Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051201130200.htm

New Delhi

A film on ancient theatre form

He has made a film on an ancient theatre form from Kerala and now intends to popularise it among those who are not familiar with this temple art.

After UNESCO recognised Koodiyattom as "a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity", filmmaker Sashi Paravoor decided to make a film in Malayam on the subject. He has not only directed and written the screenplay for "Nottam" but has also produced it.

"This theatre form entails acting, dancing and facial expressions. For four years my team conducted research on this ancient theatre across the State. The film depicts the story of a well-known Koodiyattom artiste who faces the harsh realities of today's world that offers nothing to the great ritualistic classical art form of Kerala. The protagonist struggles to keep the theatre alive," says Paravoor, whose film was screened at the Habitat Film Festival here in New Delhi on Thursday.

The 120-minute film has won several Kerala State awards and its cast includes Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Margi Sathi and Janardhanan. The film has been edited by Venugopal, while music has been given by M. Jayachandran. -- Madhur Tankha

-- Madhur Tankha