Dr Biju who won the award for the Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation for his film Perariyathavar in the 61st National Film Awards says, “I dedicate this award to four sections of film fraternity along with my producer who dares to make these kind of films.”
“My first dedication is to the theatre owners who keep a blind eye to these genre of films. Next comes government which does not do any activity to promote avant garde movies, then to the television channels who shun these kind of endeavours and finally to the film industry which always try to nullify these attempts,” says Biju to Express in a sarcastic tone.
The director adds that the dedication will also be extended to his producer who stood with him to make the outing a reality. This is Biju’s second film with K Anil Kumar of Ambalakkara films. The first movie was Akashathinte Niram (The colour of the Sky) which won three state awards along with an official selection to nearly two dozen international film festivals.
“I am happy for both the awards; the recognition for the film as well as the one for Suraj,” he says. “We thought about several other actors to essay the role, but finally shortlisted Suraj. Now I feel it was a perfect casting. He is far better than any other name that we had in mind. His body language and mannerisms were best suited for the role,” he says. Suraj plays a sweeper, almost his age in the film. He is a father of a 10-year-old. The movie revolves around two sweepers and the problems they encounter in life, depicting the agonies of the marginalised section of the society. Indrans plays the other character.
According to the director, the film unfolds several incidents that shook the consciousness of the state in the last decade through Suraj’s character, a nameless one. “Those incidents include the Muthanga firing, the eviction at Moolampilly and other agitations during the period,” he says.
Post winning the national award for best actor, there was a sharp dip in the number of films that came the way of actor Salim Kumar. Quiz the director whether Suraj will confront the same fate, a loud laughter comes as a reply. “It is Suraj’s choice,” he quipped.
