KOCHI: His contribution to Malayalam filmdom is commendable. Yet it is fading into oblivion even in his own home town. The present generation may not know T K Pareekutty, producer of ‘Neelakkuyil’ who brought a national film award to South India. Unfortunately Pareekutty whose contributions was crucial to the growth of Malayalam cinema, is remembered by few.
The International Forum for Cultural Heritage and Tradition(IFCHAT) and those who had a close association with Pareekutty will remember him by celebrating his birth centenary.
The celebrations in which renowned personalities from the film industry will take part, will start on April 4.
Though his first film, ‘Neelakkuyil’ won the President’s medal and became popular across the country, Pareekutty always liked to keep a low profile. “He did not produce films just for profit and emphasised on quality movies,” reminisces Austin Paul, president of IFCHAT. The films which he produced include ‘Bhargavee Nilayam’, ‘Mudiyanaya Puthran’, ‘Rarichan Enna Pouran’, ‘Moodupadam’, ‘Thacholi Othenan’, ‘Nadodikal’ and ‘Almaram’.
Many actors, including Madhu, Adoor Bhasi and Kumari started their career through films produced by Pareekutty.
Pareekutty was also the proprietor of Saina Theatre, the first 70 mm theatre in Kerala later known as Koker’s theatre at Fort Kochi.
“Pareekutty never got the recognition which he deserved. The centenary celebraton will be a tribute to him,” say the organisers of the function.
kochi@epmltd.com