Watched Swapaanam, a Malayalam movie by the maestro Shaji N Karun.
This is second Shaji movie where he has engaged with a character from performing arts. Vaanprastham (1999) had Mohanlal playing a Kathakali performer.
Swapaanam is about the life and loves of a Chenda player. Chenda is a percussion instrument, apparently, considered an Asura Vadya or demonic instrument.
Story of the movie is like an epic with an elegiac texture- passing away of a world- gentler and unhurried. The film begins with a fire in an asylum. The scene reminded me of the Buddha sermon where he said "all is burning".
Apart from a gripping story, the music and visuals are fabulous. A large number of Chenda players ( more than150) recorded a particular track in a paddy field. The film has fabulous music - Chenda pieces and Mohinattam songs. And many Mohiniattam pieces. And many haunting visuals of landscapes to remind you that Shaji is also an excellent cameraman.
The film is available on DVD with English subtitles.
Shaji also happens to be an illustrious alumnus of FTII.:-))
Would love to have views of the friends who may have watched it.:-))
This is second Shaji movie where he has engaged with a character from performing arts. Vaanprastham (1999) had Mohanlal playing a Kathakali performer.
Swapaanam is about the life and loves of a Chenda player. Chenda is a percussion instrument, apparently, considered an Asura Vadya or demonic instrument.
Story of the movie is like an epic with an elegiac texture- passing away of a world- gentler and unhurried. The film begins with a fire in an asylum. The scene reminded me of the Buddha sermon where he said "all is burning".
Apart from a gripping story, the music and visuals are fabulous. A large number of Chenda players ( more than150) recorded a particular track in a paddy field. The film has fabulous music - Chenda pieces and Mohinattam songs. And many Mohiniattam pieces. And many haunting visuals of landscapes to remind you that Shaji is also an excellent cameraman.
The film is available on DVD with English subtitles.
Shaji also happens to be an illustrious alumnus of FTII.:-))
Would love to have views of the friends who may have watched it.:-))
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