When a simple handy gizmo can be used to make a film these days, why opt for rolls of film reels of yore? ‘Ekaroopam’ (The Absolute), a docu-fiction on ‘Mannarasala Amma’, the priestess of Mannarasala illam in Alappuzha, stands out in this regard as the film has been shot on 35 mm film.
“For filming this subject, I was not ready to make any compromise on the quality of the visuals,” says director Sreejith Nampoothiri. “As the fictitious elements were less, it was important to give emphasis to every single shot. Also, shooting using a film reel has some unique features, which can be provided only by some expensive digital motion picture cameras like Arri Alexa.”
The film taps the potential of outdoor elements at its best and the rituals performed by the present ‘Mannarasala Amma’, Uma Devi Antharjanam, a septuagenarian. Her speech was captured live. The film has also recorded the sounds from nature in the early morning.The rare bonding between ‘Mannarasala Amma’ and the serpents is shown. It tells how fear gives way to devotion and respect through the advice and presence of Amma.The film opens with a ten-year-old boy getting shocked at the sight of serpents. By the end, a girl of his age, fearlessly walks into a sacred grove. In between, we see the rites performed by ‘Mannarasala Amma’ and the hundreds of faithful devotees waiting to see her. This is supplemented with a brief history of the temple.The background score is set in ‘Punnagavarali’ raga, which pleases serpents. The tune supplements the visuals by creating an enchanting atmosphere. The entire movie was done after consulting the‘Samvadasooktha’ in the Rigveda and the ‘Mannarasala Mahathmyam’ in Aithihyamala, written by Kottarathil Sankunni.
Highlighting the major rituals performed at the temple, the film also brings in the traditions followed by the senior female members of the Brahmin family in Mannarasala. Besides, it also underscores the need to preserve the ecosystem through the conservation of sacred groves and water bodies.The producer is G Babu. Sajan Kalathil wields the camera. The 22-minute film was shot in three days.