Ramachandra Pulavar, the legendary Tholpavakoothu (shadow puppetry) artiste, firmly believes that cinema finds its roots in his ancient art form that has enchanted audiences for centuries. At the age of 68, his passion for Tholpavakoothu remains as vibrant as ever, and he points to the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy’s decision to use a logo inspired by shadow puppetry for its premier event, the International Film Festival of Kerala, as validation of this belief.
The master puppeteer, who has received the prestigious Padma Shri award, has continuously strived to innovate and expand Tholpavakoothu, breaking its ritualistic confines to reach broader audiences beyond temple walls. His newest project, a documentary titled “Nizhal Yathrikan,” directed by theatre artist Saheer Ali, premiered to a select audience at Don Bosco, Palarivattom, on Friday. The documentary, featuring Pulavar’s life and work, is seen as a significant step towards popularising this intricate art form.
Reflecting on a similar documentary named “Borrowed Fire,” which focused on his father and Tholpavakoothu virtuoso, Krishnankutty Pulavar, Pulavar expressed his optimism, “That documentary, made around 1999-2000, raised awareness about Tholpavakoothu and helped it gain new ground. I believe ‘Nizhal Yathrikan’ will also illuminate this art form and broaden its appeal.”
While Tholpavakoothu has garnered international acclaim, it primarily remains associated with children’s puppet shows within Kerala. The art form is currently performed for six months across 85 Devi temples, predominantly in the Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts, often to limited audiences, laments Pulavar.
The screenplay for the 27-minute documentary was penned by Fabi Saheer, daughter of Mr. Ali. Before embarking on the documentary, Ali had incorporated elements of Tholpavakoothu into several plays. His enduring friendship with the Pulavar family in Shoranur inspired him to create this cinematic tribute.
The Pulavar family, comprising the father-son duo of Krishnankutty and Ramachandra Pulavar, has been pivotal in reforming Tholpavakoothu. Originally narrated through stories and music rooted in Chenthamizh and Sanskrit, Tholpavakoothu traditionally relied on the Kamba Ramayanam and was performed over 21 days.
. Krishnankutty Pulavar notably condensed this elaborate performance into an hour-long show, taking it beyond temple premises for the first time. His groundbreaking performance at the World Malayali Meet in Delhi in 1965 marked the first instance of Tholpavakoothu being staged outside a temple. Fourteen years later, he expanded its reach internationally by performing at a puppetry festival in Russia.
Ramachandra Pulavar has since continued to push the boundaries of Tholpavakoothu, integrating diverse narratives including stories about Gandhi and Jesus, Panchathanthra tales, and literary works like Kumaran Asan’s “Chandalabhikshuki.” Furthermore, these stories have been translated into English and Hindi to reach wider audiences.
Reflecting on their global footprint, Pulavar proudly shares, “We have performed in 48 countries. Collaborating with Kerala Tourism, we are now producing leather puppets to increase the art form’s visibility. The vision is to place these puppets in every home in Kerala, thereby creating employment opportunities and alternative revenue models for the artists.”
The Pulavar family’s ancestral home in Shoranur has been transformed into a museum, showcasing leather puppets up to 600 years old. This museum attracts tourists and Tholpavakoothu enthusiasts from around the globe. Ramachandra Pulavar’s sons, Rajeev and Rahul, have also committed their lives to preserving and promoting the art form. Rahul, in particular, is conducting research on Tholpavakoothu with a fellowship at the University of Connecticut in the United States.
As Mr. Pulavar continues to carve new pathways for Tholpavakoothu, his efforts stand as a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of this ancient art form. Through innovative means such as documentaries and global performances, the Pulavar family is ensuring Tholpavakoothu’s legacy endures, touching the hearts of audiences both young and old, locally and globally.
