Polandine Patti: Episode 2

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. Download Episode…

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.

Download Episode 2

Episode 2 Highlights:

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.

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.

02:00 Harsha notes the difference in subtitling between the various streaming platforms.

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).

02:35 We begin a discussion of our first film, Sufiyum Sujatayum (on Amazon Prime). The film is intended as a mythical romance. But we also end up discussing COVID beards.

27:12 Katherine mentions Prithviraj ending up stuck in Syria, but it was Jordan, as Harsha reminds her.

27:30 Our second COVID release is Maniyarayile Ashokan (released on Netflix). This was produced by Dulquer Sulmaan under his Wayfarer Films banner.

40:20 Katherine muses on the choices DQ makes for his productions, and who he chooses to work with on those productions.

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.”

53:33 We begin our discussion of the third COVID release for this episode, Halal Love Story. Spoiler: Katherine loves this film.

1:12:31 Harsha notes the appreciation for actor Mamukkoya — both of us get pleasure watching him on screen.

1:16:56 We near the end of this marathon of a podcast episode by turning to our final COVID release for the episode, C U SOON (on Amazon Prime)

1:49:49 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.

1:50:51 We mention the late, lamented streaming service Reel Monk.

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