My Favorite Directors
Padmarajan – The legend, who was way ahead of his time!
Language: Malayalam
I have to admit, that I could not digest Padmarajan’s works during my Teenage days where I was more into cheesy action/horror movies. Once I started expanding my movie horizons, I realized the true genius of this legend. Padmarajan (Pappettan, as he is affectionately called) is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
His works were unique, with fine and detailed writing, which was brilliantly presented via movies with his trademark expressive style. He was a free-spirited individual who was never shy in exploring themes which were considered taboo during the time.
Padmarajan was a film-maker who was way ahead of his time. He had this great ability to strike the perfect balance between intellectual and commercial cinema. His works were natural and realistic, with ‘next door’ men and women portraying pivotal characters. His scripts and screenplays are among the best ever in Malayalam cinema.
Attention to detail, great character development, amazing onscreen chemistry between actors, wonderful landscapes, poetic narrations, perfectly synched background scores, haunting climaxes are some of the main traits of his movies. He was able to bring the best out of many actors and gave the industry many good talents like Jayaram, Ashokan, Shaari, Rahman etc.
The intensity which he was able to bring on screen for me is unparalleled. The way he handled human nature, relationships, romance, suspense etc. are something to behold. Over the years, his works have achieved cult status.
It’s extremely hard to pick the best movies of Padmarajan as all his creations were splendid. Listed below are my favorite Padmarajan movies:
1) Thoovanathumbikal (Dragonflies in the Spraying Rain)
A person with dual identity – A simpleton in his hometown and a playboy in city. What happens when two girls come into his life? The beauty of rain is brilliantly picturised in this. This is one of my all-time favorite movies and everything about this movie is top-notch! You don’t see a Mohanlal, Sumalatha or Babu Namboothiri – rather you see Jayakrishnan, Clara, Thangal (their respective characters) – Exceptional performances! The movie explores morality, self-realization etc. I still have this movie’s BGM as my mobile ringtone 😛
2) Moonnampakkam (The Third Day)
This movie explores Love and Death. It’s about the incredible bond between a grandfather and his grandson, and what fate has in store for them. It’s a simple story told in a fascinating way. The performances, especially from Thilakan and Jagathy were simply magical! The song ‘Unarumee gaanam’ is so haunting and powerful.
3) Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal (Vineyards for us to dwell in)
One of my favorite love stories. This movie has one of the best proposal scenes I’ve ever seen – Simple, Innocent & Pure! (aided by an excellent background score, camera angles and natural acting – which are specialities of Padmarajan movies) Special mention to the step-father role done by Thilakan.
4) Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil (In the Village which wears a Warrior’s belt)
Three friends visit a brothel and the events that unfold is what the movie deals with. This was a unique subject which would have created a truck load of controversies today. It had limited characters, mostly relying on a single location with a slow-burn atmospheric tension. Sukumari as ‘Maluamma’ was brilliant!
5) Aparan (The Impostor)
This movie deals with the problems faced by an innocent young because of a mistaken identity. Jayaram made his debut through this film and gave a fine performance. It’s full of suspense as the protagonist is constantly troubled and in search of his look-alike.
6) Innale (Yesterday)
Innale is a psychological romantic drama centered around a girl who develops amnesia after an accident. Shobana who plays the main protagonist perfectly showcases her helplessness, optimism, love etc. The standout performance for me though was Suresh Gopi. He only had an extended cameo, but gave a fantastic performance and was instrumental in making one of the most haunting climax’s I’ve ever experienced in movies.
7) Season
Season was a very under-rated movie of Padmarajan. The script and narrative style were way ahead of its time. It’s a revenge thriller told from the perspective of the protagonist – Mohanlal’s character. The movie is set in the backdrop of smuggling business in and around the beautiful Kovalam beach. Gavin as ‘Fabien’ is a perfect foe to the lead character.
8) Kariyilakkattu Pole (Like a zephyr of dry leaves)
A famous filmmaker is murdered and the investigation that follows forms the premise of this movie. Two legends in form of Mammotty and Mohanlal starred in this, but their stardom was kept aside, and as usual with Padmarajan movies, the script and screenplay took over. A classic mystery thriller.
