "Lajjavathi" sparked a festive mood in cinema halls across the state that became the anthem of the flash mob culture, which stated to gain fame by the end of the decade. The movie's Cinematography played a huge influence on the action flicks created by directors like Shaji Kailas and Joshiy in the later years.
2. Salt n Pepper (2011)
Salt n Pepper ,directed by Aashiq Abu, is arguably the first malayalam movie to introduce food as an emotional fictitious character. The movie that drew a contrast between human emotions to the sensitivity of our taste buds treats its characters to a blend of both, to which they respond naturally to the circumstances-be it sweet, sour or bitter. This movie could have started the relatively new cliché of the "five minute candid scene culture" often shown at the beginning of most movies that we see today, where random people are shown enjoying their favourite snack, to the music of their preference. Film companion's Anupama Chopra may admit that Lijo Jose Pellisery's use of meat in his movies these days could be attributed to the success of Salt n Pepper.
3. Traffic (2011)
A movie that appreciated the efforts of real life people and made it 'reel'. Traffic created a new dimension to the malayalam cinema culture by proving that great film making is so much engaging and changes the entire mood and contrast of the movie and further goes on to prove that plot is sometimes secondary to the former. Movies that talked about 'a day in the life' should give credits to this wonderfully orchestrated gem of a movie. A must watch for all movie fans, irrespective of language or culture.
4. Double Barrel (2015)
Perhaps, the most underappreciated project in recent times. Prithviraj Sukumaran himself, who served as both actor and producer to the movie, has dubbed this movie an "experiment" for the ages. The comic infused spoof genre and its associated plot and humour elements were indigestible, especially for the viewers who approached the movie with realism. However, retrospective reviews , have started to shower praise on the movie for its impressive use of the movie camera, lighting, colour tone & graphics, one of a kind characters, and for being well ahead of its time. The movie that could have brought the idea of a Marvel and DC culture in malayalam cinema had obviously shown the courage in introducing an alien concept to our viewers. Enter....Tovino Thomas as Minnal Murali.
5. Premam (2015)
The movie that made Nivin Pauly, a superstar, was indeed experimental, given the kind of treatment done by its director, Alphonse Puthren. Every element that played a a part in the usual teenage fantasy/ romance genre of our movie culture was presented with full honesty. All exaggerations were kept aside, chocolatish vibes were washed off, and over the top scenes fully erased . The former statement holds true and that is why the youth are still able to relate to all the elements of this movie, including the ones in Tamil movie 96 starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha, eventually earning them both blockbuster status.
Do you agree with this list. What other movies do you think should have been included in this list. Kindly drop your comments.
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