This episode is a kind of omnibus of all the COVID releases — Malayalam films that went straight to streaming in 2020. It’s a LONG episode, so strap in! And as always, there will be SPOILERS, because we often do a deep-dive into the films we’re talking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Download Episode 2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Episode 2 Highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:00:25] We introduce the episode: our theme this time is to look at COVID releases, and consider what COVID and pandemic restrictions have meant in the industry in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:00:55] Harsha notes that the Malayalam industry is smaller and more nimble, and perhaps that makes it more able to cope with theatre closures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:02:00] Harsha notes the difference in subtitling between the various streaming platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:02:15] Katherine comments that although a film’s producers will hire a good subtitlist, platforms like Netflix and Amazon will strip those subtitles and add their own (and this can make a big difference in understanding for those who need subtitles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:02:35] We begin a discussion of our first film, Sufiyum Sujatayum <\/strong>(on Amazon Prime). The film is intended as a mythical romance. But we also end up discussing COVID beards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:27:12] Katherine mentions Prithviraj ending up stuck in Syria, but it was Jordan, as Harsha reminds her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:27:30] Our second COVID release is Maniyarayile Ashokan<\/strong> (released on Netflix). This was produced by Dulquer Sulmaan under his Wayfarer Films banner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:40:20] Katherine muses on the choices DQ makes for his productions, and who he chooses to work with on those productions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:49:50] Harsha notes that the subtitles for this film were not good at all — so much so that Katherine’s understanding of one of the relationships in the film has been confused by what information the subtitles include, or leave out. “Subtitling can make a huge difference in people’s understanding of a film.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n [00:53:33]We begin our discussion of the third COVID release for this episode, Halal Love Story<\/strong>. Spoiler: Katherine loves this film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [01:12:31] Harsha notes the appreciation for actor Mamukkoya — both of us get pleasure watching him on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [01:16:56] We near the end of this marathon of a podcast episode by turning to our final COVID release for the episode, C U SOON<\/strong> (on Amazon Prime)<\/p>\n\n\n\n [01:49:49] We wonder what’s better: a theatrical release, or a straight-to-streaming release (of course, that’s not a question with a clear answer, but in the case of a film with time-sensitive content, perhaps the better choice is to just get the film out in front of an audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [01:50:51] We mention the late, lamented streaming service Reel Monk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Subscribe to our feed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can connect with us on Twitter: @PolandinePatti<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n