MOVIE MUSINGS: FILMMAKER ARAVINDAN’S AESTHETIC JOURNEY
MOVIE MUSINGS: FILMMAKER ARAVINDAN’S AESTHETIC JOURNEY
By WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
Late G. Aravindan, the renowned artist from Kerala, left an indelible mark on both the world of cartoons and cinema. He commenced his career as a cartoonist for the Mathrubhumi journal, introducing readers to the adventures of a character named Ramu in his series “Small Man and Big World.” Ramu, a hardworking individual, navigated the trials and tribulations of life, resonating with readers through Aravindan’s witty illustrations. His artistic contributions extended to the Kala Kaumudi journal, where he presented a cartoon strip called “A Bird’s Eye View.” Aravindan’s artistic journey wasn’t confined to the world of cartoons alone; he also ventured into filmmaking, leaving a lasting impact with his distinctive style characterized by natural settings, long shots, and the use of dark shades of grey in his black and white films. Additionally, he played an active role in the film society movement in Kottayam and Calicut.
In his formative years, Aravindan drew inspiration from the modernist movement in Calicut, where he found himself influenced by notable figures such as Devan, playwright Thikkodiyan, and writer Pattathiruvila Karunakaran. His film “Uttarayanam” stands as a testament to his affinity for literary works and satirical writings. The narrative revolves around Ravi, a young man embarking on a job hunt, offering an insightful commentary on the prevalent corruption in post-Independence society. Intriguingly, Ravi’s father and his ailing friend Setu come together to form a complex character, Sanjayan, who encompasses the roles of a political activist, spiritualist, and satirist. This multifaceted figure, Sanjayan, significantly influenced the artists from Calicut involved in the film. Aravindan’s cinematic approach, characterized by profound character depth and meticulous visual composition, carried subtle echoes of his cartoon characters, Ramu and Guruji, from his “Small Man and Big World” series.
Spiritualism played an integral role in Aravindan’s artistic development. His collaboration with playwright Srikantan Nair led to the creation of theater groups like Navarangan and Sopanam, which showcased productions infused with musical elements inspired by Kavalam Narayana Panicker. His versatility extended to the realm of music, as he occasionally took on the role of a music director for other filmmakers, contributing his creative talents to projects such as “Yaro Oral,” “Piravi,” and “Ore Thooval Pakshikal.” G. Aravindan’s artistic journey was a rich tapestry woven from diverse influences, leaving an enduring legacy in the worlds of cartoons, cinema, and theater. – WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
