Kochi ∙ The ripples of the backlash made by screenwriter NS Madhavan against the new film directed by Hemand G. Nair titled ‘Higvita’ has gone the legal route. Use of Higuita name banned by Film Chamber, NS The activists are planning to go to court after Madhavan’s permission to re-apply for registration was sought.
Madhavan said the controversy saddened him and that he was personally saddened that the story he wrote under Higuita’s name could no longer be made into a film of the same name. Director Hemand replied that he has respect for NS Madhavan and it is difficult to change the name of the film which will be released on 22nd. With cultural and political leaders taking sides on both sides of the issue, the controversy is leaving the goalpost and entering in the ground.
Hurdles to make my story into a film : NS Madhavan (Screenwriter)
The initial work to turn my story Higuita into a film is finished. Now, if another movie with that name comes out, I won’t be able to continue with my story. The subject was approached in an ethical way. Legally it is not tested as right or wrong; I won’t check.
The title of a work is generally not used for other works. Stories will not be written in the name of anger or reporting. Not because it’s legally wrong. It’s a question of ethics. It is true that MT didn’t react emotionally when the film came out as Vanaprastam. An application was made to the Film Chamber, not a complaint.
The film has nothing to do with the story: Hemand G. Nair (director)
Movie Higuita has nothing to do with the story of NS Madhavan. The film is a political thriller. The role of the political leader is to protect the movement of him. The goalkeeper on the pitch is the same dharma. This name came as such a symbol.
NS is a writer I respect a lot. madhavan. No intentional damage. I will try to meet him in person. Higuita is a name registered with Film Chamber 3 years ago. This is my first film. My journey has been following him for years. Released on the 22nd. Last minute name change is not possible.
Getting to know Higuita through history: K. Sachidanandan (Poet)
At least Malayalam readers know the name Higuita through the story of NS Madhavan. There is an injustice in releasing a film that tells another story with that name. It is common courtesy and fairness to inform the writer in advance when using the name of a famous story for another film. I supported Madhavan on that position.
Give that name to the narrator: VD Satheesan (Leader of the Opposition)
Higuita is a short story written by NS Madhavan in the minds of all Malayalees. This is one of the top 10 best stories in malayalam. Wouldn’t it have been better to give him that name? There are no legal issues if someone else uses that name. But he’s entitled to that name. Besides, he could have asked her before shooting the film. Then there would be no need for a dispute.
Pre-Famous Higuita: KV Mohankumar (writer)
Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita, on the lips of football fans around the world, is making a lot of noise because he gave his name to a political thriller. The fact that NS Madhavan protested when the first poster of the film was released and the Film Chamber banned the name is completely absurd. Before reading Madhavan’s story, even I, who am not a big football fan, had heard of Higuita. That’s why I was able to enjoy that beautiful story of Madhavan.
Did Madhavan take leave then? : Venu (Director)
Was the story written by NS Madhavan called Higuita after asking someone’s permission? The position that Madhavan is the authority for the name Higuita cannot be accepted. It is unclear how the Film Chamber took such a stance. It is up to the Film Chamber to ask if the authorship of Higuita is Madhavan in Malayalam.
The filmmakers have already mentioned the name: Benjamin (writer)
Higuita, however, does not belong only to Madhavan. So it’s not supported in this dispute. However, the dual nature of the filmmakers cannot be overlooked. Not just Higuita, but the names filmmakers have recently been pointing to Oz. GR Indugopan’s ‘Amminipilla’, S. Harish’s ‘Appan’, Perumbadavam’s ‘Like A Psalm’, Shinilal’s ‘Ati’, Amal’s ‘Anveshipin Adhvadum’ and so on. Those who speak out against Madhavan should also know about this double standard. The piece of filmmakers who can show anything if they have money and organization should be resisted.
English summary: Nominate Higuita for Hemand G Nair’s film taking a legal route