Television is the future of malayalam cinema

" Television is the future of Malayalam cinema". Don't take these prophetic words of Parashu lightly.

The much talked about 'malayalam cinema prathisandi' (the malayalam cinema crisis) was blamed on the emergence of satellite television. This lead to bans being imposed on films stars doing shows for television channels or acting in soaps and shows. Basking in the past glory, those at the helm of the Malayalam film industry can choose to ignore television at their own risk.

The real reason for the crisis in malayalam cinema industry is the lack of quality content and form. Innovative content comes from vision while form is dictated by techniques. Innovation in content calls for addressing issues that are relevant to the times. There is a need for production of commercial and art house cinema that appeal to the masses by tickling their senses both primal and evolved. But unfortunately, the existing filmmakers fail miserably as torchbearers of their society. There is a void of genius in the industry which now is filled with flash-in-the-pan hit makers and pretentious art filmmakers. If MACTA has real intention of saving the industry they should seriously think about launching a voluntary retirement scheme for filmmakers who have outlived their context. Cinematically speaking they should be archived.

The other reason for the current sorry state of affairs is the lack of support and respect towards the emergence of new technicians especially editors. More than any others, Malayalam cinema needs editors who understand and can make use of the digital technology in post production. It is the editors and post production artist/ colorists who have graduated from television that are giving the hindi/tamil films the sheen that they have now. They bring with them new way of crafting the stories. Television is the breeding ground for these digital artist. So instead fearing the emergence of television, the film fraternity should accept the strength of the medium. They should realize that the big screen will always be the ultimate dream for the small screen fraternity. It would be silly for the lion to look at the rat and panic, instead get the rat's help to cut free from the trap it has fallen into.