Dashing father-son director duos of M-Town

While many senior actors of Mollywood have passed on their genes of histrionics to the next generation, a handful of directors have also managed to do the same. Making a mark with their distinct styles and personality, the younger crop is doing all that it takes to live up to their legacy. Trivandrum Times looks at the most prolific father-son director duos of Malayalam cinema…
Sreenivasan – Vineeth Sreenivasan One of the actor-technicians, who challenged the conventional images about actors and made a name for himself in the industry through hit films, classic screenplays and a quick-witted personality, Sreenivasan was one of those much-loved trendsetters of the 90s.His directorial ventures like Vadakku Nokki Yanthram and Chintavishtayaya Shyamala were well-received. Living up to his father’s name, the actor-writer-director’s son also proved himself as one of the best multitaskers of Mollywood, if only better than his own dad! Vineeth acts, scripts and directs just as his dad, and he is also blessed with the talent of singing, which interestingly paved the very first path into filmdom for him. Later on, he also started acting, directing, script writing and even penning lyrics. Vineeth made his directorial debut with Malarvadi Arts Club, and later on did movies like Thattathin Marayathu and Thira. While most of Sreenivasan films were social dramas, Vineeth seems to be interested to experiment across genres.
Kamal – Jenuse Mohamed Veteran director Kamal, who did Mizhineer Pookkal in 1986 has not only given the industry a handful of beautiful movies, actors and directors but also another filmmaker – his son Jenuse. Kamal is one of those directors who have successfully juggled varied genres of movies in Malayalam such as Niram, Perumazhakkalam, Karutha Pakshikal and Celluloid to name a few. Debuting with a Dulquer Salmaan starrer 100 Days of Love, Jenuse made his industry entry this year.
Lal – Lal Junior Another much-respected multitaskers of M - Town, Lal has proved his proficiency in direction, scripting and acting. The two-time State Award winner’s son, Lal Junior aka Jean Paul Lal, made his directorial debut in 2012 with the hit film Honey Bee. His dad has also acted in both the movies he directed, Honey Bee and Hi I’m Tony. As a director, Lal is considered an expert in comedy, who had dished out movies like Ramji Rao Speaking along with his friend Siddque, and Cobra, In Harihar Nagar II among others individually. However, his son is often touted as one of the flag bearers of new generation movies, making casual films.
Bharathan – Sidharth Bharathan The master craftsman who created his own style and gave shape to filmmaking in Malayalam, Bharathan has also contributed by way of many talented filmmakers to the industry who trained under him. Some of the classics he directed included Thakara, Vaisali, Chamaram and Thevar Magan. His son Sidharth debuted with directing a remake of his father’s movie Nidra, and also played the lead role in the movie. Sidharth’s second directorial Chandrettan Evideya, starring Dileep, was a runaway hit. We hear that the team will soon come together again for another project.
K S Sethumadhavan – Santosh Sethumadhavan Veteran director K S Sethumadhavan is remembered for some of the classic films such as Chattakkari, Odayil Ninnu, Anubhavangal Palichakal and Yakshi. His son Santhosh Sethumadhavan, debuted with remaking his dad’s movie Chattakkari.