Bharathan

Last updated

Bharathan
Bharathan (cropped).jpg
Born(1946-11-14)14 November 1946
Died30 July 1998(1998-07-30) (aged 51)
Occupations
  • Art director
  • Sculptor
  • Poster designer
  • Film director
  • Lyricist
  • Music composer
  • Editor
Years active1973–1998
Spouse K. P. A. C. Lalitha
Children2 (incl. Sidharth)
Relatives P. N. Menon (uncle)

Bharathan (14 November 1946 30 July 1998) was an Indian film maker, artist, and art director. Bharathan is noted for being the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam cinema, along with Padmarajan and K. G. George, in the 1980s, which created films that were widely received while also being critically acclaimed. A train of directors, and screenwriters followed this school onto the 1990s including Sibi Malayil, Kamal, Lohithadas and Jayaraj.

Contents

Early life

He was born at Enkakkad near Wadakkancherry, in present-day Thrissur district of Kerala, India.

Career

Art direction

After completing his diploma from the College of Fine Arts, Thrissur, Bharathan entered films as an art director through the Malayalam film Gandharavakshetram (1972), directed by A. Vincent, which also happened to be one of the first films where actor Thilakan played a noticeable role. He was inspired by his uncle P. N. Menon, an established director. After working as an art director and assistant director in a few films, he made his directorial debut in 1975 with Prayanam , which was based on Padmarajan's script. It also marked the rise of two early proponents of middle-stream Malayalam cinema. [1]

Film direction

Bharathan directed over 40 films in Malayalam and Tamil. Starting his career in 1975 with Prayanam, Bharathan rode to fame with his off-beat Thakara, a film about a dumb-witted central character who falls in love with the village beauty. Some of his other memorable films include Rathinirvedam , Chamaram, Paalangal, Amaram , and Vaishali . [2]

His association with Padmarajan led to films including Rathi Nirvedam and Thakara. Rathi Nirvedam was a treatment of teenage sexual angst. In Thakara, he deals with life and longings of an intellectually disabled youth and his association with the society.

In the early 1980s he made several notable movies like Chamaram , Marmaram , Paalangal , Ormakkayi , Kattathe Kilikkoodu , Kathodu Kathoram and many more. They did well in theaters and set the trend for meaningful mainstream cinema. Other noted directors followed suit. It was the romantic era of Malayalam cinema.

Not all of Bharathan's films skirted with bold themes and controversy. In Oru Minnaaminunginte Nurunguvettam (1987), he tells the poignant story of a childless couple in their post retirement life. It deals with the isolation and loneliness that comes with old age. The film was a departure from Bharathan's usual style and proved to be a major commercial hit while garnering critical acclaim, too.

Screenwriter Lohithadas, director Bharathan and cinematographer Ramachandra Babu at the location of Venkalam. Lohitadas and Bharathan.jpg
Screenwriter Lohithadas, director Bharathan and cinematographer Ramachandra Babu at the location of Venkalam.

His Vaisali (1988) is widely regarded as a modern-day masterpiece in Malayalam cinema. Scripted by the iconic Malayalam novelist M. T. Vasudevan Nair, it was an adaptation of a sub-story told in the epic Mahabharatha. Another movie born from their association was Thazhvaram . The subject was revenge, a theme quite uncharacteristic of Bharathan movies. The style was inspired by classic Westerns with a brooding, reticent central character and expansive shots of barren landscape.another movie was Amaram which was written by A. K. Lohithadas starring Mammootty which was milestone movie of malayalam movie of 1990 s.

Even though he was not known to cater to the star-centric system, Bharathan was instrumental in bringing together the two screen icons of Tamil cinema Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Hassan in the Tamil film Thevar Magan which won critical acclaim and box office success. Sivaji gave an uncharacteristically restrained yet brilliant performance. The movie won several national awards and was remade into many regional languages (most notably Virasat in Hindi).

His more experimental films include Aaravam, more an arthouse than commercial venture, and Nidra, about the plight of a woman who is in love with a mentally deranged man. His film "Nidra" was remade by his son, film director Sidharth Bharathan. "Rathinirvedam" originally directed by Bharathan, which was a noted film was also remade by another famous director T K Rajeev Kumar with Swetha Menon in the lead.

Apart from film direction, he also wrote lyrics and tuned songs for his films. (e.g., lyrics for "Thaaram Valkannadi Nokki" in Keli and "Tharum Thalirum Mizhipootti" in Chilambu or title song for Kathodu Kathoram). He collaborated with writer P. R. Nathan in Keli.

