Metamorphosis

This afternoon I got to do something I really enjoy doing. I got to watch a good Malayalam movie Kamaladalam on television. I am not at home most afternoons and hence I don’t get to see the reruns that are telecast on various channels. I am a great buff of Malayalam movies and I try my best not to miss the good ones that get released in Chennai. I have seen Kamaladalam when it was released way back in 1992. Like most people of my age group, it was deeply embedded in my psyche that a Mohanlal or Mammootty movie should never be missed. The reason for this attitude is the fact that both these actors are very talented and so rarely disappoint.

I consider Mohanlal as an all time great actor. Being a Malayali actor, his reach is very limited and hence never gets to be appreciated the way he should. Yes, there is no doubt that four Bharat awards have come his way. However I feel his acting abilities should have seen him on the International stage. I have watched him like many other fellow Malayalis right from his first movie Manjil Virinja Pookal. His portrayal as the villain is etched in our minds. On seeing that movie, most of us were sure that he was here to stay as he outshone the sugar candy hero in all aspects. Then we were served with a barrage of Mohanlal movies. He has made us laugh and cry and go through all the other human emotions as is possible. What made him stand apart was his ability to become the character he played. Never did he make us feel that he was acting. The dancer in Kamaladalam would take ones breathe away and as for Vanaprastham, he has proved himself beyond doubt. Who can forget T.P. Balagopal M.A or the earnest landlord of Sanmannasu Ullavarkku Samadhanam or the failed NRI of Varavelpu? Three movies in which he played the man next door character with so much of panache. Then there were the Vijayan and Dasan CID series - two lovable police officers with whom we laughed and had a riot. Chitram was an entertainer through and through. Devasuran was power packed as was his first hit Rajavinte Magan. Kireedam and Chengol were fabulous examples of what fine acting was. As for his home production of His Highness Abdullah and Bharatham, they entertained with their fine acting and lovely songs. All this happened in the late 80’s and 90’s. Then came the new century and things took a turn. I don’t know where the great actor who elevated the standard of a movie disappeared. Of the many Mohanlal movies that I have seen in the recent past Thanmatra deserves a standing ovation. As for other worthwhile movies of the past decade a couple can be mentioned and they would be Vadakkunnathan and Rasathanthram.

It really upsets me to see this great actor portraying roles in a manner so demeaning to his abilities. The bus conductor of Vamanapuram Bus Route, made me hang my head in shame. As for Balettan it was hard to laugh at his antics. Then there was Kadha Ezhuthigeyannu and I thought to myself well what was the director or the actor trying to convey. Even the much acclaimed Udayanannu Thaaram, was not the man himself. It was as if things were blotched up together to make a movie. Although Red Chillies was running in Chennai last week, I dared not to go for fear of what I would have to see. Suited and booted and trying to look young to match the bevies all around him somehow does not bring out the natural flair in the actor. It only makes him look like a constipated person on screen.

No one likes to grow old, more so the Indian Actors and Actresses. Since Mohanlal is an Indian Actor, he is trying all the tricks in the trade to remain young by acting with kids who are young enough to be his daughter. When will our actors grow out of this syndrome? They try to ape Hollywood in all other aspects but this. This year the Oscars for the best Actor went to Sean Penn for his role in Milk. He portrayed a middle aged politician who happened to be gay and this stellar performance won him the award. It is not as if the Hollywood heroes get to do a movie every month but when they do, they see to it that they give it their best. Surprisingly Sean Penn and Mohanlal are the same age, both being born in the year 1960.

Mohanlal’s metamorphosis until now has been great and I wish he would finish the cycle in the natural way. I am willing to expunge the errors of this decade and am hoping to see some great roles in the final phase.

PS. Don’t disappoint us Padmashri Lt. Col. Bharath Mohanlal !!!