NIZHALAATTANGAL directed by Kamalakumar Ponneth

What did Kamalakumar Ponneth say about his film?

In an old era where the Cast system and hierarchical oppression and suppression was predominantly existing in the Society, a little boy from his childhood days was fond of Kathakali, a traditional dance form of Kerala in India which was supposedly played and dominated by the Upper caste of the Society in that era.

But, the boy continued his passion towards Kathakali even up on entering his youth. But the Upper caste people who always believed and wanted that he should remain as a meagre worker under their foothold in the paddy fields with hard labour, striving under poverty, always tried to deny the opportunities to perform Kathakali.

The rise of this young man to prove to the world up on his ambition and passion towards Kathakali, his intense desire to perform on the stage, and the constant battle, between the feudal lords and him and sacrifices of his family is the essence of this Film.

The film NIZHALAATTANGAL, portrays the interpersonal relationships between Kathakali artists, their egos, the caste discrimination. The Script was written by the well known writer Kamal who had written Scripts of intensity, having social relevance.

The Script was completed within a month

. Pre production challenges were how to create the 1980s ambience and structural elements in the rural area. Since it's a Kathakali art form subject, we had taken the advises of well known Kathakali artists.

The Art work and Kathakali make up was the most challenging part. The back ground score and Music had to match up with Kathakali instruments as well. Within a period of 1 year, we were able to complete the Film.