Filmmaking style

Bharathan's films were known for their realistic portrayal of rural life in Kerala. Melodrama and escapism, often an integral part of mainstream cinema in India, were usually absent in his films. He also managed to steer clear of the "star-centric" culture, prevalent in Indian cinema, throughout his career. His later films did involve major movie stars but usually without compromising on plot or narrative. Bharathan, along with Padmarajan and K. G. George were largely responsible for introducing a counter culture of meaningful mainstream cinema which often tread the middle path between art-house and commercial cinema. This movement was often called the "middle of the road cinema". Bharathan's films were known for their visually appealing shot compositions. His background as a painter enabled him to create frames that were often credited for their visual beauty. Natural props and nature itself often became important characters in his films (like the railway track in Palangal, or the sea in Amaram ). Bharathan is one of the few Indian directors known to use an elaborate story-board system for filming. He also often designed the posters for his films.

Several of his early films were known for their bold portrayal of sexual themes. His films often defied social conventions and norms about man-woman relationships. Rathinirvedam was the sexual-coming-of-age story of the relationship between a teenager and an older woman while Chamaram dealt with the tumultuous affair between a student and his college lecturer. In Kattathe Kilikkoodu an elderly, married Professor falls for his student. Kaathodu Kaathoram was about the social ostracism of a woman who has an adulterous relationship.

The latter half of Bharathan's career saw a distinct change in film making style characterized by a wider canvas, more attention to detail with more distinct focus on narrative style (e.g., Vaishali , Amaram , Thaazhvaaram , and Thevar Magan ). Some critics argue that this quest for technical excellence was at the expense of the quality of thematic content. Films like Vaishali and Amaram (where he collaborated with acclaimed cinematographer Madhu Ambat) set a new benchmark for cinematographic excellence in Malayalam and Indian Cinema. Thaazhvaaram was stylistically inspired by classic Hollywood Westerns though the theme and backdrop were distinctly original.

His last few films (Manjeeradhwani, Devaraagam and Churam) were received moderately by critics.

Death

Bharatan died at a private hospital in Chennai on 30 July 1998 at the age of 52 following prolonged illness. His last film was Churam, which released a year before his death. His mortal remains were brought back to his ancestral home at Wadakkancherry and cremated with full state honours.

Personal life

Bharathan was married to theatre and film actress K. P. A. C. Lalitha with whom he associated in a lot of films before and after marriage. [3] They had two children - Sreekutty, a former child actress, and Sidharth Bharathan, a film actor and director.

Filmography

FilmYearDirectorWriterArt-directorComposerEditorNotesRef.
1972 Chembarathi Yes
1972GandharvakshethramYes
1973 Chenda Yes
1973 Dharmayudham Yes
1973 Ponnaapuram Kotta Yes
1973 Enippadikal Yes
1973 Maadhavikkutty Yes
1974 Rajahamsam Yes
1974 Chakravaakam Yes
1974 Neelakkannukal Yes
1974 Mucheettukalikkaarante Makal Yes
1975 Prayanam YesYes
1976 Surveykkallu Yes
1976 Ponni Yes
1976YudhakaandamYes
1977 Guruvayur Kesavan YesYes
1978 Rathinirvedam Yes
1978 Aniyara Yes
1978 Njaan Njaan Maathram Yes
1978 Aaravam YesYesYes
1979 Thakara YesYes
1980 Lorry Yes
1980 Savithiri YesYesTamil film
1980 Chamaram YesYes
1981 Nidra YesYesYes
1981PalangalYesYes
1981 Parankimala YesYes
1981 Chatta YesYesYes
1981ParvathyYesYes
1982 Marmaram YesYes
1982 Ormakkayi YesYes
1983 Eenam YesYes
1983 Sandhya Mayangum Neram Yes
1983 Kattathe Kilikkoodu YesYes
1984 Ente Upasana Yes
1985 Kathodu Kathoram YesYes
1984 Ithiripoove Chuvannapoove YesYes
1985 Ozhivukaalam Yes
1985Oonjalaadum UravugalYesTamil film
1986 Chilambu Yes
1986 Pranamam YesAlso lyricist
1987 Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam YesYesYes
1987 Neela Kurinji Poothappol Yes
1988 Vaisali YesYes
1989 Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam YesYesYes
1990 Thazhvaram YesYesYes
1990 Malootty YesYes
1991 Amaram Yes
1991 Keli YesYesYes
1992 Aavarampoo YesYesTamil film
1992 Thevar Magan YesTamil film
1993 Venkalam Yes
1993 Chamayam Yes
1993 Padheyam Yes
1996 Devaraagam YesYes
1997ChuramYesYes
1998ManjeeradhwaniYesYes

