The inaugural Kerala State Film Awards’ Best Actor award winner Sathyan was born in Thirumala, Trivandrum. During the 17th edition of IFFK, an exhibition of Sathyan’s photos and books written on him was conducted. It was inaugurated by cine actors Sri. Madhu and Smt. KPAC Lalitha. At Durbar Hall, Kanakakunnu, where the exhibition was held, Cine Art Director Mr. Sabu Pravadas, chats to V. Viswanath on various aspects of the exhibition.
What do you aim with this Sathyan Festival?
As you know, during his acting career, Sathyan Sir was a No.1 actor in Malayalam Cinema. To provide maximum exposure of his centenary birth anniversary falling on November 9, 2012, we have conducted this exhibition along with the Film Festival. Every year, exhibitions are conducted; however, this year it features Sathyan collections. This exhibition attempts to create a better awareness of Sathyan Sir.
How has Sathyan contributed to Malayalam Cinema?
The films of that time had an influence of Tamil cinema. Sathyan Sir brought in a body language familiar to Kerala. His acting was natural. He did not just put up an act, he gave life to the character. His films like Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu were popular. By the time ‘Neelakuyil’ came, he had become an actor acclaimed in the national level. President’s Silver Medal was brought to Kerala first by Neelakuyil. People of the present age know about Sathyan from mimicry – the great actor is being insulted by cheap imitation. The new generation should look at Sathyan Sir’s great contributions to Malayalam Cinema. He has performed mostly in Manjilas’ cinemas. The combination of Sathyan Sir and Sethumadhavan Sir has given many good films. He left us at the peak of his career. It was during the performance of the character Chellappan in Anubhavangal Paalichakal. Before that, he had done dual role in ‘Kadalpaalam’. He had acted in the two roles so well that nobody would think it was done by the same person – that too at a time when technology had not progressed.
What were the past exhibitions?
Exhibitions have been conducted on various themes such as Art director’s creations, Award winners of Malayalam cinema, and women and Malayalam cinema.
What is the response of young generation to such exhibitions?
There will be a huge audience; however, only about 30-40% would be serious cinema goers, even for the film festival. Those 30-40% visits the exhibition, take notes and photos. Some store those in their collections. They might be media students, journalists, etc. – we are focusing on them. In Sathyan festival, there are elderly visitors who refresh their memories of the films they saw in their young age. The youngsters who visit become aware of Sathyan Sir’s life and career history.
How have you classified the photos?
We have kept them as four sections – Great actor with great directors, Great actor with heroines, Scenes from important films and From the family album. The Family album section has photos from the private album of Sathyan’s son Satheesh Sathyan.
