“Making cinema is easy, but good cinema is tough”, says Adoor Gopalakrishnan

Legendary filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan emphasized the value of meaningful cinema and the challenges involved in creating it during an event held on May 14 at 11 AM at the Guru Gopinath Natana Gramam, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram.


Addressing a gathering that included aspiring young filmmakers and film enthusiasts, Adoor remarked that while it has become technically easy to produce films today, making a truly good film remains a difficult and thoughtful process.

Cinema as a mirror to life

Adoor underlined that good cinema entertains and nurtures a cultured society. “True cinema should touch life and reflect reality,” he said, adding that films have the power to influence character and values. According to him, meaningful cinema plays a vital role in developing a refined cultural consciousness in its audience, especially the younger generation.

Knowledge is key to filmmaking

Adoor stressed that understanding the nuances of storytelling, visuals, and the socio-cultural backdrop of cinema is essential for aspiring filmmakers. “We must help children appreciate high-quality cinema. Only then will they aim to create films with purpose and depth,” he noted.

“Commercial cinema is smart because it doesn't let you think”

Earlier in an exclusive interview with ETimes, Adoor Gopalakrishnan said, “To quote Mrinalda again, he always used to say, 'The audience don't want to think. You make them think, you fail at the box office.' Commercial cinema is smart because it doesn't let you think and everything happens real fast. Nothing lingers when you leave the cinema hall.”

About the legendary filmmaker

Adoor Gopalakrishnan is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential filmmakers. His debut film Swayamvaram (1972) sparked the new wave cinema movement in Kerala. Over the decades, he has won 16 National Film Awards, 17 Kerala State Film Awards, and numerous international honors. His critically acclaimed film Elippathayam (1981) earned him the prestigious British Film Institute Award. Among his many accolades are the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Vibhushan (2006), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2004)—India’s highest recognition in cinema.

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