Awards

National Film Awards

Filmfare Awards South

Kerala State Film Awards

No.YearCategoryFilm(s)
11975 Best Art Director Prayanam
21979 Best Art Director Thakara
31980 Best Art Director Chamaram
41980 Second Best Film Chamaram
51981 Best Art Director Chatta
61982 Best Film Marmaram
71982 Second Best Film Ormakkayi
81982 Best Director Marmaram ,
Ormakkayi
91982 Best Art Director Ormakkayi
101984 Best Art Director Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove
111987 Best Popular Film Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam
121992 Best Popular Film Venkalam

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Padmarajan</span> Indian film maker and author

Padmarajan Padmanabhan Pillai better known as P.Padmarajan was an Indian film maker, screenwriter and author who was known for his works in Malayalam literature and Malayalam cinema. He was the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam cinema, along with Bharathan and K. G. George, in the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnson (composer)</span> Indian composer

Thattil Antony Johnson, popularly known as Johnson Master, was an Indian film score composer and music director who has given music to some of the most important motion pictures of Malayalam cinema, including those for Koodevide, Namukku Paarkkan Munthiri Thoppukal, Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam, Vadakkunokkiyantram, Perumthachan, Njan Gandharvan, Ponthan Mada, and Bhoothakkannadi. Regarded as one of the finest composers in the industry, he was noted for his lyrical and expressive melodies together with simple but rich tonal compositions of thematic music. Johnson is a recipient of National Film Awards twice and Kerala State Film Awards five times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. K. Lohithadas</span> Indian film director and screenwriter

Ambazhathil Karunakaran Lohithadas was an Indian screenwriter, playwright, film maker, and producer who worked in the Malayalam film industry. In a career spanning over two decades, his films have won a National Film Award, six Kerala State Film Awards, and fourteen Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Script.

<i>Thevar Magan</i> 1992 film by directed by Bharathan

Thevar Magan is a 1992 Indian, Tamil-language drama film written and produced by Kamal Haasan, and directed by Bharathan. It stars Sivaji Ganesan, Haasan Revathi, Gautami and Nassar; with Kallapart Natarajan, Kaka Radhakrishnan, Sangili Murugan and Vadivelu in supporting roles. The film's story involves a respected village chieftain's son who wants to open a business but whose his father wants him to help the villagers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Revathi</span> Indian actress

Asha Kelunni Nair, better known by her stage name Revathi, is an Indian actress and director, known for her works predominantly in Tamil and Malayalam cinema - in addition to Telugu, Hindi and Kannada films. She has won several accolades, including the National Film Awards in three different categories, and six Filmfare Awards South. She has also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Bhoothakaalam (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P. C. Sreeram</span> Indian cinematographer and film director

P. C. Sreeram ISC is an Indian cinematographer and film director who works in Indian films. He is also the president of Qube Cinemas, a digital cinema technology company. He is an alumnus of the Madras Film Institute. Apart from his work as a cinematographer, Sreeram was much appreciated for his directorial venture Kuruthipunal. The film was internationally acclaimed and was submitted by India as its official entry to the Oscars in 1996. Sreeram is known for his association with Bharathan, Mani Ratnam, R Balki, Vikram Kumar, and received critical acclaim for his work in films such as Thevar magan, Mouna Ragam, Nayakan, Cheeni Kum, Agni Natchathiram, Paa, Geethanjali, Alaipayuthey, I, Padman, O Kadhal Kanmani, Thiruda thiruda, Ishq, and Remo. He has worked as a cinematographer in over 30 films spanning across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi language, besides directing three films and a few TV commercials in Chennai and Mumbai. He is also one of the founding members of Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rahman (actor)</span> Indian actor

Rashin Rahman is an Indian actor. He has worked in around 200 films, primarily in Malayalam cinema, in addition to Tamil, Hindi and Telugu cinema, and has won several awards. In Tamil and Telugu cinema, he is also known by the screen names Raghuman and Raghu.

Suparna Anand is an Indian actress from New Delhi. She has appeared in Malayalam and Hindi films. She is known for her portrayal of the titular Vaisali in the movie Vaisali, directed by Bharathan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, as well as for her performance as Bhama in Njan Gandharvan, written and directed by P. Padmarajan.

