The Discomfort Around Intimate Scenes Was Intentional

Director Sharan Venugopal discusses his debut feature Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, its bold themes, narrative ambiguity, why films should challenge conventions and invite deeper introspection rather than easy answers

- EXPRESS FEATURES

Venugopal's deeply evocative debut feature, Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, quietly made its mark—stirring emotions, sparking debates, and leaving a lasting impact on its viewers. Since its OTT release, the film's portrayal of an intimate relationship between cousins has drawn attention—for its depiction and exploration of the theme. However, it has also ignited discussions around taboos, challenging viewers to confront discomfort and rethink societal norms.

While some have drawn parallels with classics like Aalkkoppotathil Thaniye and Thinkaazhcha Nalla Divasam, Sharan remains unfazed. "I wasn't inspired by them, though they're great films. If people see similarities, that's completely fine—it doesn't take anything away from this film. At the same time, themes like children returning home, three brothers, sibling conflicts, or an unmarried brother are quite common. People have pointed out just a couple of films, but if you look at world cinema, there are plenty of films with similar narratives—where the viewer is placed in a situation that makes them question what's right or wrong without being preachy," he asserts.

For Sharan, cinema isn't about providing answers but encouraging people to see—to sit with unease, question conventions and perhaps discover something deeper in the process. In this candid chat, he reflects on the film's reception, its open-ended storytelling, and why he believes cinema should spark questions rather than settle them.

Excerpts: Now that Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is on OTT, reactions are divided—many appreciate it, while a certain section of the audience is critical. Did you anticipate this response?