Intellectual films don't work...

Intellectual films don't work...
unless they are sugarcoated

Actor-writer Anoop Menon seems to have understood what really works with the discerning Mollywood audience

Sanjith Sidhardhan

With his last scripting venture Beautiful, which tells the story of a paraplegic who celebrates his life, turning out to be a super hit, Anoop Menon seems to have understood what works in Mollywood. "It's probably the only Malayalam film in which the villain was portrayed as romantically as it has been and that was the catch," he analysis. However, on a serious note, Anoop shares the example of his critically-acclaimed script Pakal Nakshatrangal, his first, which despite featuring superstars like Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi, went on to be a dud at the box office thanks to its 'intellectual' content. "I think I could have lightened the story even while maintaining its essence and thereby made it more palatable for the Malayali audience," explains Anoop, who is scripting for director V K Prakash's Trivandrum Lodge, another feel-good flick. "Our audience isn't receptive to dark subjects unless we sugarcoat the content. But that is only because we are a simple, peace-loving community and don't have too many tragedies to reflect on," explains Anoop.
As an actor, it has taken Anoop, about 25 films, before one can call him an established one. "All new actors in Mollywood go through that initial challenge of trying to prove themselves. If they make it through, then the audience will ensure that they are here for the long run. I think what worked for me is the 'limited intelligence'. I had to say no to roles that didn't suit me," he says. It is not a wonder then that Anoop has won himself an interesting nickname — the thinking woman's actor. Surprisingly, it's not a title that the actor is too happy about. "There is so much to do in addition to acting, and I don't want any limitations," he says.
sanjith.sidhardhan@timesgroup.com

IN DEMAND: Anoop Menon