Writer-director Padmarajan, one of the most gifted individuals in the history of Malayalam movie industry, passed away on this day 29 years ago. For the uninitiated, not accustomed to this genius' creations, here are five movies to begin with. Fans of the great artist, consider this as our tribute.
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MOONNAM PAKKAM (1988): As the vacation of his grandchild and his friends brings back happiness to the twilight years for an old man, waves of tragedy strikes the shore - delivering the final blow on 'Moonnam pakkam' (third day). This film, for sure, will reduce you to tears.
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A youthful Jayaram and versatile Thilakan produce a unforgettable display of love and affection between a widower and his grandchild. Thilakan's Thampi is as good as his Kochuvava from 'kattukuthira' or Achuthan Nair from 'Kireedam' and 'Chenkol', establishing his contendership for the best actor ever in Malayalam. (Cast: Thilakan, Jayaram, Kriti Singh, Ashokan, Rahman) [Photo courtesy: Twitter @Advaidism]
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SEASON (1989): This movie was way ahead of its time. In other words, it was the 'Double Barrel' of the 80s - too early for the people to digest. Almost 20 years before Lal Jose and Sreenivasan introduced a foreigner as a central character in 'Arabikkatha', Padmarajan did that in this movie.
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'Season' might be among his least creative works, but it is still amazing that he had foreseen the fortunes and (at times) deathtraps that the youth of God's Own Country were going to embrace through the tourism sector. (Cast: Mohan Lal, Gavin Packard, Ashokan, Maniyanpilla Raju)
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ARAPPATTA KETTIYA GRAAMATHIL (1986): The plot and setting of the movie stand out despite it being a commercial failure. Three friends' 'pilgrimage' to a matriarchal brothel lands them in an unusual situation where communal tensions are brimming over a 'new girl' at Malu Amma's (an ever-amazing Sukumari) residence. [Photo courtesy: Jolygram]
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Probably one of his most underrated projects, this Padmarajan movie is the adaptation of his own short story with the same name. This movie also hands the viewers a raw and outspoken Mammootty from the pre-megastar era, one whom Malayalis in all likelihood won't see ever again. (Cast: Mammootty, Sukumari,Ashokan, Nedumudi Venu)
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THOOVANATHUMBIKAL (1987): If Google was really good with Malayalam and somebody searched for synonyms for rain, 'Clara' would be among the top results to pop up. Such is the influence of this evergreen lovestory that even after three decades, the badass Jayakrishnan and Clara (a sex worker) continue to win Malayalis' hearts.
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Jayakrishnan is caught between Sumalatha's Clara and Parvathy's Radha, before faith decides to end the game - pleasantly, of course. Originally based on Padmarajan's novel 'Udakappola', the story of Mannarathody Jayakrishnan's life journey is the 'Casablanca' of Kerala, a cult highly improbable of ever fading. (Cast: Mohanlal, Sumalatha, Parvathy)
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NAMUKKU PARKKAN MUNTHIRITHOPPUKAL (1986): 'You thought I will not come for her, didn't you?' Solomon asks Paul before taking Sofia away as promised. A fine love story with a lot of biblical references and mesmerising songs, Mohanlal and Shari remain a constant among the best couples of Mollywood.
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One thing that needs to be told without fail here is, apart from being romantic in a typical Padmarajan way, NPMT ends with the couple starting a happily ever after despite a rape -- a decade before 'Hitler' Madhavankutty married off his sister to her rapist. Yep, 'Pappettan' was simply awesome. (Cast: Mohanlal, Shari, Thilakan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma)
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OTHER NOTABLE MOVIES: Innale, Njan Gandharvan, Desatanakkili Karayaarilla, Peruvazhiyambalam, Thakara, Itha Ivide Vare. (The list is endless)
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