Why Bhadran won't allow sequel to 'Spadikam'

Mohanlal-starrer 'Spadikam', which released in 1995, still holds a special place in the hearts of the Malayali movie lovers. Filmmaker Bhadran who helmed the blockbuster movie is sure and emphatic when he states that 'Spadikam' will not have a sequel. He hadn’t budged when, 21 years ago, he was offered a luxury car for directing 'Spadikam 2'. He affirmed he won’t allow a sequel even if someone came with an extraordinary script. Bhadran talks about 'Spadikam' and the reason he doesn’t want a sequel to it.

Overwhelming love

Bhadran is still surprised to know that the audience still loves 'Spadikam'. “When the movie hit the screens, I witnessed the audience applauding and yelling in excitement in at least 10 theatres. Even 23 years after its release, people love and enjoy this movie; repeats the popular dialogues mouthed by Mohanlal in it. It is overwhelming for me to notice all these. I have been living in Chennai all these years and it has been only 6 or 7 years since we moved back to Kerala. It is only now that I realised how people cherish 'Spadikam',” noted Bhadran.

Tempting offers

The filmmaker confirmed that producer 'GoodKnight' Mohan had approached him two years after 'Spadikam''s release with an offer to produce its sequel. The producer offered Bhadran his brand new Mercedes Benz car worth Rs 65 lakh, as remuneration for directing 'Spadikam 2'. However, Mohan had two demands as well. He told Bhadran that the popular scenes where Mohanlal removes his ‘mundu’ (dhoti) and fights, and where he stylishly wears a Ray-Ban and black shorts, should be repeated in the sequel too.

“I sat silent for a few minutes and then laughed. He asked me why I was laughing so much hearing his proposition. I said, ‘You haven’t understood the movie that you produced spending so much money, a bit. The movie is all about a father, who wrote ‘Chekuthan’ (devil) on his son’s lorry, and his realisation that his son was not a devil but pure as a crystal.’ Can a son, whom his father had called a crystal, return from the jail and turn a devil again?” Asked Bhadran.

The filmmaker said the character called Aadu Thoma underwent a transformation after ending up in jail after killing the villain who murdered his father. Bhadran is sure that his hero won’t go back to his roguish ways after being released from the jail. “What was Aadu Thoma’s real problem? He was unhappy that his father, instead of loving and encouraging him, had constantly snubbed him. The father had quashed his dreams and talents by mocking him and comparing him with other kids. The son transformed into a crystal the moment the father realised this. So how can it have a sequel when the father and son have reconciled?” Remarked the hitmaker.

Bhadran is sure that there is no scope for a sequel when there is closure for the central theme and characters in 'Spadikam'. He noted every parent want their children to fulfill their dreams. Bhadran claimed that 'Spadikam' was in fact the first movie to openly challenge that notion.

“After someone announced the sequel of 'Spadikam', I had noticed the responses of its crew. It clearly reflects their attitude towards the movie. Many people called me after I openly denied permission for the sequel. As the person who wrote the script of that movie and directed as well, I can clearly say that there is no possibility for a sequel to 'Spadikam'. In case Aadu Thoma had a son, he would never be a goon. Thoma would positively guide his son as he had hoped his own father had done to him. So a sequel cannot be made,” Bhadran said.

Spadikam trailer
Spadikam trailer

The filmmaker confirmed that a digitalised version of 'Spadikam' would be released on the 25th year of its release. He also revealed that he is not interested to do movies to make money.I would rather be an office worker than direct movies for money. Some people ask me why I haven’t written ‘Spadikam’ on the gate of my home at Paala. If I do that, then it means I do not exist anymore,” laughed Bhadran.

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