One cannot easily forget the innocent and chubby
faces which lend that special quality to the films.
Remember the orphan who accompanied Charlie Chaplin
or the irrepressible children of Captain van Trapp
in Sound of Music or closer home Daisy and Honey
Irani in Hindi films and our own Kamal
Hassan, Sridevi, Shalini and
Shamli – the list is only indicative of
how children have been a part of filmlore.
They have been important characters in the main
story or have played the lead roles in films
meant especially for them. Why are children
such a big asset to the films they are featured
in? What are the adjustments that are called
for? What happens to their lives beyond cinema?
This article will highlight a few of these points.
Children
are always welcomed in any scenario and movies
are no different. In fact, including children
as the special leverage point in the screenplay
makes the film all the more enjoyable. For example,
the soothing lullaby in Chitti with Padmini
and her bonny stepdaughter sought to emphasize
the love and affection that the lady had for
the toddler. This created empathy in the minds
of the audience. Similarly, boy Kamal’s
character in Kalathur Kannamma and Ananda Jothi
was central to the story and his impeccable
performance warmed him to the viewers.
But,
there have also been attempts to trivialize children
by making them the go-between for lovers which
were rejected outright. In modern times, Shamli
as Anjali was excellent as a spastic child and
she was the soul of the film.
The
important changes required while making films
with or for children are that the dialogues and
situations should be appropriate to the age of
the young actors. The Nalla perai vanga vendum
pillaigale song from Nam nadu in which MGR lists
out the need for good habits and the aspirations
on which the youth should build their lives is
a fine example of melding entertainment with subtle
education. Directors however have made films in
which children mouth dialogues far beyond the
sensibilities of their age. Most such aberrations
have been brushed aside.
For
the children themselves, entering the tough world
of cinema at such a tender age calls for several
compromises. They lose out on many charms of a
normal childhood like playing with friends or
eating or wearing whatever they please. Some parents
have also turned them into lifelong money-making
machines by goading them to choose movies even
after they grow up. While those who turn to cinema
as a profession and have the right aptitude and
talent become successful, others just languish.
They belong neither here nor there.
Therefore,
children will continue to be part of movies but
there needs to be a critical examination of the
role of cinema in their lives. Good counseling
and creating awareness will enable the youngsters
to decide whether acting should remain a hobby
or become the chosen profession.
