KOCHI: ‘The situation resembled scenes from the film ‘Traffic,’ is an oft-quoted sentence by media reporters while describing transportation of organs to recipients at far-away places.
Such exchanges have been occurring quite frequently after ‘Traffic,’ the landmark film directed by Rajesh Pillai, was released in 2011.
The film, which is considered as a pioneer among the new generation movies released in the State, has a different story to tell on its influence on society - at a time when most of the movies in the genre are attacked by lawmakers and watchdogs for violating social norms and destroying the State’s social fabric. “Definitely, ‘Traffic’ helped ease the most difficult part when it comes to communicating with relatives of organ donors. Nowadays, many people voluntarily come forward to save the lives of others by offering to transplant organs from their beloved ones who are declared brain-dead by doctors. Earlier, a request for organ donation at such junctures would have been treated like an offence,” observed Dr C J John, a leading psychiatrist and a commentator on social issues.
According to him, ‘Traffic’ served as a powerful tool in changing the mindset of people who would not have been influenced by the articles and awareness programmes on organ transplant. “Many have started to think that at least one person’s life would be saved by donating organ. It shows how a popular medium can be used for a purpose without any sermon. Most of the campaigns in the print and visual media on important topics often fail to influence viewers. But this film, with its narrative style and presentation, reached maximum number of persons. It can be said that the film turned out to be a platform for the organ donation campaign,” he added. However, the man behind the film did not receive any recognition for the noble message he passed on to society. Perhaps, his early departure would initiate such thoughts posthumously.
Rajesh Pillai’s Death Mourned
T’Puram: Cinema Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has condoled the demise of filmmaker Rajesh Pillai. In his condolence message, the minister pointed out that Pillai had made noticeable contributions to film world. Condoling the demise, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said Rajesh Pillai was one of the noted directors who initiated the trend of new-generation movies in Malayalam.
