Sanal Kumar Sasidharan launches his debut film ‘Oraalppokkam’ on a video-sharing platform, five years after its release. In his most recent online post, the director also shared his choice of making the film copyleft, so it can contact a more extensive crowd. Sanal Kumar Sasidharan reviewed how the film got tremendous gathering at the 2014 IFFK, and in spite of getting two Kerala State Film Awards, the movie failed to get theatres, due to the lack of star value.
“Oraalppokkam, my debut movie was made in 2013-14. The film was produced under the supervision of @kazhchafilmforum, raising money from friends and film lovers. The film won the Netpac and FIPRESCI awards in 2014 IFFK in the Malayalam Cinema Today category. It also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director and Best Sound Recording. Although the film was well-received at film festivals, our attempts to release it in theaters and reach the masses initially failed. This was due to the lack of “star value” in the film and the contempt shown by the theater owners towards art films. Following this, “Oraalpokkam” was screened all over Kerala through the “Cinema Vandi” movement, a parallel distribution system on wheels formed by the Kazha Film Forum. With the success of “Sinimavandi” we were also able to release “Oraalpokkam” in theaters and attract film lovers. The film was made with the decision to make it ‘copyleft’ after 5 years of its release. Therefore, the film can be used freely by the public without fear of copyright now. I am publishing “Oraalppokkam” on my YouTube channel with heartfelt thanks to everyone who stood by the production and distribution of this film. #ozhivudivasathekali and #sdurga will also be available on this channel soon. I wish everyone would watch the movie and comment your opinion,” Sanal Kumar Sasidharan said in his note.
On the work front, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s next is Vazhakku featuring Tovino Thomas.
