“‘Karmayogi' maps the inner turmoil of certain characters in the movie,” says director V.K. Prakash about his latest film that is an adaption of William Shakespeare's play ‘Hamlet.' The story has been presented against the backdrop of Kelipathram, an art form popular among the Yogi clan in Northern Kerala.
Indrajith, Thalaivasal Vijay, Padmini Kolhapure, Nithya Menon, Saiju Kurup, and M.R. Gopakumar play the main roles.
Indrajith has a double role in the movie. He plays the roles of Rudran Gurukkal and his father, Rudran Valiya Gurukal. Rudran is tormented by the mystery surrounding his father's death. His trauma is aggravated when his mother, Mankamma (Padmini Kolhapure), begins living with his father's younger brother, Bhairavan (Thalaivasal Vijay).
“Although ‘Karmayogi' is a period film, the period has not been specified in the movie. Instead, we have tried to create a feel of a period through costumes and style of presentation. Eyes play an important role in the movie as they have to convey various emotions. That is a reason why I chose Indrajith for the lead role,” says Prakash.
Belram Mattannoor, who scripted Jayaraj's ‘Kaliyattam' based on Shakespeare's ‘Othello,' is the movie's scenarist. “The movie is set amongst a group of people who live at a place called Ekarajyam during a particular era. According to Indian mythology, Lord Shiva had to live on earth and beg for alms for 12 years as a penance. Members of the Yogi clan are believed to be descendants of Lord Shiva. They still live in places in and around Kasaragod and Kannur,” says Belram. He is currently working on scripts based on Shakespeare's ‘Macbeth' and ‘King Lear.'
Playing Hamlet
Says Indrajith about his role in the movie: “The essence of Hamlet has been well presented in ‘Karmayogi.' I am a director's actor and had no set notions as to how to approach the role. It was interesting to play both the father and the son in the movie. Saiju Kurup, Manikkuttan and I learnt Kalaripayattu and also the traditions and rituals of the Yogis. The whole experience of shooting for the movie was an exciting one.”
Yesteryear Bollywood actor Padmini Kolhapure plays the role based on Hamlet's Queen Gertrude.
Although Siddique was the original choice for the role of Bhairavan, Thalaivasal Vijay replaced him as he had other commitments. Actor Riza Bawa, who dubbed for the character, won the award for the best dubbing artiste in the Kerala State film awards for 2010.
Nithya Menon dons the role of Moonnumani in the movie.
Saiju enacts Kanthan, the son of Kidathan (M.R. Gopakumar) and the brother of Moonnumani.
‘Karmayogi,' produced by Vachan Shetty and Sajitha Prakash, will hit theatres soon.