Mollywood: A Gem of Creativity and Authenticity
I’ve been postponing writing this article for quite some time, but February 2024 has finally pushed me to put pen to paper. Mollywood — what an enigma! Is it a beauty, or is it a beast? I’m still pondering.
In a country as diverse as India, where numerous regional movie industries coexist, the fact that 2 out of 4 major releases from Mollywood managed to cross the 100 crore mark at the box office, with the other 2 receiving critical acclaim, speaks volumes about the industry’s prowess since its inception.
- Manjummel Boys — 175Cr+
- Premalu — 100Cr+
- Bramayugam
- Anweshippin Kandethum
Recalling a line from an interview where Tovino Thomas was asked, “What is the secret behind Malayalam movie makers’ success,” sheds light on the industry’s ethos. Tovino eloquently responded, “Mollywood operates on a tighter budget compared to Bollywood, which pushes us to work harder and smarter. Our strength lies in our scripts and other aspects of filmmaking.”
Most Malayalam movies have budgets lesser than that of a Bollywood song. What’s truly admirable about our films is their authenticity. We delve straight into real issues, be it family dramas hitting close to home or thought-provoking narratives that linger long after the credits roll.
But what truly captivates me is the boundless creativity buzzing within this industry. Our directors are akin to wizards, spinning tales that evoke a whirlwind of emotions. Have you experienced the magic of “Kumbalangi Nights” or “Ee.Ma.Yau”? They transcend cinema; they’re unforgettable journeys.
I’m not one to delve into the minutiae of filmmaking, but the recent successes of “Premalu” and “Manjummel Boys” have been the talk of the town. The climax of “Manjummel Boys” was a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving the audience in tears, laughter, and applause. As I sat among people from different states, witnessing their reactions, I couldn’t help but swell with pride.
“2018,” another gripping survival thriller, resonated deeply with Keralites due to the harrowing experiences during the floods. “Bramayugam” stands as a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing the industry’s willingness to experiment with formats like full black and white feature film.
And then there’s Mammookka, the 71-year-old sensation. His commitment and passion are awe-inspiring. Establishing a production company at his age to prioritize quality over commercial success is commendable. Despite his stature, he continues to push boundaries, essaying roles ranging from negative shades to characters from diverse backgrounds (gay person, toxic parent, psychopath, etc).
An industry that balances star power with compelling storytelling sets Mollywood apart. What excites me even more are the promising movies lined up for the coming months. Mollywood isn’t just an industry; it’s a beacon of creativity and authenticity that continues to shine bright.
