As a kid, whenever his father punished him for his pranks, he would later take Biju to the nearby palm thatched theater of their remote village, Arookutty to show him a movie. The love for films began there for him. “This is how I guess I got interested in films,” says K Biju whose directorial debut ‘Doctor Love’ is running successfully at the theaters. Throughout the conversation, Biju has a sincere tone and speaks quite matter-of-factually about the tough times he has had in the industry.
Though ‘Doctor Love’ is Biju’s new film, he is not a new face in the Malayalam film industry. He has been here for the last 15 years, working as an assistant director with prominent directors like Shafi, Roshan Andrews, V M Vinu, Vipin Mohan and new comers like Mamas. He says that to assist veteran directors is the best way to gain experience in the industry. “No institute can impart you as much experience. It allows you to learn the techniques of filmmaking first hand. The problem with most of the present generation directors is that they are not patient enough. They readily commit to doing movies, which in turn end up looking like amateur fares,” he says.
Following the success of his movie, Biju did reveal about his differences with actor Prithviraj, who was supposed to play the title role initially. The actor later walked out from the project, and Biju was desperately left waiting for three years, till he found a replacement. The director suggests that two people cannot be calling the shots on the sets at the same time, hinting that Prithviraj had his own ideas about how to shoot the film, while he had his own.
“My long experience in the industry has taught me many lessons. It is natural to have difference of opinion since a film is the outcome of the effort of several people. But I do believe that finally the decision should rest with one person. And the director must have that right. His decision may go wrong, but at least it won’t be a film without a backbone,” says Biju.
“‘Doctor Love’ is a different love story. In every campus there is a person who specialises in matchmaking. He is the third person who helps the lovers resolve their issues. Generally this person is often forgotten. The movie has a colourful backdrop of a college and I have tried to bring in all the elements that youngsters can look forward to,” he says.
The songs of the movie have already found place in the hit charts, especially ‘Ninnodenikkulla Pranayam’ by debutante music director Vinu Thomas. Biju believes that songs play a vital role in the success of a film and does not think that they affect the overall integrity of the movie.
Biju complains that there is a tendency in the Malayalam film industry to spread malicious gossip about newcomers, thereby hurting their career. He says one of his most painful experiences was when his movie was wrongly said to be an adaptation of a Hollywood one.
“We have such advanced technology today. Everyone can watch it and make their conclusions,” he says.
The director, having faced difficulties to find a replacement after Prithviraj walked out, also believes that there is a dearth of heroes in the industry, and that newcomers must be given an opportunity. “I am glad that atleast 50 newcomers have got their first chance through my movie.”
Biju says there’s nothing on the anvil at the moment, but the director is working on a few story ideas. He says he wants to enjoy the success of his first movie for now. “It’s not a chance that easily comes your way,” he says.