KOCHI: The under-the-shower scenes of yesteryear beauties, once an integral part of commercial films in Malayalam, have got a new lease of life at Kochi Muziris Biennale 2014 through a captivating video installation by graphic designer Priyaranjan Lal.
The first segment of installation titled “Kuliyum mattu scenukalum” was showcased on Wednesday evening at the main Aspinwall House complex of KMB 2014. The continuation will be staged on Thursday 6.30 pm at the same venue at the Umbrella Pavilion of Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi.
The installation, a novel art concept that happened as part of the 100-day Artists’ Cinema festival, has a close relationship with the storyline of ‘Kanyaka Talkies’, directed by K R Manoj, which was screened on the sixth day of the film festival. Though these scenes have been replaced by more bold acts in movies with the advancement of technology, those are still gentle reminders of the erotic past of Malayalam cinema.
“These scenes were once a way to cut into titillating shots in the movies of the past era,” said Priyaranjan Lal. “This installation was born out of the primary level discussions that happened between me and the film’s director,” he added.
Although the climax of ‘Kanyaka Talkies’ is displayed in some part of the installation, the evening show at Aspinwall House is like a continuation of the whole movie. This includes shots that are not included in the original movie.
“The big opportunity that Biennale has given us in the contemporary art field is the chance to display our video installation and it has become a launch pad for the promotional programmes of the film ahead of its official release. Other film festivals do not offer such an opportunity to showcase an installation along with the movie,” said Manoj.
The movie has been showcased in 19 film festivals both at home and abroad.