A documentary and a documentary focus on aspects of Kathakali

Each Kathakali play transports the audience to an enchanted land of larger-than-life heroes and heroines, animals and saints. Two recently released documentaries on YouTube attempt to understand the impact this form of theater has had on modern-day practitioners and audiences.

thong paranja pan

Directed by Kathakali fan Veenu Vasudevan, the 10-minute short film goes behind the scenes to explore what attracts a child to Kerala’s theater art form, which includes vocal music, percussion, dance and acts .

One of the members of the Malappuram-based People Story Collective, of which Vinoo is also a member, had approached Veenu to make a documentary on different types of storytelling during Onam last year.

Says Veenu: “I wrote a short story ‘Pachha Mokaru’ (Green Face) many years ago. It was the green face makeup of Kathakali heroes that mesmerized me as a kid. I used it as a script to make a film. ,

Vinu points out that in many ways the story is autobiographical. Kathakali performances were held regularly in his spacious house in Malappuram district. “Initially, what attracted me was the colorful costumes and makeup of the actors.”

That fascination developed into a keen interest in Kathakali. At the age of 10, Vinoo started learning Kathakali and performed for a few years before becoming a discerning audience and organizer of Kathakali.

Team of short film ‘Peti Paranja Kada’ directed by Vinu Vasudevan. photo credit: special arrangement

Beginner’s journey from curious kid to artist told in short 10-minute story thong paranja saddlea. The title refers to the giant box, which is a . is called dough boxIn which Kathakali artists used to wear their costumes. Sketches in black and white enhance the narrative which tells the audience how the performers carried boxes on their heads or in bullock carts when they had to travel for singing.

Narippatta Narayanan plays Namboodiri’s grandson, Devan Cherumittam, a young boy who watches with wide eyes as the actors get ready for a recital.

But for some scenes, the entire film, shot in Velinezhi and Karalamanna, was done against the backdrop of real-life performances. sound of melam Enhances visuals.

The film was released on March 19 on People Story Collective’s YouTube channel.

Haripriya

A scene from the short film ‘Haripriya’ directed by Shruti Sharanyam. photo credit: special arrangement

At the age of 25, Haripriya Namboodiri, a teacher, fell in love with Kathakali. Having been introduced to the art from childhood at her mother’s home in Manjeri, she decided to learn Kathakali from a guru to become a knowledgeable audience. His training was under the artist Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi.

“I never had any idea to perform on stage. However, within a year, I was on stage to play the character of Sati Dakshaygam Kathakali.

A scene from the short film ‘Haripriya’ directed by Shruti Sharanyam. photo credit: special arrangement

movie Haripriya, follows the development of the beautiful Haripriya as she steps into a male stronghold. Traditionally, men in Kathakali performed all-female characters. The artist talks about how she, a professional, housewife and mother, honed her interest and became an artist on forums across India. Over the years Haripriya brought life to Kathakali characters like Lalita, Damayanti and Urvashi.

A scene from the short film ‘Haripriya’ directed by Shruti Sharanyam. photo credit: special arrangement

“The short film focused on me because I chose to be a Kathakali artist, although I had other career options. Although it took time and hours of hard work, I was able to find my feet in a traditional male-dominated art form, She says.

In the film, Haripriya elaborates on why she prefers to essay female characters.

In between learning and performing, she also did her doctoral research on women in Kathakali from Kalamandalam Deemed University. That academic background has helped her understand and discover her place in interpreting female characters in Kathakali.

Vasu Pisharodi explains why he would like to see more women playing female roles in Kathakali.

Directed by Shruti Sharanyam, the 22-minute documentary also explores space for women on the Kathakali stage. “Sarvamagala Productions which is documenting the cultural landscape and art forms of Kerala approached me to make a documentary on Haripriya. I have worked with him in my music videos and hence we have a good rapport. The documentary has been given a cinematic treatment,” reveals Shruti. Music composed by Sudip Palanadi

Haripriya Was released on YouTube on 8 March.