Honey Drop in Celluloid – A Tribute to Madhu

Honey Drop in Celluloid – A Tribute to Madhu

Eminent Writer,Film Critic,Historian and Director Aranthai Manian shares his viewing experience

Thanks to SICA and  Mr. C.J. Rajkumar, I had the privilege of watching Honey Drop in Celluloid, an exceptional 90-minute documentary on the legendary Malayalam actor–director–producer Madhu (Madhavan Nair).

The screening was held at Prasad Lab Preview Theatre, Saligramam, on Saturday, 16th August 2025. The event was graced by SICA President A. Karthik Raaja, Treasurer Sakthi Saravanan, Executive Committee members, and my friend Nagasaravanan, who together honored the filmmaker Pushpan Divakaran at the opening ceremony.

Madhu – The Gentleman of Malayalam Cinema

Cinematographer Pushpan Divakaran, who produced and directed the documentary, has masterfully chronicled the life and times of Madhu—a central figure in Malayalam cinema’s golden era and part of the illustrious triumvirate along with Sathyan and Prem Nazir.

Madhu was the first well-educated artiste in Malayalam cinema, later joined by Mammootty.

A postgraduate, fluent in Hindi, and an accomplished stage actor, he trained at the National School of Drama, New Delhi—a background that gave him unmatched versatility.

Before films, he was a Hindi teacher, honing his craft in theatre before stepping into cinema.

Over his illustrious career, he acted in nearly 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, bringing gravitas to every role.

He founded Uma Studio, where he produced 15 films and directed 13, often exploring socially relevant themes.

He balanced mainstream blockbusters and art-house cinema, bridging the gap between commerce and creativity.

Landmark Films & Cultural Relevance

Madhu’s career is inseparable from the history of Malayalam cinema itself.

Chemmeen (1965) – A turning point in Indian cinema. As one of the leads, Madhu contributed to this National Award-winning film directed by Ramu Kariat, which placed Malayalam cinema on the international map. The film’s treatment of realism, coastal life, and human emotion transformed narrative and visual storytelling in Malayalam films.

Swayamvaram (1972) – Directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, this pioneering art-house film featured Madhu in a central role, helping usher in the parallel cinema movement in Kerala.

Priya (1970s) – One of his successful ventures as a director, proving his command over both mainstream cinema and filmmaking craft.

Ezhu Rathrikal, Kadalpalam, Anubhavangal Paalichakal – Films that showcased his wide emotional range, from romance to political and social themes.

He also acted in Hindi and Tamil films, making him a pan-Indian presence at a time when Malayalam actors rarely crossed regional boundaries.

Recognitions & Legacy

Madhu’s monumental contribution has been recognized through Kerala State Awards, the National Film Award, and the Padma Shri. Beyond awards, his influence lies in having nurtured younger actors, supporting new filmmakers, and creating platforms for experimental cinema at a time when Malayalam cinema was evolving.

The Documentary

The documentary interweaves rare clippings from Madhu’s films, interviews with eminent directors, artistes, producers, and critics, presenting not only his artistic journey but also his philosophy of balancing art and entertainment. Pushpan Divakaran deserves special credit for painstaking research and gripping narration, making the film both an archive and a learning tool.

Why It Matters

Honey Drop in Celluloid is not just a nostalgic journey; it is a masterclass in cinema history. It reminds us that the evolution of Malayalam cinema—from theatrical melodrama to naturalism, and later to parallel cinema—cannot be told without Madhu. For film historians, cinema enthusiasts, and especially aspiring filmmakers, the documentary offers rare insights into how education, discipline, and artistic conviction shaped a career that in turn shaped an industry.

Kudos to Mr. Pushpan Divakaran for documenting the journey of a true pioneer with such care and passion.

– Aranthai Manian
Principal, Cinema Factory Academy
Film Historian,Writer and Director