Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Capturing the AKG epoch

Staff Reporter

GETTING THE FRAME RIGHT: Director Shaji N. Karun directs Punathil Kunhabdulla who plays the role of the speaker in the short-film on A.K.G. — Photo: S. Gopakumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "I have every right to make a statement, particularly after the long speech delivered by the Minister," demanded E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad with his characteristic stammer to speaker C.H. Mohammed Koya.

The Communist leader's demand for an adjournment motion in connection with A.K. Gopalan's Amaravati satyagraha was however rejected by the Speaker, which eventually leads to a walkout by the Opposition shouting slogans.

The scene, a throwback in time, was re-enacted here at the Assembly hall of the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon. The occasion was the shooting of `A.K.G. Athijeevanthinte Kanal Vazhikal,' a short-film on the life and times of the country's first Leader Opposition by noted director Shaji N. Karun. "The film introduces AKG through this scene," said Mr. Karun taking a break from the shoot.

The 60-minute film, which depicts some of the memorable incidents in the life of the revolutionary leader from 1937 to 1970 conveys the message that `only a good humanist can become a good Communist.' "There is a wide spectrum in AKG's life. The film is an attempts to capture some of those," said Mr. Karun.

According to him, a notable feature of the movie has been its overwhelming public participation. "Nearly 2,000 people have been involved in the making of this film. They acted in the film without any remuneration and even brought food from home to meet the exacting schedule," he said.

"It was certainly a challenge to shoot a scene with a cast of around 2, 000 people," admits Mr. Karun. "But I am happy with the way the film has shaped up."

In addition to schedules in the capital city, the movie has also been shot at Kayyur, Kannur, Alappuzha and Mohamma. The shooting, which began on January 23 will be completed on Tuesday. Noted artist P. Sreekumar dons the role A.K.G. in the movie, while Archana, an upcoming television artiste, plays his wife, Susheela Gopalan.

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