With heavy masks, communicative expressions, perfect dance moves and creative story telling is all about Kathakali.
A short documentary ‘Ramayana’ was screened at Bharat Bhavan on Friday. Marking the fourth day of Vridanta 2017 a fest on short films and documentaries, two movies were screened on Friday. The movies Ramayana and Navkant Barua were screened at Antarang hall.
The movie Ramayana is a movie by Sangeet Natak Academy. The movie is based on traditional dance forms Kathakali.
In the movie it was highlighted about the origin of Kathakali. Kathakali was fully developed dance style till 17th century. It is more like a story play on stage. the heavy head gears, painted faces and the dynamic facial expressions is what make kathakali a charismatic dance form.
Through the movie the spectators were taken to the expedition of Kathakali. The dancers were seen playing characters of Ram, Sita, laxman and Ravana, narrating the tale of Ramayana.
It was entirely a colourful movie that showcased it all.
The movie was then followed with the 1986 documentary movie Kudiattam. The movie Kudiattam was directed by Prakash Jha that showcased the Kutiattam maestros of India.
It is to be noted that Kuttiattam is a 2000 year old tradition of the country. It has been practiced till now. Kuttiattam is a theatre art form from Kerala. The movie won the national award for best movie of art and culture film in 1987.
Another movie on a known poet Navankur Barua was also screened.