Boring topic, but engaging cinema; Sreenivasan's screenwriting masterclass

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer carved a space in Malayalam literary annals by humorously portraying his life realities. Sreenivasan emulated the same in cinema. If we take a list of the most thought-provoking social criticism films in Malayalam cinema, Sreenivasan's films will be at the top of the list.

Sreenivasan entered the film industry in 1977 with Manimuzhakam, directed by PK Bakker. In 1984, he wrote the story for the film 'Odaruthammava Aalariyam', which saw the birth of one of Malayalam's finest ever screenwriters. Sreenivasan’s pen created simple stories that made Malayalees think. Several years of penning stories for movies turned him into a master of humour and satire. The tangled bureaucratic mess, inept government officials, unemployed youths and determined homely wives were the usual characters in Sreenivasan. It is a certainty that the generations ahead will celebrate his works and the man he was. There are only a few writers who can make a boring topic into an interesting full-length movie, like Sreenivasan.

Sreenivasan wrote ‘Varavelppu’ by churning out a story from his real life. Sreenivasan’s father had bought a bus that was in a debilitated state and had to face certain ordeals. No better movie gave a clear insight into the lives and struggles of non-resident Malayalees like Varavelppu.