FTII students demands are genuine: Adoor

Often regarded as the doyen of arthouse and issue-based films, Adoor Gopalakrishnan has exalted generations with his soul-stirring oeuvre. Two of Adoor’s award-winning Malayalam films — Elippathayam and Mukhamukham — were screened at an event in the city recently, at which he was felicitated alongside another legendary filmmaker, Girish Kasaravalli. In a tête-à-tête with us, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award-winning filmmaker speaks about the artistic value of cinema, his firm stand on the ‘crisis’ that the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is currently engulfed in, and more.On the craft of filmmaking It is important that every film caters to its audience, however big or small it may be. Cinema, like any other work of art, would not make any sense if it doesn’t reach the masses. Viewers of commercial cinema alone cannot be generalized. There is a section of people who have a certain approach to life and belief in ideologies. Their intellect cannot be ignored. Every cinematic venture needs to be meaningful, and it should communicate something to the viewer. Films should reflect the ills and goodness of a society, and not just serve as a package of entertainment. It should be relevant and have a stimulating impact on the viewers’ psyche. For instance, the storyline of Elippathayam, which was based on the feudal life in Kerala, touched the hearts of several people as many could identify themselves with its characters. On the FTII row Those students are the future of cinema. It is sad that instead of sitting in a class, they are staging protests outside against the government, which refuses to budge on a decision that has been creating chaos among thinkers and learners alike for the past several weeks. The appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as Chairman of the institute’s governing council has stirred sentiments within and outside the premises. Their demand for more transparency in the process is genuine and the government should shrug off its ego and revisit the move. Several noted personalities from the industry are backing the cause and expressing their solidarity with the students. India is a democracy and there should scope for consultation on any decision. A prolonged crisis will only tarnish the image of the government in the country. On short films Advanced technology means making a short film has become more accessible than earlier. It can be a good medium to the tell stories about our life and times, with the filmmaker’s distinctive style. The people behind these projects need a platform to showcase their artworks, apart from having them screened at film festivals and other such events. Television could serve as a good vantage point for aspiring artistes. Channels should be more pro-active in including shorts and documentaries in their schedules, but the entertainment business is more engrossed in profit making, and shorts are yet to have a consistent revenue model in place.