Mohan - Film Director with a difference....

For me, film making combines everything. That's the reason, I've made cinema my life's work. In films, painting and literature, theater and music come together.

- Akira Kurozawa

Mohan was a Malayalam film maker who tread the path opened by Bharatan and Padmarajan. The three were the pioneers in new wave films in Mollywood. The other two left the mortal world earlier and Mohan was leading a relaxed and calm life since 2005. He also left to the cosmic abode on 27 August, 2024. He was 76.

He kept a good relation with script writers like John Paul and made films with thought provoking themes and stories. Though his first film was 'Vadaka veedu' (Rented House) in 1978, he came to limelight by directing a film, 'Rendu penkuttikal' (Two Girls) based on the novel 'Rendu Penkuttikal" written by V.T. Nandakumar. The script was written by the veteran theater artist and writer Surasu. The theme was the Lesbian relationship between two girls. It was a bold attempt and never thought of in 1978 by the film viewers. Thus Mohan traveled before time!!

One of his famous film was 'Vidaparayum Mumbe' (Before bidding final adieu) which was produced by actor Innocent and David Katchappalli. The story and scripts were written by John Paul. The protagonist Xavier was enacted by Nedumudi Venu with all subtlety of pains of a cancer patient who hides his plight from his colleagues. Madhavankutty, enacted by Prem Nazir, could never understand the reasons for the erratic behavior of Xavier, his subordinate. Every time Xavier escapes from the displeasure of boss by narrating imaginative story of his wife and her sufferings from diseases. Finally everyone knows the reality only when Xavier dies. The film was exhibited for more than 100 days.

Other films directed by Mohan included Salini ente kootukari..(Salini, My friend), Ilakkangal(tremors), Idavela (Interval), Pakshe (but....), Angane oru avadhikalathu (Thus, during a vaccation).... Isabella....He directed 23 films. The last film was The Campus released in 2005.

Mohan was a good story writer. He wrote for the films, Ithile iniyum Varoo (Come again once more) and Kathayariyathe (Without knowing the story). He produced one film, Upasana (Worship).

The well known story and scriptwriter Kaloor Denis had said, "Mohan was keen in making good films rather than commercial films. he mended the middle path in Malayalam Film industry along with Bharathan, Padmarajan and John Paul.

Mohan was born to Chettiparambil Madhathil veetil Narayanan Nair and Amukutty Amma on 15th January, 1948. his native place was Iringalakuda in Thrissur district. He married Anupama who was the heroine of his film 'Rendu penkuttikal'. The couple were blessed with two sons Purendar and Upendar.

His life would be an example for new generation film directors to take up new and bold themes and unexplored story lines.

Read from my upcoming book: "Hidden gems of Kerala - Unsung heroes"

Dr.Subramoniam Krishnan