8 TEENTIME

2012 APRIL 18 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 44 GULF MADHYAMAM l No1 IN THE GULF

CHIPS@

t is only his second film, but director Arun Kumar Aravind has given a master class in innovative story-telling in the recent release EeAdutha Kalathu (EAK), a film that is as stylish as it is spell-binding. Arun deals with a medley of characters and twists and turns in the plot, freely blends genres of a crime thriller and family drama, and interconnects a series of disparate events to create a wholesome narrative much like a music conductor harnessing diverse sounds in an orchestral symphony. While there is a lightness of touch and underlying tinge of humour throughout the treatment, the director seems to have reserved the best for the last as he delivers a classy climax. I am as excited as a child who has been gifted a new toy, says Arun Kumar Aravind about how he feels about the rousing audience response to EAK which is being hailed as a trend-setter in the new wave of Malayalam cinema. When I saw the movie in Chennai, the

I am as excited as a child who has been gifted a new toy, says Arun Kumar Aravind about how he feels about the rousing audience response to EAK which is being hailed as a trend-setter in the new wave of Malayalam cinema.
movie to be offbeat. It was while editing Bhool-Bhulayya that the thought of directing a film grew on him. As the senior writers he approached were busy with projects they had committed to, he began to look out for young talents. Almost all the scripts I read or heard were artist-based. It was then I met Anoop Menon, whose Pakalnakshathrangal I liked. So, we went on to make a movie based on Butterfly on Wheels and that was Cocktail, says Arun. Not too keen on doing another remake, he waited patiently for the right script. The decision to make a second film was made in a flash when he heard a story in one line from Murali Gopi. He was a bit apprehensive since his Rasikan had flunked. But I firmed up our cast after assessing the past pervirtually forced him to write. formances of most of our main artists, he says. I am happy that the fights Arun feels that a strong script is the backbone we had in between for the of a good film. And the story should be skilfully film did not go futile. And woven around the characters. EAK is also refreshour chemistry is reflected on ing in its treatment of villains. Apart from Baiju screen, says Arun. who plays a goon, there is the unconventional Film lovers have one more anti-hero played by Nishan of Rithu and Apoorreason to be excitedthe duo varagam fame who steals the show as the suave has already two projects in youngster who lures unsuspecting women into the pipeline. sleaze videos using Arun feels that the aspiring a hidden camera. Jyothi Varma film makers should learn film Arun says his evolution from Editor to Direcmaking properly, approach it tor was not a conscious onehe was the edisincerely and respect the art form of tor of several Priyadarshan films before he tried his hand at cinema. direction. Once he learnt the grammar of cinema, he wanted n to make a film. But he was clear-headed about wanting his

Fresh and mature a.k.a Arun

crowd gave a standing ovation once the movie was over, says an elated director. The young director, who debuted with Cocktail (2010) waited for more than a year for the right script. And in EAK the chemistry with writer-actor Murali Gopi has worked wonders. In essence, the film is a product of a tight script, dexterous direction and innovative narration. According to Arun, a movie should not just be an admixture of fireworks and fumes; all sound and fury signifying nothing. Rather, cinema has to explore the complex territory of the human mind. EAK is a movie sans super stars and it draws out hitherto unseen dimensions in actor Indrajiths craft. Ask him why he didnt have super stars, his answer his simple the movie did not demand heavyweights. Once Murali was through with the script he had a very clear idea about the characters. The sketch was so perfect that all the actors fitted well into their roles. Casting in a film is very important. We

FIRST TAKE>