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A peep into history

Not many know about this chapter in the history of the royal family of Thripunithura. It was rarely talked about outside the family.

Nevertheless, it was important enough during the times. But the descendants of the rulers of erstwhile Kochi Kingdom often discuss these issues during their annual meetings. And last December, the subject of discussion was Shaktan Thampuran, the most powerful king of Kochi who ruled in the late 18th and early 19th century. It was his 200th death anniversary, and the little episode that had an impact on the family's religious following came up in the discussions. It was perhaps as commemoration of sorts that these descendants of Shaktan Thampuran thought of putting together their ideas on celluloid with some historical background.

Terming it a documentary on an episode in the spiritual history of the royal family of Thripunithura, Suraj Varma, the director of the film, Ekamevadwitheeyam, says it is probably not enough to showcase the significance of the times.

The film is 18 minutes long and has been shot entirely in the existing palaces and on its premises, with amateur actors and scriptwriters from the family. Mr. Varma and the sound recordist, Arun, are the only people who have a background in filmmaking.

Shyama Rajagopal

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