The curtain springs up and the lights grow dim, creating excitement in the air. This was a common scene in every village of Kerala some decades ago when theatre was the pulse and soul of Malayalis and movies were the quintessential extension of it.
Film actors like Nedumudi Venu, Thilakan, Rajan P Dev, Murali, KPAC Lalitha learned the basics of histrionics from stage which they perfected onscreen. Over the years, the trend changed with the talented drama artists waning from the glitzy film world. But the scene is again changing for good, or so indicates the upsurge of many theatre artists in tinsel town, of late.
‘Njan Steve Lopez’ released recently grabbed eyeballs for a whiff of freshness in theme and narration, but the film also has another unique feature. A slew of theatre artists don prominent roles in the flick. From Alancier, a seasoned theatre artist, to the young and vibrant Sujith Shankar and talented James Elia, the film has given space to many dramatists.
Director of the movie, Rajeev Ravi who had given opportunity to many artists in his debut outing ‘Annayum Rasoolum’, says, “Drama artists were chosen because they suited the nature and appearance of the characters.” The director says selecting theatre actors over film actors have many advantages. “Film actors are stuck in usual pattern of acting. But theatre artists can bring a freshness in perspective. Besides, they are more serious about acting, being less bothered about the glamorous side of cinema. They see acting as acting alone, which brings a realistic effect to the characters that they do,” he observes.
The number of theatre artists who are dabbling in films is endless. Aparna Gopinath, who has already found a place in Mollywood as a heroine, who has an upcoming release ‘Munnariyippu’ opposite Mammootty, came to films from theatre. The actress has associated herself in ‘Koothu-P-Pattarai’, an avant-garde theatre movement of Chennai, and had also acted in many professional plays. So is Sunil Sukhada, an integral part of Malayalam films these days. Sunil comes from a theatre background, having acted in renowned plays like ‘Wild Duck’, ‘Doll’s House’, ‘Spinal Cord’ and ‘Agni’. Sajitha Madhathil who surprised the theatre lovers with her power-packed performance in plays like ‘Beauty Parlour’, ‘Matsyagandi’, ‘Spinal Cord’ and ‘Mathilukkal’ has also carved a niche in films recently. There are many others like Santhosh Keezhatoor, Krishnan Balakrishnan, Muthumani, Kani, Abhija who are balancing both the creative worlds.
Sajitha says there is no precise line that divides both theatre and movies. “The technique of acting is different in both, but a good actor can bring a tinge of spontaneity, whether he is acting in a play or film,” she says. Pointing an advantage of a theatre artist over a film actor, Rajeev Ravi says, “When the director enacts a scene to an actor, from a theatre actor he may get a feedback which is more than he has shown.” Sajitha adds, “The rehearsals and practises fine tunes a drama artist, which helps him to perform well.” The actress says that theatre training has helped her in many scenes. “For instance, in loose frames which involve much walking and other physical activities, the theatre practise helps a lot,” she says.
Being highly emotional on stage is a part of theatre acting. Film requires a different style of acting. Rajeev Ravi says, “An intelligent actor can quickly sense the difference and act well.” Sajitha also says a genuine actor can understand the difference and overcomes the challenge quickly.
Alancier who has more than 25 years of experience in theatre, has acted in some socially relevant movies like ‘Shayanam’, ‘Margam’, ‘Ramanam’ and ‘Kanyaka Talkies’.
The actor says that the realistic movies that are being taken these days require good actors, and hence the reason for the trend. Santhosh Keezhatoor who got noticed for his role of a thief in ‘Vikramadithyan’ also feels the same.
He says, “There are many talented actors among us who remain unnoticed. It is the directors who have to give them an opportunity.” The state-award winning theatre artist who comes from a rural group of dramatists says, “Theatre has a unique positive energy that is a result of our team work. Film world is different. But the vigour that theatre has given me helps me in acting in films.”
Sajitha feels sunny days are coming for the theatre actors. “The trend is positive, which is beneficial for both film industry and theatre. Both category of artists can learn a lot from these mediums of art,” she says.