Date:05/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/05/stories/2008070550170200.htm

Kerala

Slice of an epic in animation

Ghatotkacha

It is interesting to note how the animation film Ghatotkacha, directed and scripted by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, follows the familiar formula of mainstream films.

The protagonist, Ghatotkacha, is drawn from the Mahabharata and is Bheema’s son. He has a sidekick Gajju, an elephant who always makes a fool of himself. We have a beautiful damsel in love with a handsome young man. But, her parents arrange for her a marriage with an unimpressive and apparently feminine person.

The film’s songs, with cinematic dance-like visual sequences, are quite delightful when performed by animated figures. In one scene, hundreds of figures take part in a dance sequence in a lavish and imposing palace called Maya Bazaar.

The craftsmanship of the animation artistes in meticulously depicting minute details is inspiring.

The characterisation of the hero is a dampener. The first half is packed with the pranks of child Ghatotkacha who is called by the name Ghattu. We see, in the second half, a pot-bellied and hefty Ghattu who has a middle-age air.

The hero faces the wrath of Duryodhana as he tries to unite his cousin Abhimanyu and Sasirekha (Abhimanyu’s love). The lyrics are by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. The film has been produced by Smitha Maru and Suryadevara Vinod for Shameroo Entertainment.

G. Jayakumar