P. Padmarajan (1936-91)

Malayalam writer, scenarist and director. Studied chemistry in Trivandrum, where he also worked as an AIR announcer. Author of 15 novels and scenarist before becoming a director. Considered a leading member of a second generation of modernist writers, following M.T. Vasudevan Nair and O.V. Vijayan. Several of his anarchist novels, often about people on the margins, crime and sexual jealousy, have been the sources for e.g. Bharathan’s and I.V. Sasi’s films. His own films have however seldom adapted his own published fiction, although based on his own screenplays. Best-known film is Koodevide?, a psychological drama about the violence simmering underneath polite discourse. His folk parable Oridathoru Phayalwan is about the rise and fall of a childishly simple wrestler who makes a success of his sport, marries the prettiest woman in the village but finds himself a loser in life. Script credits include: Bharathan’s Prayanam (1975), Rathi Nirvedham (1978), Thakara (1979), Lorry (1980) and Eenum (1983); I.V. Sasi’s Itha Ivide Vare (1977), Vadagaikku Oru Hridayam (1978), Kaikeyi (1983) and Kaanamarayathu (1984); K.S. Sethumadhavan’s Nakshatrangale Kaval (1978); K.G. George’s Rappadigalude Gatha (1978); Mohan’s Salini Ente Kuttukari (1980).

FILMOGRAPHY: 1979: Peruvazhiyampalam; 1981: Oridathoru Phayalwan; Kallan Pavithran; 1982: Novemberinte Nashtam; 1983: Koodevide?; 1984: Parannu Parannu Parannu; 1985: Thinkalazhcha Nalla Divasam; Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil; 1986: Desadanakkili Karayilla; Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal; Kariyila Kattu Pole; 1987:Nombarathi Poovu; Thoovana Thumbigal; 1988: Aparan; Moonnam Pakkam; 1989: Innale; 1991: Jnan Gandharvan.

Writer

Director