Ramu Kariat Remembered!

Ramu Kariat is remembered as the film director who got the first Gold Medal for Malayalam cinema - Chemmeen in 1965. While searching internet, Keralaforum came across many references to Ramu Kariat in connection with "Chemmeen" but we failed to see a single biographical sketch of the person - except a short script in the Movie Database site in the United States. But Kariat was much more than the director of Chemmeen.

Ramu was born on 1st Feb 1928, in the family of Kariat in the coastal village of Engandiyur, Trichur. Though not listed in the history books, Chettuwa 'harbour' had been the battelground of forces of Dutch, Zamorin and Tipu Sultan. There is indeed the remnants of an old Dutch fortress, which was later occupied by the forces of Tipu Sultan.

Ramu Kariat was educated in Engandiyur and Kandassankadavu High School and been interested in fine arts and literature from early days. This was the golden era of short stories in Malayalam literature - S.K.Pottekkat, Karur to name a few.

Ramu Kariat wished for changes in the stagnant society and was never superstitious person and was a true follower of Sree Narayana Guru (a little known fact). He was elected to Kerala Assembly in the election of 1964 from Nattika as an independent supported by Communist parties. Later he scored a huge per centage of votes standing as an independent from Mukundapuram Lok Sabha Seat. He was sympathizer of people's movements and causes, but was never an active member of any political party.

When Ramu Kariat entered the filmworld, most movies in the South were based on mythological or simple themes. It was Ramu who initiated the move towards literary works. So it all started well with the first realistic picture in Malayalam "Neelakkuyil" staring none other than Sathyan and Kumari. Movies which followed (Mudiyananya Puthran and Moodupatam) were also based on literary works (Pottekkat at least the last one). Then came the biggest attempt Thakazhi's Chemmeen.

Kariat also introduced Bengali music director Salil Chowdhury into Malayalam. Marcus Bartley, the cameraman of Chemmeen was an Australian.

In Abhayam, the tragic story of late Prof Rajalakshmi is told. Here Kariat introduced songs from well known poet G Shankara Kurup's "Odakkuzhal".

It was through Ramu, filmstar Madhu entered the Malayalam cinema.

Ramu Kariat died on 10th February, in Trivandrum just after returning from a World Tour at the young age of 51.

Keralaforum very much doubts whether Kerala really appreciated Ramu's works and aspirations. During his lifetime some film crictis refused to give him credit he really deserved. We recall in Mathrubhumi a reader's column comment on Ramu where the critic tried to diminish his importance as compared to Satyjaith Ray. Such comparions are unwarranted for. Ray had the advantage of exposure and recognition of the Calcutta Elites. Ramu did not have anything like that. The village of Engandiyur did not even have electricity while Chemmeen was taken!

We take this opportunity to pay tributes to a proud son of Kerala!

Complete list of Ramu Kariat's Movies (incl the last two released after his death)

Information: Courtesy of International Movie Database
Chemmeen Pictures: Courtesy of © Kanmani Babu, Saniya Plaza, Kerala - 682 035, India.