The Cinema of Adoor G

Adoor's films are as boring as himself. Grim, tight faced, expressionless and above all lifeless. Though I haven't seen much of this man's cinema, from the three I have it seems the man is lost in a periodic arrest. His movies like Mukhamukham and Mathilukal suggest an interesting synopsis that any avid cinema lover would flock to see. I am yet to see these. But haven't Kathapurushan and Nizhalkuthu promised the same holy land? I remember rushing to a film fest to see one of his documentaries. It was boring. The documentary was on Kalamandalam Gopi (if am not wrong) and seemed to suggest it was made for students of the academy.

To me, Adoor lacks inventive ideas. Though lost in a time trap, one could still be inventive (really want to see Mathilukal). Aravindan's Oridathu being a classic example. Set in the late 50s or 60s, is the story of electrification of a village and how villagers tend to believe is the cause of all bad things.

Inventive or not, Adoor's films don't touch one anywhere. It doesn't have the satire of Sandhesham, humor of Vadakkunokkiyanthram, intensity of Kireedom, subtle yet heavy gravity of Sadhayam, the comedy of Godfather, the scriptural perfectness of Thanmatra or the simplicity of Kaiyoppu.

Adoor's statement on him not considering Aravindan a film maker is perhaps a pointer to the lack of soul in his own cinema. One will definitely agree that there is technical perfection in his work. But this soul, which is the essence, is what you take home.

Adoor's cinema is an academic subject. It will surely go to the museums. The question is will it stay in people's hearts?