Menon: A man of varied talentsSamaantharangalDirector:Balachandra MenonCast:Balachandra Menon, RenukaMalayalam cinema seems to be witnessing reverse migrations. Several directors in the commercial circuit suddenly have discovered virtues in what they knocked down most: serious cinema. Jayaraj who started the trend last year with Desaadanam seems ensconsed in the world of parallel cinema with this year's impressive Kaliyattam. And now Balachandra Menon, the ace commercial film director, has joined the bandwagon with what he has termed as his magnum opus - Samaantharangal meaning parallel lines. Menon has not only produced, directed and played the lead in the film, but has also done the screenplay, music and editing. Due for release in April, Samaantharangal is the story of an obstinately upright railway station master Ismail, played by Menon. Ismail's high principles are always at conflict with the unscrupulous world outside. So much so that even his family members find his views unrealistic. The use of railway lines as a metaphor for the parallel value system underlines this conflict. Ismail does emerge victorious but not before paying a heavy price..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}Though melodramatic, the story is relevant to the times. While Menon turns in an impressive performance in his role of a 60-year-old man, the other characters are reduced to insignificance. He even stretches the theme linking it with weighty issues like communalism. Happily, the film is devoid of stereotypes. Both in content and form, Samaantharangal marks a distinct departure from Menon's earlier films.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Mar 2, 1998--- ENDS ---
