Shaji N Karun shoots film on artist Namboodiri at Biennale

Renowned Malayalam film director Shaji N Karun, shooting a documentary on K M Namboodiri, began his work by filming some of the celebrated artist's works exhibited at the onoging Kochi Muziris binnale venues here.
Karun began his work at the Aspinwall House, at nearby Fort Kochi, where Namboodiri's work 'Vara/Thira' has been exhibited along a well-lit corridor that has been earning special attention of the visitors.
Shaji also moved on to the works of other artists at the biennale-and concluded his shoot at the one-acre Cabral Yard, which features 'How Goes the Enemy', a work by Malayali artist Valsan Koorma Kolleri.

"The biennale creates a people who are aware of culture," said the 62-year-old filmmaker. "It is part of a big cultural search. If we don't start the search, then we lose out intellectually.."
The National award-winning director, known for his exceptional cinematography, was appreciative of the conceptual work at this year's edition.
Shaji's work on the documentary on octogenarian K M Namboodiri began three years ago. Planned for 40 minutes in a bid to give aesthetic interpretation of the artist's works, it will be completed in February.

Namboodiri, too, felt that the works of various artists showed "great skill in the ability to convey ideas through various mediums."

"I have tried to portray my vision of old Kochi," said the 89-year-old artist, wearing his trademark ponytail.
"It was different from my usual work and a good experience, because I drew without doubt. The biennale gives people a sense of how to see, and so it is an important project."
Apart from cultural celebrities, binnale also continues to have its share of political visitors. Meghalaya Minister for Social Welfare Deborah C Marak usually escapes the cold of her home state in December and is happy she picked Kochi this time.
"Aspinwall is such a beautiful property and it is a matter of pride that this world-class collection has been brought here," said the minister, who visited with Szarita Laitphlang, vice chairperson of the Meghalaya Development Reform Commission.

"It is not just a matter of pride for Kerala, but for the country. It will give a great fillip to tourism, which is our fastest growing industry," she said.