It is no mystery that the secret of creating a commercially successful Malayalam film is by cooking a multi star comedy film. Realizing this host of producers, directors and actors jumped into the bandwagon.

This year seems to be a comparatively successful year for Malayalam industry. 2011 started with Anil directed film Kayam, followed by one of the biggest thriller Kerala has ever seen - Traffic.

Mohanlal's Multistar flicks Christian Brothers and China Town brought people back to theatres while Mammotty's August 15, Doubles, Bombay 12, The Train sank into the ocean. Dileep had no solo release till now.

Seniors was a great entertainer while it managed to be artistic and beautiful. Multistar film Makeup man went on to be a success. Prithviraj starrer Urumi had made a unique position in market as it is considered the most beautifully shot Malayalam film, however his Manikyakallu was a disappointment as it tried to be genuine though it was fabricated.

Jayasurya's Janapriyan would have run longer if it hadn't got stiff competition from Seniors. Gaddama by Kamal, Payyans and Bhaktha Janangalude Sradhakku had got a good name, but that's all.

Thrillers like The Metro, Arjunan Sakshi, Race and City of god failed to meet the expectations. Films like Puthumugangal, Melvilasom, Vaadamalli and Kanakompathu had same fate. Living Together by Fazil proved that the director needed some serious reinvention.

Comedies like Kudumbasree Travels, Natakame Ulakam. Lucky Jokers, Sankaranum Mohananum indeed made no one laugh. Meera Jasmin is said to have left the industry after the flick Mohabeth. Vinayan's Raghuvinte Swantham Raziya had same fate. Remake of Nadodikal, Ithu Nammude Katha failed to strike a chord.

Towards June Rathinirvedam filled the theatres for some days. Out of 45 Malayalam films released three were dubbed from other languages and only Dheera made a mark. Tamil, Hindi and Hollywood films gave stiff competition to the industry.

Adaminte Makan Abu - Making a genuine film is one thing many directors are incapable of. Viewers see Salim Kumar as one among them, thus an award for him is like honoring common man.

From July comedy regained its home with 3 kings.

Thanseer M.A