<i>Amaram</i> 1991 Indian Malayalam drama film

Amaram (transl. Stern) is a 1991 Indian Malayalam drama film directed by Bharathan and written by A. K. Lohithadas. It stars Mammootty, Maathu, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Ashokan, Murali, Chitra, and Kuthiravattam Pappu in the main roles. The film's score is composed by Johnson while the songs are by Raveendran.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. P. A. C. Lalitha</span> Indian actress (1947–2022)

Maheshwari Amma, better known by her stage name K. P. A. C. Lalitha, was an Indian film and stage actress who worked primarily in the Malayalam film industry. She started her acting career with Kerala People's Arts Club, a theatre collective in Kayamkulam, Kerala. In a career spanning five decades, she starred in over 550 films.

<i>Thazhvaram</i> 1990 Indian film

Thazhvaram is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language western thriller film directed by Bharathan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. It stars Mohanlal, Salim Ghouse, Sumalatha, Anju and Sankaradi. It tells the story of Balan (Mohanlal), who's on the lookout for Raju for taking revenge for murdering his wife Raji (Anju). Bharathan also composed the only song featured in the film, the background score was provided by Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramachandra Babu</span> Indian cinematographer (1947–2019)

K. Ramachandra Babu was an Indian cinematographer of over 125 films, out of which most are Malayalam films. He also worked for films in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Arabic and English languages. He served as the cinematographer for several documentaries and advertisement films as well. He was the founder of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pratap Pothen</span> Indian actor and filmmaker (1952–2022)

Pratap Pothen was an Indian actor and filmmaker who acted in about 100 films and directed 12 films. He appeared in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu as well as Hindi films. He also worked as a scriptwriter and producer for films.

<i>Thakara</i> 1979 Indian film

Thakara is a 1979 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Bharathan and written by Padmarajan. It stars Prathap Pothan, Surekha, Nedumudi Venu and K. G. Menon in pivotal roles. The film was a breakthrough in the career of Bharathan and Venu. It was remade in Tamil as Aavarampoo (1992).

<i>Kattathe Kilikkoodu</i> 1983 Indian film

Kattathe Kilikkoodu is a 1983 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Bharathan and written by T. Damodaran from a story by Nedumudi Venu. The film was produced by P. V. Gangadharan and stars Bharat Gopy, Mohanlal, Srividya, Revathi, and Anju. The music for the film was composed by Johnson. The film was a major commercial success.

<i>Rathinirvedam</i> (1978 film) 1978 Indian film

Rathinirvedam is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language erotic film directed by Bharathan and written by P. Padmarajan based on his own novel of the same name. The plot revolves around a teenager, Pappu (Krishnachandran), who is sexually attracted to an older woman, Rathi (Jayabharathi).

<i>Chamaram</i> 1980 Indian film

Chamaram is a 1980 Malayalam film written by John Paul Puthusery and directed by Bharathan, starring Nedumudi Venu, Zarina Wahab, Prathap Pothan and Ratheesh. The story is about the tumultuous affair between a student and his college lecturer, an uncommon type of love story in Indian Cinema. This film has the evergreen song "Nadha Nee Varum Kalocha Kelkkuvan", sung by S. Janaki. Chamaram considered one of the landmark movies in Malayalam film history. The film broke all conventional concepts and moral equations in love. The film become a trend in 1980s campus as well as youth. Chamaram is one of the evergreen campus movies in Malayalam cinema. C.M.S. College was the location of Chamaram.

Prayanam is a 1975 Indian Malayalam-language feature film written by Padmarajan and directed by Bharathan. It was the debut of both Padmarajan and Bharathan. The writer-director duo is often credited for revolutionising Malayalam cinema with their expressive and innovative works.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lathika</span> Indian playback singer

Lathika is an Indian playback singer whose voice held sway over the music charts in the late 1980s-early 1990s in the Malayalam film industry. She has lent her voice mainly for Malayalam and Tamil film songs for over 300 films. Some of her hit songs of that time are ‘Kathodu Kathoram…' and ‘Devadoothar Padi…'(Kathodu Kathoram), ‘Poo Venam Pooppada Venam...', and ‘Tharum Thalirum...' (Chilambu).

<i>Aavarampoo</i> 1992 film by Bharathan

Aavarampoo is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language teen romance film, directed by Bharathan and produced by Keyaar. A remake of the 1980 Malayalam film Thakara, it stars Vineeth, Nandhini and Nassar. The film was released on 5 June 1992.

References

  1. "Bharathan". Cinema of Malayalam. Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
  2. "Noted Malayalam film director Bharathan dead". The Indian Express. 31 July 1998. Archived from the original on 26 June 2009.
  3. "Emotional reunion". The Hindu . Chennai, India. 17 June 2011. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2010.