Perariyathavar
| Perariyathavar | |
|---|---|
 Film Poster | |
| Directed by | Dr. Biju |
| Produced by | Anilkumar K. |
| Written by | Dr. Biju |
| Starring |
Suraj Venjaramoodu Indrans |
| Music by | Issac Thomas Kottukappally |
| Cinematography | M.J.Radhakrishnan |
| Edited by | Karthik Jogesh |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 111 Minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Perariyathavar (English: Names Unknown) is a 2015 Indian Malayalam film directed by Dr. Biju. The film revolves around two sweepers and the problems they encounter in life, depicting the agonies of the marginalised section of society.[1] The film features Suraj Venjaramoodu and Indrans in the lead roles. It won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation. Suraj received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance.[2]
Plot summary
The story revolves around a widowed father and son working as scavengers and the harsh life they face. The duo belongs to a section of society who are marginalized in the mainstream. Father is working as a temporary cleaning sweeper. Chami is his friend and fellow worker who belongs to a tribal community. They collect the garbage from the city streets into a vehicle and dumps at a rural village. Sometimes father takes his son along with him. During the travel in a trash vehicle, father and son sees and experiences the life of many nameless, faceless marginalised people including themselves in the midst of huge buildings and roaring vehicles.
Cast
- Suraj Venjaramoodu - Father
- Indrans – Chami
- Master Govardhan – Son
- Nedumudi Venu – Work Shop Master
- Sona Nair
- Seema G. Nair
Production
The film produced by K.Anilkumar under the banner Ambalakkara Global Films. This is the second film produced by K.Anilkumar with Dr.Biju after Akasathinte Niram (Color of Sky).
In an interview, Dr. Biju revealed that actors Dileep, Jayasurya, Biju Menon and Srinivasan were approached for playing the protagonist role. None of them accepted the role and the movie got delayed for more than an year. Eventually Biju chose Suraj Venjaramoodu for the role.[3]
Awards
The film was awarded Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation Award at the 61st National Film Awards, 2013. Suraj Venjaramoodu was awarded the Best Actor Award. Noted filmmaker and jury chairman Saeed Mirza said in a press meet: "Suraj has played a municipal sweeper [in the film] but it is an incredibly dignified performance. He excels in comedy but in this film Suraj has brilliantly played a reticent character. I would not have been able to sleep had his name not been in the list of awardees. The film world premiered at 38th Montreal world film festival, Canada (August 21st to September1st, 2014) in the section Focus on World Cinema. The film got Green Rose award for the best film with a Global Message at Jaipur International film festival 2015.
[4]
Festivals
38th Montreal World Film Festival, Canada, August 2014.
16th Mumbai International film festival, India, October 2014.
19th International film festival of Kerala, India, December 2014
20th Kolkata International film festival, India, November 2014.
Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2014 in Official competition.
Jaipur International Film Festival, India, February 2015
33rd Fajr International Film Festival, Tehran, Iran, April 2015 in world cinema competition
Release
The film released by PVR on their prestigious slot Director's Rare on 2015 January 9th.PVR Director’s Rare is the limited release arm of PVR Group and works as a spring board to support the theatrical release of critically acclaimed cinema and niche content from across the world. This is the first time a Malayalam film releasing through PVR Director's Rare slot. Talking about the release of Names Unknown, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, JMD, PVR Ltd. Said, “We are extremely proud to give a national platform to Dr. Biju’s work of art which rightfully garnered two National Awards. PVR Director’s Rare’s endeavour is to always showcase such brilliant cinema to a wider audience and make people aware of the excellent work that’s being done at the regional level.
Reception
The film got good reviews by National media. Shakthi Shetty of Mid Day gave 4 star rating for the film. Mid day reviewed that, Every year, several humble gems from regional cinema come and go without our city getting a whiff. We get to know about them when they bag some award or earn accolades at international film festivals. Given the fact that we are neck-deep in Bollywood and Hollywood films, variety is always welcome. Reasons strong enough to appreciate a Malayalam film receiving a Friday release for a change. Originally titled 'Perariyathavar', it doesn't divert from its set path even once. Aided by subtitles, the story is more visual than verbal. And there's a message for anybody who has ever been in a city. The finest part is that it's delivered through actions, not words. What's touching is the manner in which the overall story is treated. The dignity provided to the supporting cast and genuineness of the situations portrayed almost makes you want to touch the screen — if not the characters.Don't miss this one, especially if you are one of those who still thinks Malayalam is a funny-sounding language.
Aubrey D'souza in Book My Show gave a 3 star critics rating. Book my show gives a 4 star critics rate with 83% recommendation for watching the film. The review said that, There are certain films out there that make you stop and think about the world around us. In the grand scheme of life, how many of us actually take a moment? But Names Unknown actually works. Directed by Dr. Biju, Perariyathavar is a Malayalam film that chronicles the lives of a sweeper and his son. Set in the streets of Kerala, this film takes you to a different world from your standard metros. Names Unknown is a must-watch, simply for the story and for the nameless faces that we all dismiss. Names Unknown gets under your skin before you know it. It takes a lot to make an impact on a jaded audience, and this film delivers that blow using a feather. It feels like a pin-prick right through the heart. You should watch it and remember that everyone has a story to tell. You just need to remember to stop and listen.
Anuj Kumar in The Hindu said that "Dr. Biju’s “Perariyathavar” makes a potent comment on the lopsided development we are observing around us". Biju’s film not only makes a Dalit central to the narrative but also breaks a lot of stereotypes associated with the characterisation of people from the marginalised sections of the country. They are usually shown as loud creatures angry towards the system, mostly on the verge of revolt.
References
- ↑ "Biju’s next is Perariyathavar". September 24, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
- ↑ "Suraj Venjaramoodu best actor for Perariyathavar". The Hindu. April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
- ↑ Preejith Raj, Dr. Biju (May 11–18, 2014). "Being a Dalit is a crime in cinema". Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly.
- ↑ "Ship of Theseus named best film at National film awards". The Hindu. April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2014.