Aditi Krishnadas, PNK Panikkar and Suresh Ariat at the launch of Ghost stories On BIC Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In Pravah, a book based on the recently concluded cultural festival of Bangalore International Center Kandittunda! was launched. Produced by Studio Exaurus and directed by Aditi Krishnadas, Kandittunda! (which translates to ‘Seen It’ in Malayalam) is a collection of horror stories once narrated by PNK Panikkar to his son and studio founder, Suresh Ariyat.
Kandittunda! Which won the 69th National Award for Animated Short Film, it has the oral flavor of traditional horror stories narrated by PNK Panikkar as an authentic, real-time story. With characters like Enampechchi, Arukola, Kutty Chatthan, Anna Marutha, Neeth Arukola and Thendan, Kandittunda! Paying tribute to Malayalam folklore.
Since its inception 15 years ago, Studio Ixaurus has produced 11 short films in the fantasy and social satire genres, with a core team of 25 people. Highlighting the power of local narratives, Neelima Ariyat, executive producer of the studio, says, “Since our stories are rooted in our everyday anecdotes, lives, culture and the people we meet, they are bound to have a local flavor “
At the launch of PNK Panikkar Ghost stories On BIC Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Transformed into an illustrated graphic novel by Tulika Prakashan, these stories can now be read and cherished by everyone. “This book took us nine to 10 months to create and it has turned out amazing,” says Radhika Menon, publishing director, Tulika Publications.
She explains why the title of the novel is Ghost Stories of PNK Panikkar instead of Kandittunda! “Calling it Ghost Stories of PNK Panikkar Doesn’t take anything away from the work. Panikkar cannot come from anywhere other than Kerala. Furthermore, for both young and old audiences, Ghost stories It’s a big attraction.”
Ghost Stories of PNK Panikkar It has been published in multiple languages for wider reach.
Talking about his apprehensions in producing the book version of the short film, Suresh Ariyat says, “When a publishing company makes a book, it cannot be said that the print quality, artistry or anything else will be fine. A compromise can be made or not. At least, that’s what I thought since I’d never talked to a publisher before. It was my professor at the National Institute of Design who convinced me to go ahead with the publication.”
BIC also hosted a unique exhibition of animation films during the festival.
published – December 26, 2024 10:27 am IST
