Haritha John| The News Minute | October 16, 2014 | 2.00 pm IST
They had been a part of Malayalam cinema for years… behind the camera as assistant directors, scriptwriters and technicians. But now they are the new breed of directors who have made an impactful entry into Mollywood.
Jibu Jacob, Santhosh Nair and Dileesh Nair are part of the new crop of directors whose movies have received an overwhelming response from the audience. Some others like them are waiting for their movies to release.
Jibu Jacob worked in the film industry for two decades as a cinematographer and wore the director’s hat for Vellimoonga, produced by Ullattil Productions starring Biju Menon, a movie that released on September 25. The movie revolves around the life of an unmarried politician. “ This film is my past three years effort and hard work, there were moments when I felt like quitting but the artists and script writers stood by me. I am glad that the film is getting good response” says Jibu Jacob. His debut in Malayalam cinema was as an assistant to cinematographer Salu George.
Santhosh Nair’s Money Ratnam is a dream project for any first time director, as it stars the young hero Fahad Fazil. The story is all about a young man who dreams about becoming rich. Santhosh was an assistant director for 13 years and worked under experienced directors like Venu Nagavalli, Renji Panicker, and V.M Vinu
Dileesh Nair renowned scriptwriter of Salt and Pepper, Da thadiya and Idukki gold directed his first film Tamar Patar with Prithviraj in lead role. The film is getting a good response. “I am lucky that I had a dedicated and enthusiastic team in my directorial debut, without whom I would not have made it” said Dileesh Nair.
Rejish Midhila was the graphic designer of Mohanlal’s website Mohanlal –The complete Actor. His directorial debut Lal Bahadur Shastri stars Jayasurya, Nedumudi Venu and Aju Varghese as Lal, Bahadur and Shastri respectively. “The film is the result of three years hard work, we had a good team. I am eagerly waiting for the release” Rejish said it proudly
“My long career as editor taught me to visualize a movie through the eyes of the audience” says Bijith Bala the director of Nellikka, which is about to release. He was the editor for many renowned Malayalam movies like Ente Veedu Appoontem.
Jean Markose with Angels and Midhun Manuel Thomas with Aadu are also waiting for a debut success party.
Film critics analyse that the array of new directors is a positive sign for the Malayalam film industry.