Thiruvananthapuram: Our Kochu Preman along with Amitabh Bachchan, Samudra Kani and others are in the Best Actor competition as the National Award 2015 decision has reached its final round. MB The Jury Chairman Ramesh Sippy and others who saw the film ‘Rupantaram’ directed by Padmakumar were surprised by Kochu Preman’s subtle acting. He asked the Malayalee director Shyama Prasad who was on the jury then, who is this actor?
Shyamaprasad’s reply was that Kochu Preman is an actor with immense range who rose to prominence through small comedy roles. Amitabh Bachchan won the best actor for his performance in ‘Piku’ by the 11-member jury. If the jury’s decision had gone to Kochu Preman instead of the Bollywood superstar, it would have been a great recognition for Kochu Preman, whose acting credentials Oothikachi had secured through acting. Everyone was surprised when his acting talent was revealed.””- recalled Shyaprasad.
Not only in front of the camera, but from the time he arrived on location, Kochupreman was living as a blind man named Raghavan, said director M.B. Padmakumar. The location was in Rajaji Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram. Preman Chetan, who usually comes to the location with a joke, was not seen there. Always the seriousness of the character. The script will be read. Instead of acting blind in front of the camera, he went completely blind with white lenses over his eyes. And acted with only the knowledge of the script about the movements of the actors. This was how it was shot, including the scene of crossing a busy road.” – said Padmakumar.
When the film was screened in the Indian Panorama category at the International Film Festival of India that year, Kochupreman was directly congratulated by foreign directors and others.
The film was discussed at several international festivals. But the approval of the state government was not received. Kochu Preman once said: “Many people were shocked when I was told that I was the hero in the transformations.” I asked, why can’t I be the hero? After watching the film, they felt that they can become a hero.” Kochu Preman also came in the list of the best actors in India. But the Kerala government dismissed that picture. It was cruel and pitiful.