Jeethu Joseph Confronts Criticism Over Technical Style in His Films
Mollywood director Jeethu Joseph, renowned for his gripping narratives in films like Memories and the blockbuster Drishyam series, has long been celebrated as a master storyteller. However, his work has faced persistent criticism regarding execution, with many audiences labeling the technical quality as "serial-level" making. In a recent interview, Joseph directly addressed these concerns, shedding light on his creative philosophy.
Defending Realism Over Stylized Presentation
Over the years, discussions have swirled around the visual presentation of Jeethu Joseph's films, with some viewers questioning the technical polish and comparing it to television-style execution. Despite this, the director has maintained a consistent approach rooted in his artistic preferences. In an interaction with The New Indian Express, Joseph explained his perspective.
"In most films today, you can see a kind of colourful lighting style. When it comes to my films, that difference is not due to any fault of my team. It is because I prefer things to look more realistic," said Joseph. He emphasized that choices related to lighting and production design are deliberate, not accidental, prioritizing authentic storytelling over current industry trends.
Addressing the Roots of Criticism
Joseph delved deeper into the criticism, suggesting that some negative feedback stems from targeted campaigns rather than genuine artistic evaluation. "I have personally seen posts targeting certain individuals. There are some people who consistently write negative comments for every film. Others get influenced after repeatedly seeing such posts and end up criticising as well," he noted. He added that in some cases, he consciously controls aspects like art direction to maintain a realistic feel, even if it diverges from popular visual styles.
Insights on 'Drishyam 3' and Recent Projects
The upcoming film Drishyam 3 is set to revisit the character of Georgekutty after a gap of several years. Joseph revealed that unlike the earlier parts, the third installment will take a slightly different storytelling route and won't be a thriller-per-se like the second part. The movie is scheduled for release on May 21, generating significant anticipation among fans.
On the other hand, Joseph's recent films, Mirage and Valathu Vashathe Kallan, failed to impress audiences, adding to the ongoing discourse about his filmmaking style. Despite mixed receptions, Joseph remains steadfast in his commitment to realism, arguing that his approach allows for more grounded and relatable narratives.
Jeethu Joseph's response highlights a broader debate in cinema between stylized visuals and authentic storytelling. As he prepares for Drishyam 3, his defense of realism offers a glimpse into the creative decisions that shape his acclaimed yet controversial filmography.
