Kathayithu Vasudevam - John Paul

MT Vasudevan Nair - is the living legend in the field of literature and film writing from Kerala. John Paul - One of the finest and successful screenplay writer from the same state where over 90 screenplays are to his credit. Do you think I had to think twice to buy the book 'Kathayithu Vasudevam' a memoir written by John Paul connecting his interaction with MT Vasudevan Nair?

After reading the book, I can vouch that the book served the purpose of one and a half book (we say in malayalam onnonnara bookinte gunam cheythu) while throwing light to MTs life, John Paul had spread some light to his life as well.

According to MT, there is only two subjects in the world (for stories) Money and Love. As told by VR Sudeesh in the end of the book, the relation between the two started with John Paul's love to MT's writing and ends with a misunderstanding due to money nearly summarise the content of the book.

How John Paul the reader finds the brilliance in MT is interesting. Their interactions and the later's respect on the former and the way they create a strong bond between is heartening. The author throws lot of light to the background scenes of many films we have seen onscreen which was interesting read for a movie buff like me. When the relation finally broke off, I only felt that it was the foolish thing from the author to do considering the way MT has extended his support. This in fact gives a story kind impact on the readers like me. Like many others I too wish that the relation gets better where the book itself is offering a confession.

The book consider MT's film writings mainly and the screenplay writer John Paul evaluates the films with its pluses and minuses is a good attempt. A serious analysis is missing as the author try to cover maximum number of movies in a short book of 121 pages. The conflict between art and commercial is very evident and how money does matter even if there is creativity is shown many places in the book. In fact with writers like MT, Padmarajan and Lohithadas and directors like Bharathan and Padmarajan, the gap has been nearly closed for some time but now it is lack of genius which is widening the distance.

John Paul is famous for his mastery in language and the book too will witness for the fact. His writing is brilliant.

There are valuable insights like, even after 90 screenplays if one author is facing financial difficulties, that tells a lot about the respect and payment a writer receives in the film and book industry. Eventhough not intentional, there is a mention that even MT had financial difficulty (where the author could not help) and one can only wonder and believe 'art will not pay' unless we market it like it in the newer generation.

They all say there are 'prathisandhi' (difficult time) for modern time. In my opinion, the prathisandhi is due to two factors I cannot digest so far. One, a writer like John Paul who has written over 90 brilliant screenplays how can he stop writing just like that? A film director like IV Sasi who used to make hit after hit knowing the pulse of the audience can be out of business so easily? The moment I find the answers of these two questions, I think I will know the 'prathisandhi' of Malayalam cinema.

Before ending this short note, let me assert that the book 'Kathayithu Vasudevam' is worth and more for the moderately price we pay for it. If you know Malayalam and you like films, give a chance to this book it worth the money and more.

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