KOZHIKODE: The protagonist in Vaikom Muhammed Basheer's allegory Vishwavikhyathamaya Mookku is all set to conquer the hearts of children on the small screen. For, Mookkan is expected to eclipse Pinocchio, the central character in the Walt Disney classic, whose nose grows when he lies. A group of young artists from Kozhikode, under the banner 'Btween Animations,' has started sketching the characters of the story.
"Mookkan gives ample opportunities for an animator. His growing nose and the way society treats him can be portrayed effectively through animation," said animation film director Biju Bavode. "The characterisation of 'Vishwavikhyathamaya Mookku' is over. The project is expected to take off soon," Biju said.
The group has completed work on another animation movie based on Bhoomiyude Avakashikal, another Basheer story. The animated films will soon be telecast on a Malayalam channel.
The team is also planning to release a CD format of the animation movie for kids. Basheer's stories can easily be taught using these CDs, said team member V R Ragesh.
His stories are rich in imagery, living creatures which can inspire any artist. The characters give ample opportunities for artists to work, said Ragesh who sketched the characters.
Scripted and directed by Biju Bavod, the animation films include dialogues of birds and animals apart from human characters. Other members of the team are Shijith Parayeri (art direction) and Anoop Nangali (editing).
"We included some conversations after consulting Basheer's son Aneez Basheer," said a team member. Basheer's works, including Pathummayude Aadu, Ntuppappakkoranendarnnu and Aanavaariyum Ponkurishum have good scope as animation films. After the release of Bhoomiyude Avakaashikal and Vishwavikhyathamaya Mookku, we will try to secure the rights of more works, said the team members.