Jayachandran spots the singer in Jayaram

M Jayachandran is in a jubilant mood these days.  And he has enough reasons to be so. Spotting a new talent is every music directors’ dream. Guess who is the new singer whom Jayachandran has spotted. It is none other than actor Jayaram, who would be singing a song in Salaam Kashmir being directed by Joshiy. Jayachandran, the music composer of Salaam Kashmir, is himself singing one number in the movie. His words to Manoramaonline about Salaam Kashmir:


On the music of  Salaam Kashmir 

In Joshiy movies, the songs are as important as the story line. When you work with Joshiy, you get a feeling that the song is going be a success. That is the sort of support you get from him. You can expect this in Salaam Kashmir too. That Jayaram is singing is the added attraction.

How did you rope in Jayaram to sing in the movie?  
We had not decided to rope in Jayaram to sing a song for the movie. It just happened. When we were holding discussion on who would sing the song, Jayaram himself offered to sing. Though I wasn’t that confident about this, when he started singing, I realised that Jayaram would rock. He has sung the song Kannadipuzhayile. This would be a unique gift for film fans.

Do you think Jayaram has succeeded as a singer? 

Of course. There is a talented singer in Jayaram. He has sung like an experienced singer with great feel. Everyone was stunned when he sang. Now, it is for the audiences to judge.  I see a bright future for Jayaram as a singer.

You are also singing in the movie? 

Yes. I am giving music direction to two songs in the movie. And I am singing one of them.

Isn’t there a singer in Suresh Gopi too? 

The character of Suresh Gopi in the movie doesn’t need to sing. It is a unique character. You would understand that only when you see the movie. I am also eagerly awaiting the movie Pattam Pole. I have given music to 4 songs in the movie. It would be a unique experiment in my career. I wish, the audiences would lap it up.

Lal Jose eyeing Bollywood with ’Diamond Necklace’ remake

Chennai: After giving four back-to-back hits in Malayalam cinema, popular director Lal Jose is in talks to remake his Fahad Fazil starrer 'Diamond Necklace' in Bollywood. 

Jose struck gold at the box office in these one-and-a-half years with 'Diamond Necklace', Prithviraj-starrer 'Ayalum Njanum Thammil' in 2012, Mammooty starrer 'Immanuel' and more recently with 'Pullipuliyam Aatinkuttiyum' (Kunchako Bobban), which was set against the backdrop of Kuttanad, Kerala's rice bowl in Alappuzha district. 

The director also won the Filmfare and South Indian International Movie awards for best director in Malayalam for 'Ayalum Njanum Thammil.' 
"Nothing has been finalised as of now," Jose told PTI when asked about the Hindi remake of 'Diamond Necklace'. 

Jose has delivered bigger hits in his career, starting starting with his debut film in 1998 Mammooty starrer 'Oru Maravathur Kanavu' but there have been failures also. 

"This is the first time that I had four hits in a row. Hope this will continue. I think when the planning becomes right, my likes and convictions are in sync with the majority of the people, the film becomes a hit," Jose said. 

The director is currently busy giving shape to his 20th film '7 Sundara Raathrikal' (Seven Beautiful Nights) starring Dilip, Murali Gopi, Rima Kallingal and newcomer Parvathy Nambiar. 

"Everything is going at breakneck speed. Editing and shooting are going in parallel. The plan is to release it on December 20," Jose said. 

The director will be completing 25 years in the industry next year having started his career as assistant to director Kamal in 1989. 

During the over two-decade period, Jose says he was enamoured of scripting by well-known actor Srinivasan and inspired by the visual treatment of S Kumar. 

Jose's popular hits include 'Chandranudikkunna Dikhil' (1999), 'Chanthupottu (2005), 'Arabikkatha' (2007), 'Neelathaamara' (2009) and 'Elsamma Enna Aankutty' (2010). 

Asked if he will take the risk of making a movie with newcomers, he said a project has been finalised next year. "A new hero, heroine and cinematographer. The film has all major characters played by newcomers." 

The director, however, is not planning to write the script of his films as it requires "patience". 

"Scripting requires a lot of creativity and patience. The technology and literature has to be blended. Characters have to be churned out and observations should be fast and one has to be focused. 

