Audiences of Malayalam movies could not miss out on him, for he is so compelling a presence even when the roles have not been always full-length. A slight gesture, a short dialogue, or even a shot where he is a mute spectator would proclaim Jagannathan as an actor of immense talent, an actor who subtly announces from the fringes of the hero-centric glam world that craft can reside elsewhere.
Belonging to that crop of actors who do not fit into the commercial jigsaw that Malayalam films have lately become, Jagannathan was not seen on the screen very often for some time now. But he has once again underscored the timelessness of class through his appearances in movies like ‘Pakal’, ‘Oranum Randu Pennum’ and ‘Patham Nilayile Theevandi’ which was screened at the Asian Film Festival this year.
When we met him at his home in Poojappura, he said that he finds it hard to gel with the industry’s new-found logistics, we asked if he backs out from such projects. “I dont have to. Since I am not looking out for such projects, they seldom come my away, I am not very much in demand, you see”, he laughs aloud.
The walls of his home have pictures of him donning various roles in the plays of Kavalam Narayana Panicker. “It was when I came to Thiruvananthapuram in the early 70’s to join Jawahar Balabhavan as an instructor that I got to associate with Kaavalam. I was trained in Kerala Nadanam, an ethnic dance form and as an actor it helped me find sync with the theatre propagated by Kaavalam.”
Jagannathan made his debut in movies through the film Theertham directed by K Mohan. It won the state ward for the second best film in 1987. By then, he had already made his foray into the industry as dubbing artist and choreographer. His choreography for the movie ‘Kummatti’, a film in which Nedumudi Venu played a wandering magician, is part of the reason why the role is etched in the memory of movie buffs.
“One of the cherished experiences is that of working with director Aravindan. My character in the movie ‘Oridathu’ sings a folk song which goes like ‘kantha...kim kim kim....’ To this day, many people remember me for the song,” he said.
The tell-tale spring in his steps that betrays the dancer in him and the songs that break out from him as if he cannot help it, have been the hallmark of characters that Jagannthan portrayed. Remembering those days, Jagannthan added, “those were times when an actor had plenty of room to improvise, directors like Aravaindan brought out the best in you. This song for instance was one that Vaikkom Mani sang to me when I interviewd him for AIR. When the context demanded a song, I suggested this to Aravindan and he okayed it instantly.”
Jagannathan went on to do many a memorable role - the Japan-returned-jobless-Vallabhai in Venu Nagavally’s ‘Swagatham’ is another one which won him admirers. Where did he learn that Japanese song that Vallabhai goes about singing on the beach, we asked. He smiled and said, “that again was not part of the script. I had the opportunity to visit Japan three times as part of cultural programmes, once with Kavalam to stage a drama. I learned the song then. I had mentioned it in a casual talk with Nagavally and he had liked it. When this role was offered to me, we decided to use it.”
He has also had a remarkable stint on the mini screen in serials like Kairali Vilasom Lodge, Jail and so on. His roles in serials like Chandrodayam and Draupadi directed by Sivamohan Thampy, his son-in-law, have been noteworthy.
He had last acted in Kavalam’s famed ‘Avanavan Kadamba’ almost 10 years back. When it was staged recently for the National Theatre Festival at Tagore Theatre, he was invited. “The role demands a lot of movements, I cannot manage that with the pain in my knees now. But I have seen the new version acted by youngsters.” So was he happy seeing it? “Well, they are young, and beginners anyway,” he smiles and stops at that. Then as if talking more to himself, he added, “In our days, it was like a duel, an exchange of sorts between Nedumudi Venu and me. We explored new horizons each time it was acted out.”
Jagannthan now directs the dramas of Sri Chithira Tirunal Grandhasala. Once in a while he chances upon a role in films that do justice to his talent and distinct persona. Other than that, Jagannathan lives a contended retired life of sorts, ever attended upon by his loving wife Saraswathy, and flanked by his children and grand children. How sad that Malayalam cinema no longer has space for such talented artists!
aswathy@expressbuzz.com