IFFI 2018: People found the soul of Ee Ma Yau's subject, well depicted, says Lijo Jose

The team of Ee Ma Yau, led by its director Lijo Jose Pellissery, not only managed to make death lose its sting but also succeeded in making it a laughing matter. The movie’s novel treatment of this otherwise sombre subject brought them and the state two Silver Peacocks -- the Best Director for Lijo and Best Actor (Male) Award for Chemban Vinod -- at the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Made in monotone, the film reflects various moods -- humour, despair, melancholy and dilemma – and in a way proving to be a microcosm of life itself.Set in Chellanam, a village in Kochi, and enacted by Chemban Vinod Jose, the film showcases the plight of a son, Eeshi, who tries to arrange a grand funeral for his deceased father. However, the unexpected obstacles from different quarters leave him disappointed. “I was at the screening of the movie in Goa and felt happy with the response from the viewers,” says Lijo, adding that people were able to connect well with the theme. “It is about life and death and how people understand and react about these. People found the soul of the subject well depicted and this was probably why the movie was able to win recognitions,” he says. Earlier, at the Kerala state film awards, Lijo was adjudged the best director for the film.Lijo and team who are currently in Goa, are in a celebratory mood and say it ‘feels great’ to bag two awards at the international fest. Eeshi, according to Chemban, is one of the favourite characters he has enacted so far. Busy attending congratulatory calls, Chemban says it is a dream come true to be awarded along with his best buddy and director Lijo. “It was Lijo who introduced me to films and what more can make me happy than being able to receive an award along with him at the same stage,” he asks. The actor who debuted in Lijo’s Nayakan in 2010, adds that he feels extremely proud for having brought this recognition to Malayalam cinema. “I feel blessed and honoured. I am greatful to Lijo for this happiness,” he says. Interestingly, the film was shot in just 18 days mostly with fresh faces. Lijo is on record that the aspect that he enjoyed most during the shoot was the sound mixing, perhaps pointing to the director’s attention to detail.