Alphonse Puthren is a notable filmmaker in the Malayalam industry who shot to fame with his debut movie Neram, starring Nivin Pauly and Nazriya Nazim. The film was shot simultaneously in Tamil and Malayalam. The filmmaker’s second film Premam became a blockbuster hit and received praise from Tamil audiences as well. 

The director, today, took to his social media handle and questioned the uncertain situation existing in the film industry. His Facebook post reflected the anger inherent in every filmmaker’s life, especially concerning the present conditions. Ever since the lockdown was announced, a lot of small-scale businesses have been stalled. 

The South Indian film Industry also got affected by the situation to a larger extent. Though lockdown restrictions were announced by governments of respective states, film industries suffered continuously without proper guidance. Of all, many small-budget films and aspiring filmmakers including assistant directors have been going through a tough phase. 

During the first lockdown, a few relaxations were announced for the filmmakers. However, the second wave again put a hold on productions. Alphonse Puthren in his post questioned the existing restrictions over film shootings. 

He drew parallels to businessmen including milk vendors, food-sellers who were allowed to work but not filmmakers. He questioned the livelihood of film people that are getting affected. 

“Why is Film shooting not allowed ? If people who sell milk are allowed to work and people who sell food are allowed to work .. why are not film people allowed to work ? How do we eat food ? How do we buy milk ? How do we teach our children ? How do we buy a pencil box for our children . How do we earn money ? (sic),” wrote Alphone

Alphonse also wrote the logic behind making films where the lensmen have to keep a distance of at least two meters away for close-up and wide shots. 

“Cinema shooting doesn’t happen like in cinema theatres … even if we have to shoot a close up or a wide shot we have to stand two meters away or more . So what logic are you telling here ? Please think and tell me a solution . Thank you … Alphonse Puthren .(sic),” he added further.

On the work front, Alphonse Puthren is awaiting to resume the production of his upcoming film Paatu starring Fahadh Faasil and Nayanthara. Alphonse will also be handling the music for the film besides the direction.