"I do not have that patience. I did the script for a 10-minute short film, 'Puram Kazchakal' starring Mammooty and Srinivasan in 'Kerala Cafe', a compilation of ten movies. But that is it. When you have better people for the job, why lose your head on this." 

Jose has directed Mammooty in four films, starting with debut film 'Oru Maravathur Kanavu' (1998), 'Pattalam' (2003), Kerala Cafe (2010) and 'Immanuel' this year. 

On directing Mohanlal, the other superstar of Mollywood, he said he has committed to a project with him, but is still searching for a suitable script. "I have been director for 15 years. So expectations will be very high," Jose said. 

Music composer Vidyasagar has been a constant feature in his films right from 'Oru Marvathur Kanavu.' 

"We vibe well. He understands my kind of cinema and we jell together, the strain and stress is less. He has given me good songs." 

But Jose decided to give a break to a new talent with 'Immanuel' where visually challenged Afzal Yusuff has composed the music. 
"He is an extraordinary talent. He has surprised me with his repertoire," Jose said about Yusuff.

Asked whether he is an admirer of filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, known for his penchant to appear in short scenes in his movies, Jose said he actually did a scene in Kamal's movie 'Nadan' recently, but he is playing a character -- Jacob Tharakan - first time in 'Om Shanti Osana', scheduled for release next year. 

Jose does not have much expectation about his films winning awards. People had predicted the 2006 film 'Classmates', which became the highest grosser in the Malayalam film industry despite having newcomers will fetch him the national award for the best director. But the movie bagged only the best popular film award for critical value. 

"I do not have any such expectations. You see, my focus is to give a different presentation to the film, subject wise, location wise and treatment. That is my identity and I work towards that... Awards come much later so I don't get disappointed if I don't get it and if I win one, I do not assume that I am the best in the industry," Jose said. 

On his bagging the Kerala state best director award for Ayalum Njanum Thammil, he said it depends on the taste of the seven-eight members on the jury. And the majority's taste was in sync with his movie. 

There were about 140 films last year and of this, 85 were screened for the awards. 

"I am not a fool to believe that only my film was the best and I am the best director. There might have been others who had done better. The fact is that a majority liked my film and direction, that is all."

Manju embraces the pen

Malayalam cinema is still awaiting Manju Warrier’s much-awaited comeback, but before that the immensely talented actress is donning a new role as a writer. 

Manju had embraced her role as a writer with élan through her weekly column in Malayala Manorama. DC Books has now collated it and published it as a book titled ‘Sallapam”. The book is to be launched on Friday by Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi.

After making her debut, Manju did not hesitate to take it further through her column in Manorama. She wrote on her favourite song – Thenpandi Cheemayile, the lingering song sung by Kamal Haasan in Nayakan and composed by none other than maestro Ilayaraja. The lucid writer in her deftly weaves a nostalgic thread for this song by linking it to her fond memories of CSI Lower Primary School in Nagercoil, where she did her schooling.      

The lingering taste of memories

Madhavan Warrier, her dad, was then working with Sundaram Finance in Nagercoil, where Manju was born. She got her first lessons in dance from Selin Kumari teacher there. Fourteen years later, when Manju did her 'arangettam', or debut stage performance, she did not forget to take the blessings of her first guru before taking to the stage in Guruvayoor.

The versatile actress also doesn’t fail to mention about the immense affection the audiences have given her for about 20 films in which she marveled in just three years. And she traces the trajectory of her characters right from the bubbly Radha of Sallapam with the voracious sensitivity of a teenager.

Incidentally, the rustic feel of a village lass is there for all to see in most of her characters.

Maya of Dilliwalla Rajakumaran, Anjali of Ee Puzhayum Kadannu,  Anupama of Irattakuttikalude Achan, Arathy of Pranayavarnangal, Unni Maya of Aram Thampuran and Bhanu of Kanmadham  -- all of them wear the soul of rustic charm.

The noble souls who departed from her life, from Sreevidya to Cochin Haneefa find a mention in Sallapam. Not to mention her dad’s brother, who always wanted her to become a great actress.

Perhaps, that is why when Manju expresses her desire to embrace death a bit earlier, an element of sadness wrapped in the blunt reality of loneliness sets in on the reader.   

