THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: He made just one movie and became part of Malayalam cinema lore. But, film lovers, critics and the industry will remember him for also the films he did not make - the unrealized dreams of a romantic.Ajayan, the Malayalam film director and son of legendary writer and communist leader Thoppil Bhasi, who died at a private hospital here on Thursday at the age of 66, was indeed a romantic and a genuine filmmaker, who never wanted to make big money using the great talent he possessed in filmmaking.An alumnus of the Adayar Film Institute, Ajayan had also taken his practical lessons under noted directors like Bharathan and Padmarajan.As a debut director, the national and state-level accolades and the critical acclaims Ajayan received for his film ' Perumthachan ' had triggered a flurry of opportunities in early 90s, and the film critics had vouched for the birth of a filmmaker of international class. But, discarding the mundane success the industry was offering, he got obsessed with a fantasy, which unfortunately remained a dream."The very first film proved him to be a mature director, which was evident in the way he handled actors like Thilakan to bring out the best in them. It's very sad that he didn't make more films," said film critic and writer C S Venkiteswaran.The film had earned Thilakan his first state award, while Ajayan secured the best debut director award at the national level.'Yes, Perumthachan was a unique confluence of rare talents," recalls P Baburaj, Ajayan's cousin who had worked as his associate for a documentary he did on Kollam district more than a decade ago. What Ajayan accomplished with this single movie will remain unique in the annals of Malayalam filmdom, he said.Baburaj also recalled how Ajayan declined offers from several producers after 'Perumthachan' hit the box office, to make his dream project 'Manikyakkallu', an adaptation of M T Vasudevan Nair's work in the genre of children's literature."The work being a pure fantasy, he had even made inquiries in Hollywood for the required expertise on graphics," he added.Though Ajayan withdrew into himself after the failed project, he was planning a film based on his father's autobiography 'Olivile Ormakal', Baburaj said adding that Lohitadas had promised to script the film and Ajayan was in search of a producer.Ajayan leaves behind wife Dr Sushama and daughters Parvathy (USA) and Lakshmi (Kannur). His mortal remains will be kept at Kalabhavan on Friday for the public to pay homage and will be taken to his native place at Vallikunnam near Oachira in Kollam district for cremation.

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