'I don't like limiting myself': Abraham Lincoln

Cochin, Sep.1 (NR): K.J. Abraham Lincoln is not new to movies. He has had three decades of experience with films. As a leading PRO, he has been associated with cinema in a very intimate manner. Abraham Lincoln, who is the younger brother of late director Jacey, the maker of many memorable movies, made his debut as a director with the offbeat film 'Katha Parayumbol' and then made 'Krishnapakshakilikal', which addressed issues concerning children. His third film 'Anamika' was an attempt to tackle the issue of abortion. And now, Abraham Lincoln gives us his first full-fledged commercial venture, an out and out entertainer, 'Decent Parties', which is finished and set for release on September 2nd, Thiruvonam day. Here's Abraham Lincoln, in conversation with nowrunning:

Please tell us about the theme of 'Decent Parties'.

'Decent Parties' is all about the dreams of a photographer named Sudheendran, who runs a studio named after his mother. If on one hand it narrates the things that happen when Sudheendran enters the world of films, on the other hand it also tells what all happens after Sudheendran gets married to a girl named Sreeja. The film is basically an entertainer, with all elements of a family film. Jagadeesh and Meera Vasudev play the lead roles, with Jagathy Sreekumar playing a key role too.

This time you seem to have opted for a bigger canvas compared to your earlier films. Why so?

In fact I don't like limiting myself to a particular track. I want to do different kinds of movies, dealing with different kinds of subjects. My earlier films were all different from one another. And now, since I am handling a subject that suits this format very well, I decided to make it into a family entertainer. And hence the 'bigger canvas' that you were referring to. And I, like any filmmaker, want people to come to the theatres to watch my movie. So I thought of going in for the popular kind of filmmaking.

So, this time you are making a film with a bigger budget. Isn't it?

Of course 'Decent Parties' can be called a film with a bigger budget compared to my earlier films. But as such the film has been made on a medium budget. The subject of course could be filmed by spending crores and crores of rupees. But we have done everything with perfect planning and have limited the budget as much as possible. My thirty years of experience in films has helped me a lot.

Your elder brother, the late Jacey, was one of the most sensitive filmmakers in Malayalam. How far has his style of filmmaking influenced you?

I didn't have the fortune of associating with him in his films. But I had watched him closely and have been influenced by him too. Planning is what I had mainly imbibed from him. I do all my films with prior planning and that helps me finish things in a short time and at lower costs. I learned this from him. And the urge to do different kinds of films too I have learnt from him.

Anything else that you'd like to point out as a highlight of 'Decent Parties'?

It was scenarist Kaloor Dennis who introduced me to films 30 years back. And it's Kaloor Dennis who is doing the script for 'Decent Parties'. He has done the script in his style, with humour that's very different from the usual mimicry kind of stuff that has now come into films.

What's your next project?

Not yet decided. For the time being, I want to celebrate Onam as any other Malayalee would like to. And I want all Malayalees to come watch 'Decent Parties' during this Onam. And after that only will I think of my next venture.

Happy Onam. And all the best for 'Decent Parties'.

Thanks. Let's hope 'Decent Parties' gets a decent run at the box office. And 'Happy Onam' to all nowrunning readers too. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Decent Parties