Not that she wants her image to remain the same as it is now, but Manju says she is only pointing out to the bitter truth that in old age, helplessness is the human being’s lone companion. 

In the last chapter, Manju dabbles with one of the most discussed topics in Malayalam cinema recently – her own comeback. 

Bhama’s sizzling ostrich ride!

There is no dearth of Malayalam movies in which our sizzling heroines have a ride atop horses and even elephants. No big deal, but Bhama has gone one-up on her tribe. The actress can be seen riding an ostrich in Naku Penta Naku Taka (which means “I love you too, I want you too, my love” in Swahili)! Now can you beat that?

Is it that the crew didn’t find a camel and hence spotted an ostrich? No prizes for guessing, as no one knows the story behind Naku Penta Naku Taka. Well the film’s title itself is a bit weird, so we can expect such stuff. Any way the ostrich was at ease with Bhama on top and the actress seemed to flaunt a smile which seems to suggest “Read my lips, I am on cloud nine.”

Flirting with anything from horses to majestic elephants is nothing new for Mollywood heroines. Manju Warrier rode a horse in Daya, and even managed to navigate a donkey in Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranaya Kalathu. And it may be recalled that the dazzling Nayanthara got a mouthful from none other than Mammotty for climbing atop an elephant, albeit in the movie Rappakal! And as if to hide her inability to ride atop animals, Jyothirmayi climbed a tree to flee from marching soldiers in Pattalam. But can any one of these acts match Bhama’s ostrich show? Not really!

If a nude Sherlyn Chopra of Kama Sutra fame can ride a horse and Bhama can flaunt an ostrich ride, can their peers be far behind? Don’t be stunned if you see much ‘wilder performances” soon from our heroines!

Riot of laughter, Kottayam style

Guinness Pakru, Kottayam Nazir, Ramesh Pisharadi and Williams. A mere mention of these names ensured a riot of laughter in Kottayam those days. Along with these illustrious comedy heroes, Kottayam was also grooming many of its sons to let comedy reign! Alex, Anish, Sankranthi Nazir, Shajon, Somarajan, Kanjiramattam Prashanth… the list of these mimics parade pals, who can trigger roaring laughter at the drop of a hat, is endless. As years passed by, these pals dispersed into the din and bustle of daily life.

Some landed offers in cinema, some took to TV and many others entertain the masses from the confines of stages.

Years later, when they gathered again to relive fond memories, fun, frolic and truckloads of laughter were sure-shot items on their comic menu.

Guinness Pakru: It is almost fifteen years since we all had a get together. To see people who shared the same stage and meals, you have to now switch on the TV. Isn’t it good to see that everyone has made a mark in life? I started as a Katha Prasangam artiste. But dad was hell bent against it. That is how I became a mimicry artiste.

Ramesh Pisharadi: So the end result is that you managed to get into AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes) after locking horns with Achan (Dad)!

Kottayam Nazir: It was the time when artistes from Kottayam were at their peak. There were times when we had done almost 30 shows daily. We slept, ate and virtually lived in Tempo travellers. One day myself, Sankranthi Nazir and Prasad were going for a programme in Munnar. It was raining heavily and the roads were all mud pools. As soon as our vehicle was about to overtake a bus, everyone in the tempo traveller were literally drenched by a splash from a pool of mud, thanks to the bus! We all were furious and decided to overtake the bus and stop it. Prasad literally grabbed the driver of the bus by his collar.

Pisharadi: I will narrate the rest. “How dare you drench us in a mud pool before our programme. Normally, it is after the programme we get such treatment,” screamed Prasad! Then it was a free for all as the bus commuters took on the Kottayam heros. Till then that place was known as Mali. After we got a severe thrashing from them that place it was renamed Adimali!

