Adoor Gopalakrishnan has articulated his firm belief in the necessity of theatrical releases for films, arguing that people should experience cinema in a theatre. The veteran Malayalam director recently shared his thoughts during a session at the India Today Conclave South in Kochi. He reflected on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led him to contemplate the relevance of filmmaking amidst the growing popularity of OTT platforms.

Gopalakrishnan made his return to filmmaking with ‘Padayaatra’, his first film in a decade. He expressed that his hesitation towards creating films has largely stemmed from observing audience preferences shifting towards home viewing during the pandemic. “At one point during the pandemic, I felt it might be futile to continue making films,” he noted.

For Gopalakrishnan, the essence of cinema lies in the atmosphere created in a theatre. He insisted that people should watch films in darkened auditoriums with proper acoustics, as this is where the true cinematic experience unfolds.

Views on Film Budgets and Collaborations

Addressing the topic of film budgets, Gopalakrishnan labelled exorbitant spending on films as “criminal.” He emphasised that he strives to complete his projects within set financial limits and has maintained a consistent approach to production costs throughout his career. “I never cross my budget,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to economic efficiency in filmmaking.

During the session, Gopalakrishnan mentioned his long-standing collaboration with actor Mammootty, who stars in ‘Padayaatra’. The film marks their fourth partnership, which is notable given Gopalakrishnan’s tendency not to repeat actors in his productions. Gopalakrishnan mentioned that Mammootty had shown interest in producing the film, displaying a dedication to ensuring its success.

The director praised Mammootty for his distinct approach to remuneration, aligning his fees with the film’s budget rather than demanding higher payments. This philosophy aligns with Gopalakrishnan’s long-held principle of responsible spending in film production.

Reflections on OTT and Audience Engagement

Gopalakrishnan noted that while he does not oppose an OTT release after a film completes its theatrical run, he firmly believes that the initial launch should cater specifically to cinemas. “My films are primarily made for cinemas, not for OTT or small screens,” he remarked, underscoring the need for audiences to engage fully with his work. He asserted that cinema should provoke thought and reflection among viewers.

Gopalakrishnan remarked that films should enhance the audience’s understanding of the world, encouraging them to be more critical and perceptive. In expressing his discontent with the trend of creating content for smaller screens, he maintained that viewing on these platforms diminishes the cinematic experience. This perspective is rooted in his belief that films should stimulate the viewer’s intellect and emotions, an experience he considers essential.

In conclusion, Gopalakrishnan’s perspectives highlight a commitment to preserving the integrity of cinema as an art form while acknowledging the evolution of viewing habits influenced by digital platforms. His return to filmmaking with ‘Padayaatra’ reflects a desire to uphold the cultural significance of theatre while navigating the changing landscape of film consumption.

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