Ekantham, Thilakan and Murali excel

Submitted by bhawani on Tue, 2007-05-08 07:46. Movies

Madhu Kaithapram's maiden venture is a film that treads a new path. The casting coup has added to the the final product. No packaging with exotica, or including ingredients for effect, the film has an appeal. There are moments taken from our lives but never does one get the feel of a cliched sequence.

Thilakan and Murali have delivered afresh, new facets to their already established versatility. Is it about the call of the roots? Yes, it is. Is it about bonding? Yes, it is. Is it about 'loving' even when you know it is going to meet an untimely end? Yes, it is. It is about all this and much more.

Surely, most would say that with all this it has to be a totally mixed up film which gives a little of everything to suit all age groups. In fact what it does is use all these elements in a manner it affects any individual's life. Therefore, there is restraint, a pace close to life and yet a novelty in the manner of handling of the theme.

At an interactive session after a screening of the film, Thilakan, Madhu Kaithapram
M J Radhakrishnan(Cinematographer)responded to audience queries, forcing nothing on the viewer.Thilakan said, every scene with Murali was well-thought out by the two character actors, "We decided we would try to limit the acting element and give the role a different feel." That has succeeded. The torment of the elder brother in various scenes acquired a awesome feel with the deft handling of the camera.

The palliative care centre, nestling in the salubrious climes of a hill station acquires an imposing presence - the lofty hills in the background, the shifting mists, all a witness to the personal angst of every individual in the hospice swinging between hope and despair.

The cast is not crowded, nor are the scenes cluttered, and the events are real-all three combine to give a total effect to the film. No flashbacks, but simple recollections in conversation, leaving the rest to you have added to the quality of the film. Music by Johnson has also been well-executed - not intrusive, but creating the mood for the film.The presence of Meera Vasudevan, Madhu Pal and Manoj K Jayan and their contribution to the film has to be lauded. They too retained a subdued acting, which gave the necessary support to the final product.

Was told the film had a short run in theatres. Malayalee tastes are far removed from reality, 'life is a bubble' that will not burst seems to be the track of thought. Hence a film such as this has few takers!!

Ekantham, gives reason to hope for good films at least an occasional one from Kerala which is realistic yet appealing.
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