Vanaprastham

Shaji N. Karun's 1999 Malayalam film follows Kunhikuttan, a renowned kathakali performer. Subhadra, from an upper-caste family, falls in love with the character he plays on stage; she has no interest in the man himself, and that difference shapes the whole course of the relationship. The subject is the separation of the mask from the person. On stage Kunhikuttan plays gods and is revered; with the make-up removed he is treated as a man of low caste. The narrative resolves that doubleness at no point. Mohanlal leads and trained to perform the kathakali passages. The cinematography uses Kerala's traditional spaces and stage lighting in detail. The film screened at international festivals and was among the productions representing the country. Who it's for: those interested in Indian art cinema and traditional performing arts. Who it's not for: viewers looking for a fast narrative; the film proceeds measuredly and heavily.