What is the change that newsmakers from Kerala like Basil Joseph, S Hareesh, Sithara Krishnakumar want to see in 2023

As we reach the fag end of 2022, it is time to look ahead and peer into what the New Year holds for us. Apart from resolutions made and unmade, many of us nurse hopes for changes that we wish to see in the New Year. People who have made a name in different fields talk about their vision for 2023.

Basil Joseph (Actor-director)

The techie-turned-filmmaker won laurels as an actor and moved centrestage in two films that showcased his acting chops — Palthu Janwar and Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey. He also won the Asian Academy Creative Award for the best director for his Tovino-starrer Minnal Murali.

"Hard work and dedication to my work did yield results in 2022. The sequel to Minnal Murali may have to wait as I am planning another film to direct. I have been working back to back on several projects and was unable to spend enough time with my family. I hope to strike a healthy work-life balance next year and make time for my family. If there is one change that is sorely needed in Kerala, that must be a drastic improvement in the state of our roads. Good roads are a necessity and we really have a long way to go when it comes to roads that are in good shape."

S. Hareesh (Author-Scenarist)

Multiple award-winning writer Hareesh has made a mark as a scenarist, especially with his scripts for maverick filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery. Their latest collaboration, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, premiered during the International Film Festival of Kerala and won the Audience Prize Rajata Chakoram.

"I am working on a couple of new screenplays, this time with directors I have not worked with previously. While Malayalam literature has won the attention of pan-India, it would be wonderful to see it going international. I wish that Kerala’s society becomes more independent of religious hardliners. Although we pride ourselves on our progressive outlook, the last couple of years has seen an erosion in those liberal values. The adverse influence of religion did decrease in 2022, but we need to shake ourselves free from the rise of any kind of fundamentalism."

Sithara Krishnakumar (Playback singer, indie musician, composer and lead singer of Project Malabaricus)

Trained in Carnatic and Hindustani music, Sithara's versatility as a singer has taken her places within a short time in the music industry. During the pandemic, her music videos created waves.

"Post-pandemic restrictions, there has been a huge surge in live programmes. Many of us have been travelling without a break since then for concerts. I usually take a periodic break to learn and upgrade my music. In 2023, I want to resume that and step back a little to focus on an area of study. Indie music in all languages, including Malayalam, was celebrated during the last two years. I hope that continues. Kerala has seen a rise in well-curated indie music fetes that include multiple genres of music. We should have more of that so we can hear diverse voices and styles in the coming years."