Pakru: Those days travelling for the programmes itself was fun. Alex will give dates to even two programmes on the same day even if the venues are in two corners of earth. One day four programmes were scheduled – Thirunakkara, Ayarkunnam, Puthukuzhi and Kallukadavu. After the elaborate speech of the minister at Thirunakkara itself our timing calculation went awry. Then we carried on to other venues with a time lag of 2-3 hours. When we headed to the last destination, Kallukadavu, one Santhosh also got into the vehicle to show us the way. As soon as our vehicle reached the venue, a furious crowed mobbed us. Enraged by the delay, they first grabbed Santhosh who was sitting in the side seat and threw him out. His pleas that he was not part of the troupe did not calm them. He got a mouthful from the crowd. Then a fat man came and threw Alex, who was hiding behind, out of the vehicle. After much commotion, we entered into a truce with the organisers, assuring them that we will do the show the next day. But Alex was still missing. The organisers then took as to a room where we saw Alex playing caroms alone! Later only did we realise that that was the punishment meted out to him – To play caroms alone all night.

Kottayam Nazir: In another instance, Alex again got two shows booked the same day in Chalakudi and Angamali. The Chalakkudi programme got cancelled when we reached there due to the demise of the Pope. We were actually glad that we can at least reach Angamaly on time for the next show and left without even collecting the money. But when we reached Angamaly it was the same story. The show there was also cancelled due to Pope’s demise!

Pisharadi: During a show in Kannur, some organisers came to us and told us in colloquial language something about Chief Minister E K Nayanar. That was the time when Nayanar’s phone-in programme was going on. And all mimicry artiste’s those days were imitating him. Some one came an told us something about imitating Nayanar in our show. We thought that they were asking us to imitate his phone-in which we did. Actually they were warning us not to tease Chief Minister E K Nayanar in the show. Needless to say we were released only after two days!

Kanjiramattam Prashanth: Those days, we were really afraid of police personnel. We didn’t have our own vehicles those days. After programmes, we had to get back on lorries plying late in the night mostly. After a programme in Cherthalai, we were getting to the bus stand in an auto. A police jeep stopped us and asked where we were headed to. Williams said we had gone for a “programme at a temple”. Suspicious that the “programme at night in a temple” could be some theft of Idol, the police personnel soon started searching our baggage. Williams was enacting Cochin Haneef, who usually comes with a knife in films those days and for that purpose he was carrying a knife in his baggage. And an artificial mustache too. This was enough for the police party to be more suspicions about us. We said we are mimicry artistes and we imitate the sound etc. of well-known personalities and film artistes. They asked whose sound Williams mimics and some one accidentally said Janardhanan. Actually Williams had never mimicked Janardhanan. “Nee Thankappanallada Ponnappan,” Williams started mimicking Janardhanan in true Kottayam Nazir style and all the police men except the SI burst into laughter. Then we realised that something was wrong. It was. The SI’s nameplate read thus: K K Ponnappan!

Pisharadi: One day police stopped me in Vytila at midnight and asked what I was doing there. Though I said I was returning after a ‘programme’ the police got suspicious and started searching my bag. First came a bra, then a blouse and all items we used for women characters for various programmes. The end result is that I had to perform in Vytila junction for 20 minutes to entertain the police personnel at midnight! When I was about to leave came another police party. And the performance went on till day break!

Pakru: There are two Nazir’s in Kottayam. Sankranthi and Kottayam Nazir! They are great pals, but at times locks horns. Next day when we all interfere to settle the issue, they will be pals again.

Pisharadi: Sankranthi Nazir is actually very street smart even though he turns up as a shy person. He has even performed along with Lata Mangeshkar. Once after he returned from a show in Doha, he listed out the other artistes who performed there. I was, thrilled when he listed Lata Mangeshkar as one of them. I said it is a great honour to perform along with Lata Mangeshkar. I asked him what all songs she sang and he said she didn’t sing but just performed a skit! Later on only I realised that it wasn’t Lata Mangeshkar, but our own Manka Mahesh that he was referring to!

Kottayam Nazir: After Tini Tom left our team, Aneesh joined us. Aneesh has a gift. What ever he predicts will come true. When we were about to go for a programme in US he said, I will have an encounter with a tiger there! And it actually happened. After the programmes, we went for site seeing. At some fantasy park, we had a photo opportunity with animal lookalikes. When I was about to pose with a tiger, it came jumping into me and I had to flee literally!

Pakru: That wasn’t a tiger. It could be someone from Kottayam who saw Nazir’s comedy show, got disgusted and ended his life! In his next incarnation, it took birth as a Tiger in the US.

After the cool gathering, Kottayam’s comic heroes got together for a photo shoot. And then, the riot of laughter continued unabated.