Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
INTERVIEW WITH LALJI DIRECTOR FILM"CHITHARIYAVAR"
Interview with Lalji Director “Chithariyavar”
When Dubai-based Malayalee businessmen VKS Devan and K Jalal decided to join hands to produce a film, they decided that their maiden venture would be something meaningful. They wanted to make a good film and wanted it to be something different from the usual stuff seen nowadays. And hence they entrusted the job of directing their debut production venture to yet another Dubai-based young man, Lalji George. Working as an accountant in a private firm in Dubai, Lalji George has established himself as a writer and a media man too. And thus began the making of Chithariyavar, produced under the banner of Global Creations.
Chithariyavar tells the story of Viswanathan, a person belonging to the ‘dalit’ class and etches his search for his roots and also for his identity. It is Sreenivasan who plays the role of Viswanathan, while he is accompanied in the cast by Maya Moushmi, Divya, Sangeetha, Swathi Mohan, Mundoor Krishnankutty and Vinu Abraham. The story for the film is written by MK Harikumar, a writer and critic. GR Indugopan, a journalist and novelist, pens the script for the film. Noted cinematographer KG Jayan cranks the camera while Johnson scores the background music. Almost ready for release, the film also features the inclusion of some folk songs.
Lalji GeorgeArty feelDirector:
Lalji George is a writer who had penned many stories in leading Malayalam periodicals and has also made some documentaries and a television serial titled Sayoojyam, which was aired on Asianet. This young man, who is a film enthusiast, spoke to Screen about his debut venture, Chithariyavar.
What’s the theme of Chithariyavar?
The film tells the story of a young man named Viswanathan, who belongs to the lower strata of society - the Dalit class. The film etches his search for his roots. The focus is also on his search for an identity in today’s world.
Tell us more about the protagonist.Viswanathan teaches in a parallel college and supplements his income by catching frogs from marshes. He then supplies the frogs to schools and colleges for laboratory purposes.
What kind of treatment have you attempted?
I have endeavoured to make it into a very simple film, so that people understand it clearly and enjoy it too. I have got all the support regarding this from the producers as well as the scenarist. The artistes too have cooperated in every possible way.
This seems to be an offbeat film. What made you make an offbeat film for your debut venture?I won’t call it an offbeat film. Neither would I call it an ‘art’ film or ‘commercial’ film. I have tried to make a good, meaningful film. I have always loved meaningful cinema. So, I had decided earlier itself that my first film would be a good, meaningful film that would have something to say and not just meaningless trash.
What else would you like to say?
I am very much thankful to the producers, who have given me all freedom - creative and otherwise. They never interfered with my work and gave me utmost freedom to spend as much as is needed for the realisation of the subject. There were no constraints from their side.
Its really surprising. Debutante producers bestowing so much of trust upon a debutante director, and that too in the making of an offbeat film! How did this happen?The producers know me personally and have confidence in me and my style of working. And they too, like me, are lovers of meaningful cinema. Maybe that’s what prompted them to take the risk. I am sure that I would be able to do full justice to the trust they have placed on me.
When Dubai-based Malayalee businessmen VKS Devan and K Jalal decided to join hands to produce a film, they decided that their maiden venture would be something meaningful. They wanted to make a good film and wanted it to be something different from the usual stuff seen nowadays. And hence they entrusted the job of directing their debut production venture to yet another Dubai-based young man, Lalji George. Working as an accountant in a private firm in Dubai, Lalji George has established himself as a writer and a media man too. And thus began the making of Chithariyavar, produced under the banner of Global Creations.
Chithariyavar tells the story of Viswanathan, a person belonging to the ‘dalit’ class and etches his search for his roots and also for his identity. It is Sreenivasan who plays the role of Viswanathan, while he is accompanied in the cast by Maya Moushmi, Divya, Sangeetha, Swathi Mohan, Mundoor Krishnankutty and Vinu Abraham. The story for the film is written by MK Harikumar, a writer and critic. GR Indugopan, a journalist and novelist, pens the script for the film. Noted cinematographer KG Jayan cranks the camera while Johnson scores the background music. Almost ready for release, the film also features the inclusion of some folk songs.
Lalji GeorgeArty feelDirector:
Lalji George is a writer who had penned many stories in leading Malayalam periodicals and has also made some documentaries and a television serial titled Sayoojyam, which was aired on Asianet. This young man, who is a film enthusiast, spoke to Screen about his debut venture, Chithariyavar.
What’s the theme of Chithariyavar?
