Kerala is seeing a quiet resurgence of Sanskrit across various fields, be it music, dance, literature or films. A language which is considered to be one of the oldest in India, it is the root of many Indian languages.
Interestingly, Mollywood will see three upcoming films being made in Sanskrit which only goes to prove the increasing value given to Sanskrit which was once almost exclusively used by the pujaris to chant shlokas and mantras.
The film Priyamanasam directed by Vinod Mankara revolves around the 17th century poet-scholar Unnayi Warrier and the agony and ecstasy experienced by the poet while creating the composition Nalacharitham aattakkatha.
Unnayi goes through states of hallucination and the story swings between real life characters and characters borne from the poet’s mind in their kathakali veshams.
Speaking about Priyamanasam, Vinod says, “Since childhood, I always loved watching Kathakali and it was Nalacharitham that was staged the most. Though I did not understand Sanskrit, the music touched me. Later, I started researching more about Nalacharitham. Though it has only four days and eleven monologues, I added a fifth day and made a documentary; Priyamanasam is an extension of that documentary.”
But why Sanksrit? “I had always wanted to make a film in Sanskrit because it can be modified to make it easy to understand for the audience. There is definitely a revival of Sanskrit and there are clear scientific principles behind the utterances of Sanskrit words and a lyrical quality to the music. Also, understanding kathakali does not need a language and I have used music and songs to add commercial appeal,” he says.
Vinod started work on this project six years back and the film is set to open the Panorama section of the IFFI. Mohanlal is no stranger to acting in Sanskrit plays and now he will be seen in a double role in the upcoming film Kamamohitham directed by Harihardas which is based on a story by renowned writer C.V. Balakrishnan.
The bilingual film made in Sanskrit and Malayalam is about a sage who tries to transmigrate into the body of a rich landlord. Says Harihardas, “This film is set in the Vedic age. Initially, I had not planned to take the film in Sanskrit but the film’s art, character and situations demanded it. I personally feel Sanskrit is way ahead of Malayalam and this film would reach completion only if it is made in Sanskrit.”
Close on the heels of these two films is another film Ishti directed by Dr G. Prabha which will take a critical look at the unacceptable practices of the Namboothiri community. The film’s screenplay and dialogues will be written by Prabha who is a Sanskrit Professor and will also have Sanskrit songs. Nedumudi Venu and Athira Patel play the lead characters.
Speaking about his role and the use of Sanskrit, Nedumudi Venu says, “This is a film set in the 1940s and I play the lead role of a Namboothiripad. I am not accustomed to speak Sanskrit, but I have spoken Sanskrit for a play earlier so it would not be too difficult.”
On the language, he opines, “Sanskrit is an early Indian language and it is only through Sanskrit that we get to know India. Most of our old texts and manuals were written in Sanskrit but we have read only translations. It is only when one reads the originals that we can truly comprehend the texts and scriptures.”
Music too has taken the Sanskrit route. Franco, who is bringing out a Sanskrit Christian Meditation music album, Moran Amake, says, “Sanskrit has a very meditative quality. You don’t even have to be singing. Even just speaking or reading shlokas make you feel a meditative rhythm,” he explains.
M.C. Dileep Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, agrees that there is a positive momentum given to Sanskrit. He says, “We have an increase in the number of research students in Sanskrit and we have an online course for Sanskrit too. What keeps away students is the perceived lack of job opportunities with most parents opting for professional courses. Interestingly, many from countries like Germany are showing deep interest in Sanskrit courses.”
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