9) Deshadanakkili Karayarilla (Migratory birds don’t cry)
Perhaps one of the first Indian movies to explore the theme of Womance. It’s a coming of age drama about two teenage runaways. A very sensitive movie especially for its time period. Shari as ‘Sally’ gave a terrific performance.
10) Thinkalazcha nalla divasam (Monday, an Auspicious Day)
This movie explores the cultural shift from Joint to Nuclear families. Two sons along with their families’ get-together at their ancestral home to celebrate their mother’s 60th birthday, and the events that unfold when the younger son discloses his plan to sell-off the house and suggests to put the mother in an old-age home. All the actors did their job very well especially Kaviyoor Ponnamma and Karamana Janardhanan Nair.
Each of these movies deserve a detailed review. Those memorable characters, scenarios, nature, mystery, the off-beat storytelling, the minute attention to detail – What a Legend! His legacy continues to inspire film-makers and viewers.
Image source: IMDB , YouTube
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23 Comments
Sita
Awesome review on some of my most fav movies…gr8 going da…👍👌
Prakash Thampi
Thanks a lot dear 😊
Deepa
Ur getting good at it day by day. Keep it up.👌🏼
Prakash Thampi
Thanks a lot dear 😊
Ratish Nair
Dear Prakash, Me also being a movie buff and love for Padmarajan movies….you rightly mentioned that each movie needs a more detailed review, but still your write up has made it enough.
In the above list, I missed out Arapatta kettiya Gramathil. Need to watch this movie. May be I would have watched it in my childhood.
Once again need to say….excellent write up !
Prakash Thampi
Thanks a lot bro. Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil is one of its kind – Do watch it! 🙂
Shruti
Have seen a few, will watch the rest. I’ve seen Deshanapakshikal karayilla. A movie similar to that got banned in India. Malayalam movies are indeed tolerant and story oriented. Hope they continue the trend. Moonampakkam still haunts me.. and Namukku parkan mundirithopukal is one movie which really needs special attention.
Prakash Thampi
Thanks a lot Shruthi 😊 80s and 90s were the golden days of malayalam cinema – no superstars, script and screenplay were the stars!
Ramesh Nair
Excellent write up Bro… Good going 👍
Prakash Thampi
Thanks bro 😊
Shiva Kumar Pillai
Very impressive review of selected Padmarajan films!
The translation of the films’ titles to English is done brilliantly as well.
Whether he should be primarily remembered as a great novelist or an accomplished film director is always a question in front me. Of course, he was a master craftsman in both fields…and not to forget him as a news reader and presenter in AIR, once upon a time.
Prakash Thampi
Thanks a lot 😊. I guess because of the pan india appeal of his movies, the English translations were available in public domain and I provided the same for the non-malayalee audiences. You are absolutely right – he excelled in all his ventures! A true legend
Gayathri S
Indeed a pleasure to go through some great movies of all times, however personally my all time favourite is his last film, ‘Njan Gandharvan’
Prakash Thampi
Thanks Gayathri. As I had mentioned, it was extremely tough to pick his best as all are fantastic. Njan Gandharvan too is 👌
Jis Jerald
That was a great write up…. I am also his greatest fan… I have even lost count on the number of times I have seen each of the movies mentioned above… Each movie of his has got a repeat value… I never get bored when I see his movies.. I don’t think there is another writer-director of his calibre… Thanks Prakash for reminding me again of this legend🙏🏼😊… By the way you missed out on his last movie Njan Gandharvan…. Was that intentional?
Prakash Thampi
Thanks a lot Jis😊 Agree to each and every point you mentioned. The repeat value is spot on! It was extremely tough to pick top 10 out of his works as all his works are pure bliss👌 njan gandharvan, nombarathipoovu, kallan pavithran, oridathoru phayalvan …all are 👌
Unnikrishnan
Superb write up Unni 👏👏
Prakash Thampi
Thanks a lot bro ☺
Vijay
Excellent Prakash.. keep going
Prakash Thampi
Thanks Vijay😊
Arun Muraleedharan
Keep up with the good work. Having a good flow as like watch a movie. Suggesting one more to the list ” Kallan Pavithran”.
Prakash Thampi
Thanks Arun. Yes, kallan pavithran, njan gandharvan and more are there. It was hard picking favorites out of his collection 🙂
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