A scene from the documentary, ‘Nizhal Yathrikan’, based mostly on Tholpavakoothu artiste Ramachandra Pulavar’s life and work.
Ramachandra Pulavar, legendary Tholpavakoothu (shadow puppetry) artiste, is satisfied that cinema developed from his artwork type that dates again centuries. He cites the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy’s alternative of the official brand, influenced by shadow puppetry, for its premier occasion, the Worldwide Movie Competition of Kerala, to drive house his level. At 68, the grasp puppeteer’s enthusiasm for his artwork type stays infectious.
Having innovated and improvised Tholpavakoothu, to interrupt its ritualistic shackles and broaden its attain past the temple premises, the Padma Shri award winner is ecstatic about receiving one other software to additional popularise the artwork type. A documentary, Nizhal Yathrikan, based mostly on Mr. Pulavar’s life and work, directed by theatre artist Saheer Ali premiered earlier than a choose viewers at Don Bosco, Palarivattom, on Friday.
“The same documentary named Borrowed Hearth on my father and legendary Tholpavakoothu exponent Krishnankutty Pulavar throughout 1999-2000 had helped create consciousness concerning the artwork type and break new floor. I’m assured this documentary may even make clear Tholpavakoothu and assist additional its well-liked attain,” says Mr. Pulavar.
He says the artwork type is immensely well-liked exterior Kerala and globally. In Kerala, it has grow to be related to puppet reveals for youngsters. Now, it’s predominantly staged for six months throughout 85 Devi temples, largely in Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts, however to sparse viewers, rues Mr. Pulavar.
Mr. Ali’s daughter Fabi Saheer has written the screenplay of the 27-minute-long documentary. Earlier than popping out with the documentary, Mr. Ali had staged a few performs blended with Tholpavakoothu. His long-standing friendship with the Shoranur-based Pulavar household is what impressed the thought of the documentary.
The daddy son duo of Krishnankutty and Ramachandra Pulavar is credited with reforming Tholpavakoothu, conveyed by means of story and music rooted in Chenthamizh and Sanskrit. The artwork type based mostly on Kamba Ramayanam and staged over 21 days was compressed into an hour-long stage present and introduced exterior the temple premises by Krishnankutty Pulavar.
He staged Tholpavakoothu on the World Malayali meet held in Delhi in 1965, which was the primary time it was staged exterior a temple. One other 14 years later, he took it to Russia on the Worldwide Puppetry Fest.
His son expanded the horizons even additional. Mr. Pulavar created tales based mostly on Gandhi, Jesus, Panchathanthra tales, and literary works similar to Kumaran Asan’s Chandalabhikshuki. Moreover, they have been additionally translated into English and Hindi.
“We have now to this point staged reveals in 48 international locations. We’re additionally working intently with Kerala Tourism for producing leather-based puppets to boost the attain of the artwork type. The thought is to get these puppets in each family in Kerala whereas additionally creating employment alternatives and alternate income fashions for artistes within the area,” says Mr. Pulavar.
The Pulavar household’s ancestral house in Shoranur has been became a museum housing even 600-year-old leather-based puppets, attracting vacationers and Tholpavakoothu lovers from far and vast. Mr. Pulavar’s sons Rajeev and Rahul have additionally devoted their lives to the artwork type. Rahul is doing analysis on Tholpavakoothu with fellowship on the Connecticut College within the U.S.
