Veteran filmmaker KG George celebrates his 75th birthday today

KG George, the filmmaker who redefined Malayalam cinema with his distinct narratives turns 75 today. The veteran filmmaker will be celebrating his birthday at his Ernakulam residence. The occasion will be a low-key affair, considering the current pandemic situation.
KG George embarked on his journey in cinema with the 1975 film ‘Swapnadanam’. The psychological drama also won the National award for the best feature film in Malayalam.
KG George was a breath of fresh air for Malayalam cinema, and through his films, he delved deeper into human psychology. “For me, cinema is equivalent to dreaming,” mentioned the ace filmmaker in a documentary ‘8 ½’, made on him.
If it was the consequences of drug abuse that became a plot for KG George's ‘Rappadikalude Gatha’, the filmmaker explored the depth of relationships in ‘Ulkadal’. The movie that featured Venu Nagavally and Sobha in the lead also happens to be the first-ever campus film made in Malayalam.
KG George was never afraid of taking risks and the film 'Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback' is proof. The movie sparked a lot of controversies for its similarity with ace actor Sobha's life and death.
‘Adaminte Vaariyellu’ still remains a masterpiece and a true reflection of the patriarchal society. In the climax scene in ‘Adaminte Vaariyellu’, where the camera pans into the film crew and the women look right into the camera while running away, the filmmaker has made the audience, the crew, and all of us a part of the film. He pointed his fingers at the society, which includes us (audience) and himself, who are silent promoters of the oppressive system.
‘Panchavadi Palam’ released in 1984 continues to be the best political satire Malayalam cinema or perhaps world cinema has ever seen. A movie that could match the excellence of ‘Panchavadi Palam’ was never born in Malayalam cinema.
‘Irakal’ featuring Ganesh Kumar in the lead is so intense and gripping that the audience would end up wondering who the Ira (victim) is.
Although KG George has only been active in the movie industry for around two and a half decades and has 19 directorials to his credit, he surely is the most unique and humongous talent Malayalam cinema has ever seen.
As he turns 75 today, here’s wishing the filmmaker a very happy birthday.