When it hit the screens in 1961, Kandam Becha Coat created history by being the first colour movie in Malayalam. As we readies to celebrate the 55th year of the cult classic, Kozhikode remembers the iconic movie and how it popularised the ‘Kozhikkodan slang’ through its dialogues.
Kandam Becha Coat (The Patched-up Coat) was directed by T R Sundaram. Modern Theatres, the one which produced the first sound film in Malayalam (Balan), came up with the first full-length Malayalam colour film too. The renowned writer KT Muhammed, for the first time, turned a scriptwriter with the movie.
Kandam Becha Coat was based on a popular novel set among the Muslim community. The plot of the film revolves around a cobbler named Muhammad Kakka played by T S Muthiah and who keeps his life savings into the pockets of his old coat to realise his dream of going on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
But, destiny had other plans as he had to sacrifice his dream. However, Muhammad Kakka’s sacrifice for the well-being of his fellow people is glorified at the end of the film.
“One of the interesting aspects about the movie is that it came up with a socially-relevant topic like dowry while colour films in other regional languages mostly extracted themes from Hindu mythology,” said film critic, CS Venkiteswaran.
Popular actors of that time such as Thikkurishi Sukumaran Nair played the character of Alikkoya Haji and Prem Nawas played the character of Ummer. Actress Ambika played Kunju Beebi and her mother Amina’s role was played by Aranmula Ponnama.
The screen version in Geva color was a big box office success and ran for weeks in packed theatres. The film received an award for Second Best Feature Film in Malayalam at the National Film Awards in 1961. The music in the film was composed by music maestro MS Baburaj and lyrics was written by P Bhaskaran.
Celebrating the memory
In an attempt to retain the memory of old Malayalam movies, Malayalam Movie Souhruda Vedi and Kannur Movie Magic Film Academy, will celebrate the 55th anniversary of movie. The program, scheduled to be held on October 28 at Town Hall, Kozhikode, will be inaugurated by Mayor Thottathil Raveendran. Several artists including Nilambur Ayisha, who had played the role as Bethatha, will also attend the function.
“This was my second movie and I can’t forget my character of a servant who always tried adding fuel to the fire amid lots of issues that has been happening in the house,” recollected Nilambur Ayisha, a known theatre artist.
The program will be graced with the presence of many industry dignitaries including actors, directors, singers and producers.