The film tells the story of a young man named Viswanathan, who belongs to the lower strata of society - the Dalit class. The film etches his search for his roots. The focus is also on his search for an identity in today’s world.
Tell us more about the protagonist.Viswanathan teaches in a parallel college and supplements his income by catching frogs from marshes. He then supplies the frogs to schools and colleges for laboratory purposes.
What kind of treatment have you attempted?
I have endeavoured to make it into a very simple film, so that people understand it clearly and enjoy it too. I have got all the support regarding this from the producers as well as the scenarist. The artistes too have cooperated in every possible way.
This seems to be an offbeat film. What made you make an offbeat film for your debut venture?I won’t call it an offbeat film. Neither would I call it an ‘art’ film or ‘commercial’ film. I have tried to make a good, meaningful film. I have always loved meaningful cinema. So, I had decided earlier itself that my first film would be a good, meaningful film that would have something to say and not just meaningless trash.
What else would you like to say?
I am very much thankful to the producers, who have given me all freedom - creative and otherwise. They never interfered with my work and gave me utmost freedom to spend as much as is needed for the realisation of the subject. There were no constraints from their side.
Its really surprising. Debutante producers bestowing so much of trust upon a debutante director, and that too in the making of an offbeat film! How did this happen?The producers know me personally and have confidence in me and my style of working. And they too, like me, are lovers of meaningful cinema. Maybe that’s what prompted them to take the risk. I am sure that I would be able to do full justice to the trust they have placed on me.
ലാല്ജി ജോര്ജ്
A bold NRI venture
WHEN commercial as well as art films fail at the box office, the next course is to tread a middle path. This is exactly what three Dubai-based Keralites have tried to do to give a fresh lease of life to the Malayalam cinema. When V.K.S. Devan and K. Jalal joined hands to produce a film they wanted it to be different. And they have tried to be different in most aspects of their maiden venture, including selection of director and cast.
Instead of going for an established director, they looked around in Dubai for a man to translate their dream. And they found an accountant working in a private firm as the most fit to do the job. Lalji George, whom they picked up, had no experience in making films, but was familiar with the medium as director of a television serial and some documentaries.
The result of this strange union is Chithariyavar, a film that transcends the boundaries separating the so-called 'commercial' and 'art' films. Produced under the banner of Global Creations, Chithariyavar tells the story of the life and travails of Viswanathan, a person belonging to the 'Dalit' community. The story, written by M. K. Harikumar, forms the basis for the script penned by G.R. Indugopan, who is a journalist and a novelist too. Noted actor Sreenivasan plays the main character, Viswanathan, with a supporting cast that includes Maya Moushmi, Divya, Sangeetha, Swathi Mohan, Mundoor Krishnankutty and Vinu Abraham.
K.G. Jayan, who has won many an award, is the cinematographer. Jayan has worked in some outstanding films including some with directors like T.V.Chandran.
The film traces the protagonist's search for his roots and also for his identity. What marks the film out is the unusual subject and unusual treatment. The film was screened for media and film personalities on Saturday and was received well. Many viewed it as a bold attempt.
"I am turning the camera on a class that has not received the attention they deserved. It is a serious film told in a lighter vein," says the director. "I have always loved meaningful cinema. And hence I had decided that my first film would be a meaningful one with something substantial to convey," he added.
Lalji George said he tried his best to narrate the story in a simple manner. He said that the script was such that it suited such a treatment."Producers knew me personally and had confidence in me. Moreover, they love meaningful cinema and hence they have put trust in me. I am sure that I would be able to do justice to the confidence they have bestowed on me," he added.
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WHEN commercial as well as art films fail at the box office, the next course is to tread a middle path. This is exactly what three Dubai-based Keralites have tried to do to give a fresh lease of life to the Malayalam cinema. When V.K.S. Devan and K. Jalal joined hands to produce a film they wanted it to be different. And they have tried to be different in most aspects of their maiden venture, including selection of director and cast.
Instead of going for an established director, they looked around in Dubai for a man to translate their dream. And they found an accountant working in a private firm as the most fit to do the job. Lalji George, whom they picked up, had no experience in making films, but was familiar with the medium as director of a television serial and some documentaries.
