The sound and sights of Thrissur Pooram will create reverberations across the world now.
Oscar-winning sound-designer Resul Pookutty and his more than 100-member team are here to capture each moment of the percussion ensemble, fireworks, music, and sound of Pooram.
Equipped with most-modern recording equipment and imported, high-definition cameras, the team will record the magic of Pooram from various points in the city.
Dream project
Mr. Pookutty said recording Thrissur Pooram was one of his long-cherished dreams.
In all, 182 tracks are being used to record the magic of one of Asia’s biggest festivals.
“We don’t want to miss even a single moment. The sound of the carnival should be preserved for generations and for those who are not lucky to witness it,” said Mr. Pookutty.
Percussion is recorded during the festival and separately also.
They will be combined later. The same technique used in Slum Dog Millionaire, which won him the Oscar Award, will be used here also.
Every detail
The main Pooram event will be recorded from eight centres.
The cameras and microphones will record every minute detail — from the sound of the crowd to flapping of elephants’ ears.
It is a dream project of U.S.-based Malayali Rajeev Panakkal.
Melam
Ilanjithara Melam, one of the principal percussion ensembles of Pooram, was recorded by the team at Peruvanam on Wednesday.
Led by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, 140 percussionists, lined up for Pandi Melam around 11.30 a.m.
After two hours of Pandi Melam, Panchavadyam was performed by Kongad Madhu and team. Panchari Melam by Peruvanam Satheeshan Marar followed.
Around 200 microphones were used to record the percussion. The camera team is led by Prasad Prabhakar.
Various events
Sample fireworks, cheru poorams, and elephant accoutrements are also being recorded.
Meanwhile, some Hindu organisations protested against recording of the Ilanjithara Melam under the ilanji tree on the Peruvanam temple campus.
Following the protests, the recording was shifted to the East Nadavazhi of the temple.
