MakaraManju a litmus test for art-house film lovers

Hidden Gems was conceived to bring award-winning films by and about India to discerning Calgary audience. We sensed a desire to learn more about India and Indian Culture through the medium of films. Majority of Indian diaspora were looking for "meaningful cinema" and not art-house films per se. As the saying goes,"I don't know if it is art, but I know what i like!" It is to define that intangible feeling that we introduce you to the well-known film-critic Louis B. Thompson. Whether you agree with him or not, he has an uncanny way of demystifying some of the cobwebs, for example by drawing parallel to some other films that you might have seen.

Over the last year, we have noticed the shy, reluctant audience relax and actively participate in the discussion. During our culminating festival, viewers have even become enthusiastic about "Rating the movie."

Unbeknown to us, MakaraManju- Mist of the Capricorn, proved to be a litmus test for art-house film. Even the  Indian diaspora were perplexed.   This is not a biopic of the artist Raja Ravi Varma but it dwells primarily on his one painting ofUrvashi and Pururavas and the parallel to his life.

"MakaraManju is a film that celebraets art, both visually as well as cerebrally. It sucks the viewer in a  quicksand through a compelling narrative that’s soaked in metaphors, arresting visuals and beautiful music." says the critic Narcissist. It is sensual without being sexual. His involvement with his creation soon turns into obsession and leads him on a self-destructive path.The story of Pururavas & Urvashi is brilliantly used as both a metaphor as well as a device to explore Ravi Varma’s psyche

Lenin, the director,blends the two stories together, creating highly insightful and thought-provoking parallels between them. The differences between the visual & aural feels of the mythological and real strains of the narrative are subtle, and initially, one is susceptible to be fooled into mistaking one for the other. The mythical strain grows in rawness and intensity while the real one maintains a dignified poise throughout. The dialogue is sparse but it works as the visuals speak more than a 1000 words an image. Ravi Varma’s fierce individuality & refusal to bow to conventions is masterfully symbolized in Pururavas’ eccentricities & bravery. I heartily agree with the critic's depiction of Makaramanju as a true "masterpiece."