CID Films in Malayalam | Satellite Phones and Nuclear Power

I’ve been in a renewed state of love with the Rayban Olympian II after watching CID Nazir recently. He also flaunted this in Love in Kerala (1968) and I recollect in one fleeting scene in Lankadahanam (1971), so I presume this was a very important accessory and part of the ‘official’ style statement of the celluloid CID officers. Moreover, it goes perfectly fine with ALL the disguises ! Isn’t that wonderful ? If this looks like am surreptitiously pushing the product, please bear in mind that love can make you do strange stuff. :).

CID Films in Malayalam | CID Nazir (1971)

Please ! This is not a Video.

CID Nazir (1971) is arguably the best (smiling here) movie of that genre –  the script was the perfect template, the actors outdid themselves in their parts as ‘secret’ agents, moving around in costumes that were awesomely chucklicious and they  mouthed lines that would send any self-respecting script-writer into self-loathing. But mind you, it was pure fun. As I mentioned earlier, this was Venu’s second attempt at the CID ( The Crime Investigation Department ) genre and he did get it right this time around. Every time I watch this movie, my desire to own a pair of that vintage  Rayban Olympian II shades rides up a notch. Man, what a pair of exotic coolers is that !

CID Films in Malayalam | James had it coming !

Thank God for James Bond and Dr No in 1962!

Else, as a genre, we would have terribly missed the Indian version of the 007 brand of bravado and panache, though by the time it transferred onto our Malayalam cinema screens, it was more of frothy, kitschy, cheesy, senseless, crazy mayhem ! It was, in all respects,  a far cry from the ‘controlled exaggeration’ of the Hollywood version. By the time our directors finished with their versions, one left the hall seriously questioning one’s sanity and social tolerance levels. Our desi James Bonds were a sight to see, literally.