From Poland to Pavanayi: How Sreenivasan’s dialogues became Kerala’s meme currency

“Polandine kurichu oraksharam parayaruth” (Don’t utter a word about Poland).

If ever there were a contest for the most popular and oft-repeated film dialogue, this line from Sandesham, written by Sreenivasan, would likely win. Delivered by the Left-affiliated elder brother, played by Sreenivasan himself, during a heated political debate with his younger brother and political opponent, portrayed by Jayaram, the dialogue has become a reference point in a wide variety of contexts, not the least in politics.

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In fact, Congress Legislative Party Deputy Leader K. Babu referred to the dialogue while taking a dig at the Left government during a protest staged in Ernakulam against the case registered over the now controversial parody song “Pottiye Kettye” in connection with the alleged Sabarimala gold theft recently. “Just as Poland was untouchable, the Sabarimala gold theft has now become untouchable,” he said.

There are countless such dialogues from films written by Sreenivasan that have become a rage on social media decades after their release. “Ithreyum dhairyam njan ente Charles Shobharajil mathrame kandittulloo” (I haven’t seen anyone more courageous than you except my dear Charles Shobharaj), delivered by Thilakan’s character Damodarji, who claims to be a Mumbai underworld goon, is one such. The line has taken on a life of its own as a meme and WhatsApp sticker, often used to mock misplaced courage.

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Another memorable line is “Sampthrupthamaaya kudumbajeevithathinu anusaranasheelam valare valare athyavashyamaanu” (Obedience is essential for a harmonious marital life), spoken by T.G. Daniel, played by the late Innocent. It has become the go-to phrase for sidestepping anything disapproved of by one’s wife.

“Pavanaayi angane shavamaayi” (Pavanayi is dead), sighed by underworld don Anandan Nambiar played by Thilakan in Nadodikkattu upon hearing of the death of the “professional killer” Pavanayi, played by Captain Raju, is widely used to mock those who fail spectacularly after making grand claims.

Equally popular is “Achuth Mama kimothi albani” – the gibberish passed off as Arabic by Sreenivasan himself while playing a wealthy Arab in Akkare Ninnoru Maaran. It resurfaces as a meme whenever someone has to get away with nothing reasonable to say in a conversation.

And then there is “Prabhakara…”—the helpless sigh of Anandan Nambiar when fellow crook Prabhakaran Thampi asks him to leave his home in Pattanapravesham, the sequel to Nadodikkattu. The line exploded on social media as a sticker featuring Thilakan’s image, widely used to express dismay when someone goes back on their word or disowns another.