Master vs Disciple

Veteran director Lal Jose’s Ayaalum Njanum Thammil is clashing at the turnstiles with debutant director Anoop Kannan’s Jawan of Vellimala. Anoop was an associate director with Lal Jose.

While Lal Jose banks on the script of Bobby-Sanjay, the writers of the super hit Traffic, in addition to riding high on the success of Diamond Necklace, his trainee has roped in Mammootty, who has been going through a rough patch at the box office of late.

Of late Malayalam cinema audiences have become mature enough not to be taken in by big names. Even superstars are finding it difficult to gather that massive initial pull they once commanded.

Lal Jose and Mammootty both know from experience that while their names might have some initial clout, the success of the films depend on how it connects with the audience. There is thus a level playing field for Anoop.