The result of this strange union is Chithariyavar, a film that transcends the boundaries separating the so-called 'commercial' and 'art' films. Produced under the banner of Global Creations, Chithariyavar tells the story of the life and travails of Viswanathan, a person belonging to the 'Dalit' community. The story, written by M. K. Harikumar, forms the basis for the script penned by G.R. Indugopan, who is a journalist and a novelist too. Noted actor Sreenivasan plays the main character, Viswanathan, with a supporting cast that includes Maya Moushmi, Divya, Sangeetha, Swathi Mohan, Mundoor Krishnankutty and Vinu Abraham.
K.G. Jayan, who has won many an award, is the cinematographer. Jayan has worked in some outstanding films including some with directors like T.V.Chandran.
The film traces the protagonist's search for his roots and also for his identity. What marks the film out is the unusual subject and unusual treatment. The film was screened for media and film personalities on Saturday and was received well. Many viewed it as a bold attempt.
"I am turning the camera on a class that has not received the attention they deserved. It is a serious film told in a lighter vein," says the director. "I have always loved meaningful cinema. And hence I had decided that my first film would be a meaningful one with something substantial to convey," he added.
Lalji George said he tried his best to narrate the story in a simple manner. He said that the script was such that it suited such a treatment."Producers knew me personally and had confidence in me. Moreover, they love meaningful cinema and hence they have put trust in me. I am sure that I would be able to do justice to the confidence they have bestowed on me," he added.
'http://www.khaleejtimes.com/khaleejtimes_images/khaleejtimes_logo.jpg';
Monday, March 23, 2009
LALJI GEORGE- PERSONAL DETAILS
NAME: LALJI GEORGE
CONTACT: TEL.00971 507585286 (DUBAI)
9947130341 (INDIA)
EMAIL. laljigeorge@hotmail.com
ADDRESS: ANGADIPPATTU THUSHARAM
VENNIKULAM P.O-THIRUVALLA-689544
KERALA-INDIA.
QUALIFICATION: MASTER OF COMMERCE, KERALA UNIVERSITY, KERALA-INDIA.
FAMILY: SHERLY(WIFE), THUSHARABINDU(DAUGHTER)
FEATURE FILM: "THE SHATTERED"(CHITHARIYAVAR) AN INTELLECTUAL SATTIRE BASED ON DALITH COMMUINITY
FESTIVALS ATTENDED- SURYA FILM FESTIVAL, GREECE INTERNATIONAL PANORAMA, QATAR INT.FILM FESTIVAL
DOCUMENTARIES: PARITHOSHIKANGALUDE RAAVU(SURYA TV)
MARUNATTILE ONANILAVU(ASIANET TV)
DESHATAKARUDE ONAKKINAVU(ASIANET TV)
MARUNATTILE ONAKKACHAKAL(ASIANET TV)
MANAL DIARY( 7 EPISODES) ASIANET GLOBAL AND JEEVAN TV
TV SERIALS:" SAYUGYAM" A 5 EPISODE TELE SERIAL FOR ASIANET TV
"JEFTHAH "-A BIBLE SERAILAL 10 EPISODES
PUBLISHED BOOKS: "MAYA GOPURAM" NOVEL RAINBOW BOOKS CHENGANNUR)
"JALASAYYAYILE SAREERAVUM UPPUM" (COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY CURRENT BOOKS KOTTAYAM)
"KAPADA VATHIL"( COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY CURRENT BOOKS KOTTAYAM)
"KAGAVA" (COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY POORNA CALICUT)
" PRAJAPATHYE THEDI" (COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY DEEPAM PUBLICATIONS)
"VIJAYA VILAKKU"-( HARISREE PUBLICATIONS)
"ORU DURANTHA GEEETHATHINE SEELUKAL(VIDYARTHI
MITHRAM KOTTAYAM)
AWARDS : BEST DIRECTOR HABEL FOUNDATION AWARD 2004 FOR THE FILM CHITHARIYAVAR
BEST DIRECTOR KISHORE SMARAKA AWARD 2004 FOR FILM CHITHARIYAVAR
KRISHNA CHAITHANYA SMRUTHIKENDRA AWARD (BEST SHORT STORY 2001)
MANAKKALATHU AWARD (BEST SHORT STORY 1999)
DARSHANA AWARD(BEST SHORT STORY 1995)
KOVOOR AWARD(BEST SHORT STORY 1997)
KATHA RANGAM AWARD-(BEST COLLECTION SHORT STORIES 2006)
kHASAK AWARD (BEST COLLECTION SHORT STORIES)
CONTACT: TEL.00971 507585286 (DUBAI)
9947130341 (INDIA)
EMAIL. laljigeorge@hotmail.com
ADDRESS: ANGADIPPATTU THUSHARAM
VENNIKULAM P.O-THIRUVALLA-689544
KERALA-INDIA.
