Sharjah | Renowned Tamil-Malayalam writer, scriptwriter, and critic B. Jeyamohan emphasized the need to reinterpret Indian myths and history to resonate with contemporary times. Speaking at the Sharjah International Book Fair at the Expo Centre, Jeyamohan said that adapting traditional stories to present-day contexts is essential to keeping them alive and relevant. In the session,titled “Myth and Modernity: Reinterpreting Indian Epics- Literary Odyssey with B Jeyamohan,” he addressed how classic stories like the Mahabharata can evolve through fresh perspectives and narratives.
In Malayalam literature, works like P.K. Balakrishnan’s “Ini njaan Urangatte” and M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s “Randamoozham” , introduced new dimensions to characters from the Mahabharata, offering fresh perspectives on specific chapters or individual characters. Jeyamohan noted that while many reinterpretations focus on select aspects of the epic, he set out to reimagine the entire Mahabharata in his novel, “ Venmurasu”. Through this comprehensive retelling, he infused a new emotional depth into the story, particularly enriching the portrayal of its female characters.He believes such reinterpretations are necessary to modernize and deepen the impact of these age-old stories.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the “Manjummel Boys” film, Jeyamohan expressed a strong stance against irresponsible portrayals of drinking. Criticizing those who litter Tamil Nadu’s forests with alcohol bottles, he spoke passionately about the harm caused to elephants that step on these discarded bottles. As the author of “The Elephant Doctor” ,Jeyamohan voiced his frustration with writers who glamorize drinking in their work, explaining that he cannot condone such representations. He also remarked that he is being criticized by certain Malayalam writers who discard their alcohol bottles in the forest just like those in the movie. Unfazed by the backlash from certain Malayalam critics, Jeyamohan shrugged off their criticisms, stating he has no interest in seeking recognition.
The Tamil word “Perukki” refers to someone who operates outside established systems or is not bound by legal constraints; he expressed uncertainty over how Malayalam critics have interpreted or understood the concept he intended to convey.Jeyamohan observed that, in today’s world, people hold strong identities about almost everything except their humanity. He feels that those who accuse him of criticizing Malayalis lack even a basic level of understanding or self-awareness.
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer and Lohithadas
“I became a writer even before I was born,” Jeyamohan remarked. He recalled telling his teacher in first grade that he aspired to be like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. Jeyamohan recalled visiting Basheer with his mother as a young man, where he received the blessings that would propel him into the world of literature.
Cinema, he said, has always found him rather than the other way around. His friend and celebrated filmmaker Lohithadas frequently urged him to work in the film industry and once even gave him an advance of 10,000 rupees to encourage him. Lohithadas’s assistant remarked that the director had a “lucky touch” and predicted he would remain a force in the industry for next 25 years. The assistant also mentioned that many talents who received their start through Lohithadas, including actors like Dileep, Manju Warrier, and Kalabhavan Mani, went on to find great success.Jeyamohan, however, shared that while he never actively pursued cinema, the film world has often sought him out. The session was moderated by Sanyo Daphne.
