Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan believes cinema must constantly reinvent itself, or risk losing relevance. Speaking at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival during a session titled Rethink Narrative, the Take Off and See You Soon director reflected on storytelling, censorship, and the fragile lifespan of creative ideas.
Calling cinema a form of resistance, Narayanan said filmmakers inevitably respond to social and political realities through their work. “Everyone sees an issue from their own perspective. A film becomes a director’s response to a subject,” he said, adding that many of his films have faced censorship hurdles, both in India and internationally. He stressed that creative freedom remains vital for authentic storytelling.
Narayanan recalled attending a film festival in Iran, where his understanding of the challenges faced by filmmaker Jafar Panahi was questioned by locals. “They told me I was viewing the issue through Western media. That reminded me that every story has multiple lenses. Filmmakers must be open to seeing them,” he noted.
Drawing parallels between cinema and politics, Narayanan cited an anecdote involving MG Ramachandran and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. When party workers reportedly sought a ban on an MGR film during an election, Karunanidhi is said to have dismissed the demand, remarking that if a two-hour film could shake party loyalty, the party itself needed reconsideration. “Cinema and politics function differently. That distinction must be understood,” Narayanan said.
Sharing his writing approach, Narayanan emphasised the need for constant revision. “Every idea has an expiry date. I revisit my screenplay every six months because stories must evolve with time,” he said. The filmmaker draws inspiration from real-life incidents, allowing them to organically shape into cinematic narratives.
While striving for authenticity, he acknowledged cinema’s fictional nature. “A film is not truth; it is fiction. But it should be a lie that stays close to reality. I try to capture the emotional truth of an incident,” he said.
Speaking about his upcoming film Patriot, starring Mohanlal and Mammootty, the director clarified that casting was driven purely by narrative needs. “I chose them because they suited the story. On set, they are like any other actors,” he said.
Narayanan also expressed his interest in repeatedly collaborating with actors like Fahadh Faasil and Kunchacko Boban, noting that he enjoys exploring different facets of their performances in each project.
Interestingly, the filmmaker begins his writing process by visualising the final image of the film. “I imagine the last frame first. It anchors the story. I also write keeping the audience in mind, ensuring they remain emotionally connected,” he added.
The session was moderated by Vishal Shinde.
