Chief Guests
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of Pune, Sri Shaji N Karun started his artistic career as cinematographer in Late Sri G. Aravindan's films. He worked with notable film directors including G. Aravindan, M. T. Vasudevan Nair and K. G. George as cinematographer before directing his debut film "Piravi" in 1989. "Piravi" and many of his other films such as “Swaham”, “Vanaprastham”, “Kuttisrank” have won several national and international awards. All his movies stand apart from the mainstream Malayalam cinema in the choice of theme and presentation. He has directed several short films and documentaries also.
Sri Kalamandalam Geethanandan, the famous Ottan Thullal artist, who had agreed to attend and perform on the day passed away unexpectedly on 28th January 2018. We presented a programme in memory of the departed artist
The programmes presented on the Day
- Ramasaptham –Mohiniyattam -An abhinaya based dance item, telling the story of Lord Rama, from Seethakalyanam, to the final battle with Ravana, before returning to Ayodhya.
- Ninavu - Tribute to Late Sri Kalamandalam Geethanandan. A short documentary about the life and work of the departed artist followed by rendition of some of the Thullal padams by Sruthi singers.
- Vechumattam – Children’s Drama. Written by Sri Kavalam Narayanapanicker, this drama depicts the bartering of various items to satisfy the hunger of their kids by Kunjanasan and Kunjamma. It proves the perseverance of good values even in the face of adversities.
- Theyyo Thakatharo – Folk Dance – A medley of authentic folk songs represented in cinema, presented as a true musical dance and visual journey starting from the 1960s to the present day.
- Ganakairali - Musical journey through the geography of Kerala. A medley of popular music to showcase the natural beauty and the cultural diversity that define Kerala.
- Abhimukham – Dialogue with the Chief Guest Sri Shaji N Karun
- Kaserakali – Drama. A political satire from the eminent playwright Prof. G. Sankarappillai, portraits the plight of common man who has no alternatives other than bringing a bunch of megalomaniacs to the power.
