Click to play videoVallachira, Thrissur From dropping out of school in Class VII to winning a National Award, director Priyanandanan has come a long way.
However, the man who handled actors with aplomb to make a national award-winning movie is not as comfortable when put in the spotlight himself.
The Class VII dropout, who couldn't continue studies due to poverty, recounts his journey from theatre to cinema, from being a goldsmith's assistant to becoming a director.
“My village loves art and theatre. Every year famous theatre artistes come here to stage plays. I came into contact with great people like Jose Chiramal, Naripetta Raju. I started as an actor, but later explored filmmaking,” says Priyanandanan.
In Pulijanmam, Priyanandanan blends myth and reality to narrate a story of struggle against exploitation and fundamentalism. The character of Kaari Gurukkal runs parallel with that of Prakasan, an idealistic farmer, both portrayed by actor Murali. The movie was funded by an NRI friend and was screened at theatres rented by well-wishers.
“People screened the movie by renting out theatres. The response showed that there is an audience for good movies. This national award has now proved cinema transcends boundaries of language. It will inspire me to make good films,” says Priyanandanan.
His first movie, Neythukaran, had also won its share of awards, but Priyanandanan was forgotten soon. He thinks that this time too his new glory will fade with time.
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