The two years of pandemic prompted filmmakers to take a desperate move to release their films on the OTT platform. However, the popularity of OTT is not going to continue over a long period

The veteran Malayalam filmmaker crafted many classics in Malayalam cinema and brought a new wave. His debut film, the national award-winning ‘Swayamvaram’ (1972) was a milestone in Malayalam film history. The film was exhibited widely in various international film festivals. All 12 films of Adoor were well received by critics at various film festivals and fetched him many awards.

Replying to the question of the influence of Ray on his films, he brimmed, “I never imitated Ray, but he inspired me in an indirect way - he interpreted Indian reality like nobody. I liked his work on detailing of every small aspect. I also do that detailing. If you do that, nobody can dismiss your film. Every time you see, you can learn new things as there are many layers.”

When asked about his film, the genius filmmaker preferred to refer to each film directed by him as his best film so far.

Speaking about the state of art film, the Padma Vibhushan director was optimistic about the future of meaningful cinema.

“Good films do not come as a movement. It depends on individuals. The meaningful cinema cannot die.”

He was quite enthusiastic about the creative films being made in Kerala. He appreciated avant-garde filmmaker Vipin Vijay, who was a student of the ‘Satyajit Ray film and Television Institute’.

But with his 12th feature, ‘Pinneyum’, released six years back, when can the ardent critique watch a glimpse of his next marvel?

“I do not get the excitement of doing any film right now. Only when the internal calling comes, do I start working. Otherwise, I do not work. I leave it to my inner calling.” signed off the simpleton.*