I began my film company in 1988. Unlike the routine production house, I started off with a full production to distribution company. After the studio ages of Malayalam cinema this was not at all common. Anyone who had a distribution company least bothered in production and producers were interested in selling their films fast. Production houses did later on turn into distribution as well; but as a beginner; this was a little risky job.
My experience in filmdom is very special. I got to know and work with a lot of celebrities, and was able to make good bonds among most of them. Naming one or two will not be justice. Most of my films were with Mammootty; both coincidentally and intentionally. I have not repeated my technical side quite frequently though. Let me brief you some of the films
OWN PRODUCTION
Dhwani
Directed by AT Abu and scripted by PR Nathan, this was my first film and sadly also the last film of the Legend Prem Nazir. The story is centered on a dumb girl of a retired Justice, who falls in love with his friends son. Shobhana was the heroine and Jayaram was the hero.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jv2W3ZUlFI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Guj0V6ujW8
my fav songs in it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM4qtqWgTdA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn5Lfbor6Vg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2Karl9gQCA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Biaqkhuo4
Purappad
Directed by Jesi and scripted by John Paul, this cinema was the first I worked with Mammootty in the lead. The story was based on the movement of a village to their rehabilitation location as a natural calamity hits their home. Mammootty played the character of the leader of them. It was big budget film for the time but was a calamity in the box office.
Couple of songs in it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxx__31YE1c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INccscSmwD4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxA5TsgjC7U
Radhamadhavam
Directed By Suresh Unnithan and scripted by the legendary Lohithadas, this film was again that of a triangular love story. Thilakan plays the role of a novelist in his late ages is under a relationship with an actress, played by Geetha. His foster son, played Jayaram, ends up falling in love with her as well. This drama was well appreciated by the critic. This film is also the only film I have "acted". It was a junior artist character, so I did it for the thrill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p407iFCuEhk&feature=&p=BAC00B476E76E8D6&index=0&playnext=1
Songs from the film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfqnu1BRB0A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn_sMi3iN_E
Oru Abhibhashakante Case diary
After Radhamadhavam, I was basically inclined in releasing films over and over again; that I got a long break. This was a film that came when I had grown a very intense relation with Mammootty. We had been working together over and over again that finally I thought I have to produce with him again. With the ever winning combination of SN Swami , K Madhu; This story was about a public prosecutor fighting a case against the state as he realizes the case is totally a fabricated move to save somebody else
A song from this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMhm4RkusNo
THE KING
Directed by Shaji Kailas and scripted by Renji Panicker, this one film is now how i am known as a film maker. This film started the era of releasing in B class theatres. When the average release was in 14 theatres then; this film was relaeased in 44 theatres. The discussions of this film have also been a catalyst in making me decide that I too have to play the role of myself as a responsible citizen and be a part of the governing system.
And regarding the film, I dont think I have to talk about it.
My fav dialogues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u02bGX3i6qs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr63I1cndl4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C85Uv6hcgf8
My favourite highlight of the film is the performance by the legendary actor Kuthiravattam Pappu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Clq9Mf68o
The Good Boys
This slapstick comedy was my last venture as a producer as I had to concentrate more on politics thereafter. Directed by KP Sunil this film was a popcorn buster and did fairly well
DISTRIBUTION
Amaram
Though not my home production this is one film that I have been very much proud to be associated of. This was the biggest hot for me on terms of viewership just after The King. Critics were left speechless and fans just loved it. Amongst the films I have worked with him, I would rate this as the best film for Mammootty.
This film also was the last film with Lohitadas and Bharathan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXnSodntFCs&feature=&p=1368FE0F035CC635&index=0&playnext=1
a couple of scenes and songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ZllMa2cI8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CyBFnNvSrI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0lIZpEznC0
Ezharakkoottam
This was taken as add-on for my distribution network as it came months before THE KING. This comedy film in which Dileep played a physically challenged Gunda leader was a success. I regard this character as one amongst his career best roles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d3aBTEaJSw
Aayirappara
Directed by Venu Nagavally, this periodic film based on the post independence situation in South Kerala’s agriculture families was a huge initial puller, as this was a first Mammootty-Venu Nagavally combination. The lack of continuity in the film resulted in the failure of it too, eventually.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcU7CPgKD7g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmWPynYld_o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9A-8VZ9PJU
Mahanagaram
A pure masala thriller film directed by Rajiv Kumar and led by Mammootty. The credit of the film’s success should be also given to the villains of the film, Thilakan as Kelu writer and Meena as his wife
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqLZTYyRt1s
Sooryamanasam
Directed by Viji Thampi, this is the film of Mammooty’s famous PUTTURUMEESE. The story is about a mentally retarded person who fled from his hometown with his mother to an estate, changes the situation over there. This saga of two unwanted souls couldn’t do well in the box office, mainly due to the mismatch of emotions and expectations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LkvkeOeG00
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afxXxit-0Fk
Ponthan Mada
Directed by TV Chandran, this was the most critically acclaimedand awards winning film to which I have been attached to. Based on two novels, this film also had Naseerudheen Shah in the cast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AS87dBTKRM&feature=&p=43BF4653B08A3106&index=0&playnext=1
Ilavankodudesham
Based on a story from Aitheehyamala, this Mammootty starrer film directed by KG George was a disaster at the box office. In fact, this film made me rethink of the prospects of this business and eventually called it a day for my firm
Kerala Distribution
Jathakam, Anagha, Avan Ananthapadmanabhan, Red Indians, The Sixth Sense, Dharthiputra, Badal etc
