Vettaikku Oru Magan (A Son for Hunting) - Film May 9, 2009

Vettaikku Oru Magan (A Son for Hunting) - Musical Documentary Film on Koodiyattam by Soudhamini. Directed by Soudhamini. Cast: Margi Madhu, Kurichi Nadesan, Kalamandalam Kurichi Nadesan, Kalamandalam C.K. Gopinathaprabha and others. In the Indian epic, Mahabharata, the tribal hunter, Ekalavya, is made to forfeit his thumb to establish Prince Arjuna's supremacy in archery. The film re-interprets this story to suggest that Ekalavya surrendered his thumb in a conscious act of disarmament, resulting in greater ecological balance in the world of tribals. Subsequently Arjuna himself, realizing the futility of war at the end of his life, emulates Ekalavya's gesture, abdicating worldly glory to attain peace and fullness. This unusual video employs performance idioms from Kerala, including Koodiyattam, Arjuna Nrityam, Ottanthullal Ganam and Kathakali, to convey the story without resorting to dialogue, thus exploring the immense potential of cinema as a visual art. Koodiyattam is the oldest living classical theatre tradition in India. In this experimental digital video film, this ancient art form is specially choreographed for the camera. Infusing a traditional grammar with a contemporary spirit, the film takes a fresh look at the Ekalavya myth. The film has been hailed by The Hindu as one 'where image, imagery and suggestion combine in a unique way The viewer leaves the auditorium with a strong imprint on the mind.' This is a CHAURAHA presentation. There will be a discussion with the filmmaker after the screening with writer and curator George Jose.

Official Website: http://www.buzzintown.com/?104798&ref=yupg&refcity=6