QUALIFICATION: MASTER OF COMMERCE, KERALA UNIVERSITY, KERALA-INDIA.
FAMILY: SHERLY(WIFE), THUSHARABINDU(DAUGHTER)
FEATURE FILM: "THE SHATTERED"(CHITHARIYAVAR) AN INTELLECTUAL SATTIRE BASED ON DALITH COMMUINITY
FESTIVALS ATTENDED- SURYA FILM FESTIVAL, GREECE INTERNATIONAL PANORAMA, QATAR INT.FILM FESTIVAL
DOCUMENTARIES: PARITHOSHIKANGALUDE RAAVU(SURYA TV)
MARUNATTILE ONANILAVU(ASIANET TV)
DESHATAKARUDE ONAKKINAVU(ASIANET TV)
MARUNATTILE ONAKKACHAKAL(ASIANET TV)
MANAL DIARY( 7 EPISODES) ASIANET GLOBAL AND JEEVAN TV
TV SERIALS:" SAYUGYAM" A 5 EPISODE TELE SERIAL FOR ASIANET TV
"JEFTHAH "-A BIBLE SERAILAL 10 EPISODES
PUBLISHED BOOKS: "MAYA GOPURAM" NOVEL RAINBOW BOOKS CHENGANNUR)
"JALASAYYAYILE SAREERAVUM UPPUM" (COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY CURRENT BOOKS KOTTAYAM)
"KAPADA VATHIL"( COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY CURRENT BOOKS KOTTAYAM)
"KAGAVA" (COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY POORNA CALICUT)
" PRAJAPATHYE THEDI" (COLLECTION OF
SHORT STORIES BY DEEPAM PUBLICATIONS)
"VIJAYA VILAKKU"-( HARISREE PUBLICATIONS)
"ORU DURANTHA GEEETHATHINE SEELUKAL(VIDYARTHI
MITHRAM KOTTAYAM)
AWARDS : BEST DIRECTOR HABEL FOUNDATION AWARD 2004 FOR THE FILM CHITHARIYAVAR
BEST DIRECTOR KISHORE SMARAKA AWARD 2004 FOR FILM CHITHARIYAVAR
KRISHNA CHAITHANYA SMRUTHIKENDRA AWARD (BEST SHORT STORY 2001)
MANAKKALATHU AWARD (BEST SHORT STORY 1999)
DARSHANA AWARD(BEST SHORT STORY 1995)
KOVOOR AWARD(BEST SHORT STORY 1997)
KATHA RANGAM AWARD-(BEST COLLECTION SHORT STORIES 2006)
kHASAK AWARD (BEST COLLECTION SHORT STORIES)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Chitariyavar
Director Lalji George is a writer who had penned many stories in leading Malayalam periodicals and has also made some documentaries and a television serial titled Sayoojyam, which was aired on Asianet. His debut film was Chithariyavar
Chithariyavar
Chithariyavar tells the story of Viswanathan, a person belonging to the ‘dalit’ class and etches his search for his roots and also for his identity. It is Sreenivasan who plays the role of Viswanathan, while he is accompanied in the cast by Maya Moushmi, Divya, Sangeetha, Swathi Mohan, Mundoor Krishnankutty and Vinu Abraham. The story for the film is written by MK Harikumar, a writer and critic. GR Indugopan, a journalist and novelist, pens the script for the film. Noted cinematographer KG Jayan cranks the camera while Johnson scores the background music. Almost ready for release, the film also features the inclusion of some folk songs.
ABOUT THE FILM CHITARIYAVAR
Director Lalji George is a writer who had penned many stories in leading Malayalam periodicals and has also made some documentaries and a television serial titled Sayoojyam, which was aired on Asianet. His debut film was Chithariyavar.
Theme of Chithariyavar
Chithariyavar tells the story of Viswanathan, a person belonging to the ‘dalit’ class and etches his search for his roots and also for his identity. It is Sreenivasan who plays the role of Viswanathan, while he is accompanied in the cast by Maya Moushmi, Divya, Sangeetha, Swathi Mohan, Mundoor Krishnankutty and Vinu Abraham. The story for the film is written by MK Harikumar, a writer and critic. GR Indugopan, a journalist and novelist, pens the script for the film. Noted cinematographer KG Jayan cranks the camera while Johnson scores the background music. Almost ready for release, the film also features the inclusion of some folk songs.
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