'Women-centric films can succeed without superstars’

Thiruvananthapuram, April 22 (IANS) Ace film director Sathyan Anthikadu says over-dependence of Malayalam filmmakers on superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal can be reduced by making more women-oriented films.

"In the past many of the hugely successful films had women-oriented themes. Today, the superstars’ films have a commercial value and it is easy for their films to get a release," Anthikadu told reporters here Tuesday.

He, however, hastened to add, "They (the two superstars) are no stumbling block."

Anthikadu has made two hugely popular women-centric films - "Manasinakkare" and "Achuvinte Amma"

"Great filmmakers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Padmarajan and Bharatan took the Malayalam films the way they desired, but today it is going the commercial way and is becoming like a carnival," said the director.

Anthikadu's 48th film "Innnathe Chinthavishayam", about a garment manufacturer who works secretly to unite three couples living separately as their marriage has broken up, was released early this month.

Scripted by Anthikadu, the film stars Mohanlal and Meera Jasmine. Mohini-Vijayaraghavan, Sukanya-Mukesh and Muthumani-Ashokan appear as the three couples, in the film.

Meera has become a permanent feature in Anthikadu's film and "Innnathe Chinthavishayam" is her fourth film with the director, while Mohanlal is teaming up with his favourite filmmaker after a gap of two years.

The last time the trio came together for 2006 super hit movie "Rasathanthram".