Santosh on the set of the film. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Tulu film, PideiThe recently concluded 16th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (Bifes) was declared a runner-up in the Kannada Film category. It is interesting that the director is a Malayali from Santosh Mada, Kannur.
After spending his childhood in Mangalore, Karnataka, and nearby Manjeshwaram in Kerala, while interacting with the Tulu-dwelling community and studying in the Kannada medium school, he developed a affinity for people and language. This is one of the languages ​​he grew up speaking, Santosh in Kochi said on the phone.
First Pidaii, Was there JetigaAnother film that won the National Award for Best Tulu film at the 68th National Film Awards (2022). Whereas Jetiga Is special, PideiHis latest film, he loves him. The film was selected in two categories – Chitra Bharati and Kannada Cinema.
Pidei Focuses on the untouchability of menstruation – taboo around menstruation. The story is about when a modern, educated city-female woman marries in a tradition-doubtful joint family. While she enjoys the advantages of being in a traditional family, women are ‘disappeared’ in a isolated room outside the house, while menstruation does not sit well with her. The film is about whether it is as follows and there are changes.
From the left, Kathparam Damodaran Namboodiri, Ajayan Namboodiri and Kathparam’s son Dipankaran who scored a background score for the film. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
48 -year -old, 48 -year -old Santosh says, “In many families, menstruation is still practiced. My mother used to become ‘untouchables’ in those days of the month and I have thought about it as a child.”
Making films in Tulu was not initially planned. He wanted to make Malayalam films. He grew up around Malayalam films, nephew of lyricist and music director Kathparam Damodaran Namboodiri. Along with his grandfather, actor Annikrishnan Namboodiri for a shooting in Chennai, he met an assistant director Ayyappan, “He was like me. This inspired me that I could also. Santosh has helped the directors to Jayaraj and Kamal.”
Although his first Malayalam film was announced, it did not come out. What happened was the opportunity to make a Tulu film, Lucky Babu, Which was completed recently. Meanwhile, other films took place.
Santosh with Goddess Nair on the set. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Santosh heard for the first time Pidei From writer Ramesh Shetagar. “When I first heard about it. Ramesh was planning a short story on him. But I felt that the story was a film. The story also resonated with our producer and his wife. We decided to make a film then. However, I wanted me to become a music film, that’s why I have included three parts.”
With his uncle, with whom he lived as a young man, he writes songs for a film, which has been a long -fundamental dream, which realized Pidei“A culture of bhajan sessions is being organized in Tulu-damping houses. It is a kind of ‘together’, where the neighborhood has gathered to sing hymns, which the following is, which is, which is the following, Offering Has been distributed. And this gave me an opportunity to write songs to my uncle. ,
Santosh came into contact with the popular Kannada singer Vidyabhusha with a catapram on board for songs. “He has never sung for films, it was the first for him. But I was able to convince him.” Ajayan Namboodiri is a music composer, while the background score Deepakuran Kannadimana is performed by the son of Kathparam. The film’s editor is the multi-proclaimed winner Suresh Urs. The actors include Sharath Lohitshhav, Devi Nair, Rupa Vorky, Illa Vitla, Deepak Rai Panje and Pusaparj Bular. Devi, who plays the lead character of Narayani (Nani), is the daughter of Yelgie actor, Jalaja.
Although he became a filmmaker through Tulu, he planned to make Malayalam films in future.
Asked if a dramatic release would be, Santosh replied in confirmation.
Published – March 26, 2025 02:14 pm IST
