April 18 (1984)

Singer : KJ Yesudas, Janakidevi   |   Lyrics : Bichu Thirumala   |   Music : AT Ummer

Singer : KJ Yesudas, Janakidevi   |   Lyrics : Bichu Thirumala   |   Music : AT Ummer

Singer : KJ Yesudas   |   Lyrics : Bichu Thirumala   |   Music : AT Ummer

Director Balachandra Menon on the making of April 18.

Way back in 1983, Late Mr. Augustine Prakash from Trichur approached me to make a family picture. Unlike other producers, he was innocent and had childlike mood swings. He was in a hurry to know the story of the film so that he could proceed with other formalities. I was engaged in the film “PRASNAM GURUTHARAM” at the time and working round the clock to release it on time. Prakash met me a few times during the recording and dubbing of “PRASNAM GURUTHARAM” and I wasn’t in a position to even give him a hint of what I was planning for him. I could watch from his face and voice that PRASNAM was slowly snowballing into GURUTHARAM in his mind.

When I was in Prasad Studio with the re- recording of “Prasnam Gurutharam,” I came to know that Prakash has landed from Trichur. I had nothing in my mind as a story to deliver to him. Music Director Raveendran was engaging me totally for suggestions to finish the background score. Reasonably heavy Prakash (as in the photo) deposited himself in a corner chair straight in my view point like a huge PRASNAM. I asked Raveendran to be the go-between and get another extension for the story. Prakash agreed to postpone the story session, but he wouldn’t go back to Trichur without the title of the film.

“It is no problem for him. He is famous for catchy titles. I will go back with a good one so that I can pacify my wife, Jessey” – he said.

I was in a fix. How can I give a title before finalizing the story?
But I had to…I had no other go…..

“Sir… I have taken theatres for April 14 Vishu release. You have to speed up. Now, give me my title…Let me catch my train to Trichur”- he said.

I have experienced God coming to my rescue in such predicaments. I spent some time alone inside a restroom and soon an idea dawned upon me. Anyhow I am going to make a family film and it is meant to be released in the month of April. For any family, there will always be at least one day very special for some sentimental reason. I decided to make that day the ‘Hero’ of the story. Accordingly, I had to make a story in which the day assumes emotional importance. Being April release it will be apt to have an April date. To top it off, if it is the 18th, I will arrive at my favorite number 9. (Adding 1 with 8)

The title APRIL 18 was born!

Usually one names a film after protracted discussions based on the story board. Here I fixed the title first and then started thinking of a story to justify the title.

Raveendran started scoring music again. It was the last reel and a solo violin was crying out in strict silence. Prakash now gushed in like a tornado shouting at the top of his voice:

“Ithenthuttu paniya Saru kattiye? April 18 ennu jnan phonil paranju…. Jessey choyikkunu release dattalla, padthinte peru mariyathakku parayan….”

I adopted a new strategy in my story making. I had to make an egg out of an omelet! I did this and you embraced it. We celebrated 100th day of “APRIL 18” in Trichur, Prakash’s hometown.
 

എന്റെ ഏപ്രിൽ 18 എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിൽ അഭിനയിക്കുന്നതിന് കരമനയിലെ വീട്ടിൽ പോയാണ് ക്ഷണിച്ചത്. ഇതിൽ കോണ്‍സ്റ്റബിളിന്റെ വേഷമാണെന്ന് പറഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹം പുച്ഛിച്ച് തള്ളി. ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ഏറ്റവും മികച്ച നടനെ ഈ വേഷം ചെയ്യുന്നതിന് വിളിക്കാനാണ് താൻ വന്നതെന്നും അതാണ്‌ ആ വേഷത്തിന്റെ കരുത്തെന്നും പറഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹം തണുത്തു. പിന്നീട് ഷൂട്ടിങ്ങ് സമയത്ത് ഞങ്ങൾ തമ്മിൽ വല്ലാതെ അടുത്തു. ശിശു സഹജമായ നൈർമല്യം ഉള്ള മനുഷ്യനായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹം.

– From Malayala Manorama.