Malayalam cinema too much dependent on superstars: Lohithadas

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (IANS) Heavy dependence on a few superstars does not augur well for the Malayalam film industry, ace director Lohithadas said Sunday.

"Current day films here are woven to suit the image of a few superstars and that isn't good for the industry. It is happening only in the Malayalam industry. This happens because of the commercial aspects of film making here," said the director while interacting with reporters, after his latest film "Chakaramuthu" was screened.

"I wanted to try out new faces but producers are not willing to take the risk. But in my latest film barring the lead pair of Dileep and Kavya Madhavan, I have tried out new faces and they have done a good job," added the director.

The Malayalam film industry for the past two decades is heavily dependant on superstars Mammootty and Mohanalal. And with Suresh Gopi making a comeback, he too appears to have regained his lost ground.

The only superstar who has come up in recent years has been Dileep.

"In my next film 'Chembattu' which would be shot in north Kerala, I am casting a new hero and today wherever I go I am looking for 'that' actor. The heroine for the film is Meera Jasmine," said Lohithadas who is also an accomplished scriptwriter.

"Acting is not a great thing, because every minute everyone is acting. The only problem arises when people face the crowd and lights," said the director.

Reacting to the controversy when his name was linked to Jasmine, which made waves in the state, he said: "Of course, it hurt us both very badly, but I did not care much and soon it passed off without any problems. It was nothing but gossip."

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