Adoor gets his 5th National Award for direction

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Ace Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan got his fifth National Award for best direction for “Nallu Pennungal”, making him the only second person to win the prestigious award five or more times. The 55th edition of the awards were announced in New Delhi Monday.

“This is a film based on four different stories. The treatment of the film is special because all the four stories have been tied up and this has never been tried out before,” said Adoor.

“Every film of mine is different and I am happy I have won it again,” said Adoor.

With the latest, the renowned director has won nine National Awards since 1972 when he made his first feature film. Only film maestro Satyajit Ray, with six best director awards, has won the this prestigious award more times than Adoor.

Adoor previously was adjudged best director for “Swayamvaram” (1972), “Mukhamugham” 1984), “Anantaram” (1987) and “Mathilukal” (1990).

Adoor is one of the six Malayalis whose names figure in the list of National Award winners for 2007. Others are Priyadarshan (best film for “Kanchivaram” in Tamil), Ousepachen (best music for “Ore Kadal”), B. Ajith, (best editor for “Nallu Pennungal”), Patanam Rashid, best make-up artist for (”Paradeshi”) and Sabu Cyril (best art director for Hindi film “Om Shanti Om”).

Ajith, who was named the best editor, said the credit for the award goes to Adoor.

“I never expected this award. For this film the entire credit should go to the directorial vision of Adoor. With this award my responsibilities increases,” said Ajith.

Ousepachen, who scored for his music in Mammootty-starrer “Ore Kadal”, said: “Of course I am delighted. I never expected an award for this because I felt I would be edged out in the competition. This is certainly going to be my cherished moment.”

“Ore Kadal” also won the National Award for best Malayalam film.

“I am really delighted that I have been selected for a National Award for the first time. This film was one where the story demanded a lot from my side. So I am really happy that I have been rewarded for my hard work,” said Rashid, who won for his efforts in Mohan Lal-starrer “Paradeshi”.