The title of the most precious director in Malayalam belongs to Shaji Kailas. He entered the Malayalam film scene 13 years ago with a thriller named 'NEWS'. It was a low budget film. Right from the beginning he was a domineering and hard working director. He continued his experiments with SUNDAY 7 PM, SOUHRUDAM, NEELAKURIKKAN, DR PASUPATHI, but Shaji Kailas could not achieve the position he wanted. He had to wait till 'TALASTHANAM', which catapulted to him into an ace director. He proved a firebrand director in no time.

It was hits and hits all the way till the latest 'THANDAVAM'. It only earned bad name for him. "I never expected such a backlash", Shaji admits. He is still not recovered from the shock. As a result he has not even started planning his next film.

What do you think the reason for the failure of 'THANDAVAM'?

It could be that it followed 'PRAJA' and 'ONNAMAN' which presented Mohanlal as the action hero. A third film in succession with Mohanlal as action hero failed to entertain the masses. If 'THANDAVAM' was released after a couple of films with Mohanlal in light roles, it could have become a super hit.

What do you say about the complaint that the dialogues came with double meaning and certain dance sequences crossed the limits?

There are certain formulae for the commercial films. The dance sequences were included as a part of it. Nobody pointed out the dances were of bad taste while in the planning stage or at shooting stage. It was not evident either at the preview. Further it was consulted upon before picturisation. But from the first day of release some quarters with vested interests had started spreading that 'THANDAVAM' was a sleazy film.

What was the necessity to cast an expensive dancer like Mumtaj in this film? It did not do well to the success of the film, did it?

It was not my option. It was a suggestion from the producer. He has publicized from the start that Mumtaj was acting in TANDAVAM. I had no other choice on this account. If I had avoided her that would only have affected badly the prospects of the film.

You always select heroism as the central theme. Why?

People dream of heroes who react and act in hard situations. They at least want these sorts of characters in films. I believe these types of themes are popular with the masses.

But don't you think the villains outsmarted the heroes in 'SIVAM' And 'THANDAVAM'?

Hero becomes relevant at the cost of villain. It happened the villains in those films became strong. In our times the villain s are the ones more glorified. See the importance Bin Laden gets internationally. Veerappan gets more footage and space in media.

In earlier films you executed the villains by the most violent methods you can think. Of late you let them free. Why this change?

Since the political murders in the state especially in Kannur district grew in numbers I thought I would not do anything that may fan the vengeance even though it is fictional. I decided that my films should not brew more of that and influence the political murders. This was a policy I accepted in those days.

SIVAM depicted the contemporary political scene. But you had dropped this kind of theme years before. The curious thing is that you chose these themes only when United Democratic front was ruling. Five years before and now. You never did this kind of films when Left front was in power. Why?

I did such films when working with Ranji Panikkar. It changed when Ranjith came as my scriptwriter. His subjects were different. When B Unnikrishnan came with this subject 'SIVAM'. The fact that filmmakers get more material during the rule of UDF is also a reason for such political thrillers.

Do you feel that the failure of THANDAVAM is mainly due to the changing of your favorite scriptwriters like Ranji and Ranjith?

To a certain extent, yes. I could communicate with them more effectively. One can see the result was achieved in those films.

In SIVAM you tried to establish Biju Menon as an action hero. But it did not happen. Where did you think you have gone wrong?

Biju has the capacity of an action super hero. It is just unlucky that he could not reach there.

Babu Antony was specially offered a role in 'THANDAVAM' but it was completely edited out. What happened?

That role appeared excessive and not contributing to the totality of the film. Further it made the film lengthier than it was required after shooting.

You announce a lot of films but only a few are finished. Why?

I never announce these films myself. When we discuss projects those associated with the projects inform the media just out of enthusiasm. I have no control over it. I shall see to it that no film of mine is announced before it is sure to launch.

You have directed some humor films earlier. Will you direct comedy films in the future?

No. Viewers are expecting a particular genre of films from me. Action films. They may not accept comedy from me. Further producers approach me to direct action films only.

You did a number of films with Suresh Gopi. He is not seen in your projects these days. Why?

Yes we did a few films together. We will be doing more in the future.

What happened to 'DIAL 100' with new artists?

We did not get the right kind of youngsters for the subject. Meanwhile a film with the subject had just come. I am not interested in DIAL 100 any more.

What are your new films?

Earlier VYAGRAM with Mohanlal in the lead was thought of. Ranji Panikkar is writing this. But it may not come as expected now. Another project is a Mammootty film for which Ranji panikkar writes. Another one is a film on script written by director Vinayan. But I shall wait till Annie gives birth to our second child. It will be two months from now.

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