It was no walk in the park: MB Padmakumar

Director M.B. Padmakumar’s determination to walk a different path and take up the subject of gay sexuality has paid him rich dividends. His film, My Life Partner, based on a gay relationship has bagged the State Award for the Best Actor as well as for the second best movie.

It was no walk in the park, says Padmakumar: “This award has given me the confidence to go ahead and direct films that match my convictions. I faced many hurdles when the film released — the reluctance of distributors to touch the film or the media to write about it. I had to show each theatre owner and distributor the film individually to make them understand the content; I tried to show my film to many prominent film personalities but nobody showed any interest because of the theme.”        

The film deals with the intricate relationship between two men who love each other and the issues that crop up when they plan to add a baby to their lives.

The content of the film was decided on after a lot of discussion with his friends who supported him. Padmakumar’s research saw him creating a Facebook profile and interacting with the LGBT community for about two years to know their views, problems and emotions. In addition, he also sought inputs from a doctor in the medical college.

He says, “I know many such people in real life including a married person whose wife’s permission I sought to talk to him. My film is not a great piece of art but a sincere attempt at creating an honest portrayal of the LGBT community.”

It was an uphill task to get Malayalam actors to play the lead role because of the stigma attached to the community. Padmakumar’s search took him to the Film Institutes where the name of Sudev Nair came up. Padmakumar adds, “I met him at the railway station. My lead characters, Sudev and Ameer Niyaz, had to go for some physical makeovers.”

Padmakumar’s film was nominated for the National Award too last year and he has been getting some warm compliments after the declaration of the State awards. He says sadly, “I just wish the film had received its due when it was released at the theatres!”