Скачать или смотреть Padma Shri Ramachandra Pulavar : the master puppeteer of Kerala

This video documentation is created to pay tribute to Padma Shri K K Ramachandra Pulavar- the master puppeteer of Kerala.

The gorgeous puppets of mythological characters have been dancing as shadows on the white screens for centuries through Tholpavakoothu. Decades ago, before the invention of cinema, Tholpavakoothu was one of Kerala's popular art forms. When time and spectators abandoned this art form, puppetry became considered only as a ritual that takes place in the sacred groves. There was a period where the puppetry and puppeteers did not receive adequate remuneration and appreciations. In this context, the efforts of Krishnankutty Pulavar and his son Ramachandra Pulavar, who worked day and night to uphold and preserve the legacy and glory of Tholpavakoothu are relevant.
Ramachandra Pulavar followed the values and tradition of Tholpavakoothu by employing the knowledge and skills imparted from his father. He has raised the puppetry to new dimensions and popularised it and passed the culture to the next generation. His books on Tholpavakoothu are assets to the literature.
Tholpavakoothu is performed in about 85 sacred groves of Bhadrakali temples that are situated on the banks of the river Bharatapuzha. When various puppet troupes gradually left the tradition, Ramachandra Pulavar came forward to perform in these drama—houses, which otherwise would have been abandoned. By performing Tholpavakoothu in more than 40 sacred groves, Ramachandra Pulavar tries to safeguard a culture.
By exploring the scopes of traditional shadow puppetry, the master puppeteer took initiatives to modernise the art form. By doing so, he had to face challenges from the society. However, Ramachandra Pulavar followed his father's revolutionary path, who brought the Ramayana puppetry outside the temple premises and presented it for the public. Ramachandra performed Tholpavakoothu in Kerala and many countries abroad and received appreciations. He has been organising puppet workshops in various educational institutions hoping that Tholpavakoothu will survive and evolve with time. Through these efforts, he inculcates the culture of Tholpavakoothu in the new generation. It is gratifying that so many individuals, irrespective of caste, creed or gender are trained in puppetry under his guidance. It is also commendable that he has set up a theatre in his house. Many people from India and abroad come here to get a deeper understanding of the art form. Along with such initiatives, Ramachandra Pulavar also takes efforts to pass the unique culture of Tholpavakoothu to the new generation.
Tholpavakoothu was performed for the working-class people who belong to an agrarian society. An artist can succeed only by being one of their audience. Being an ordinary man who toils the paddy field and raises the crops as part of a culture, the life of Ramachandra Pulavar shows the same message.
Art becomes eternal when an artist sacrifices himself for their art. Today, when Ramachandra Pulavar has been awarded Padma Shri, his efforts in keeping the flames of this folk art alive is recognised by the world.


Directed by: Sangeeth Sankar

Cinematography: Sangeeth Sankar
Jishnu Krishnan
Vaisakh
Rahul Pulavar

Script: Sangeeth Sankar
Kesavan A
Kunhikrishnan K

Narration: Kunhikrishnan K

Still photography: Nina Sabnani
Tholpavvakkoothu Kalakendram

Subtitles: Sangeeth Sankar
Anisha Narendran

Background music: Healing Ragas - Sitar Tabla - Brindavan Sarang - Classical Instrumental Fusion B.Sivaramakrishna Rao, Licensed to YouTube by Super Audio Madras (on behalf of Geethanjali); Super Audio Publishing, and 4 music rights societies,    • Healing Ragas - Sitar Tabla - Brindavan Sa...  

Made for academic purpose, as part of my research at IDC School of Design