"No New Actors... Existing Stars too Old"

Should the script be made to suit the star or the star be chosen to suit the script? This is a common topic for many hot debates in filmdom! Whatever may be the commercial explanations from the filmmakers in the backdrop of new mass masala trends and the changing interests of the audience, script should be king! Otherwise, we would be forced to witness 'senseless' stuff like many superstar films today. Noted script writer-turned-director Lohitadas (maker of Kastooriman in Tamil) has almost the same line of reasoning about the script.

Lohitadas, who debuted as director with the critically-acclaimed Malayalam film Bhoothakannadi in 1997, said that he will never make a movie to suit a star after scripting a number of blockbusters. "I will choose people who suit the character in the script. You would never find a hero in my story. Why should I make a movie to promote a star? And I don't make a film hoping it will become a hit. I wish to tell a tale and films are my way of telling a story," he was quoted by a newspaper as saying.

Lohithadas movies are well-known for their deep, realistic and character-oriented approach and are often grim depictions of contemporary life in Kerala. They lay less emphasis on commercial gimmicks such as songs, dances or unrealistic slapstick humour. This is evident from his ventures: Nivedyam, Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal, Bhoothakkannadi (as a director), Venkalam, Kauravar, Kamaladalam, Amaram, Bharatham, His Highness Abdullah, Sasneham, Kireedam and Thaniyavartanam (as a script writer).

Lohitadas also commented that the Malayalam film industry lacks a new generation of actors and actresses who could add new meaning and dimension to cinema. "There is no new breed of actors; the existing stars have grown too old and have been cast too often."

After a two-year break, Lohitadas is now all set to direct Bishmar, starring Mohanlal in the lead. In Tamil, he will soon make a Prithviraj starrer which is yet to be titled. More details about these movies are awaited.