The short film ‘Chaayam’, was launched in a glittering ceremony conducted by the Kakkayur Recreation Club at the Centenary stage, DMSBS, Kakkayur on 25th August 2010.
The film was launched by Sri Prakash Ulleri, popular music director and pianist. While speaking at the event, he urged the crowd to buy the original DVDs itself, so as to promote the spirit of art and culture. Sri Nedungote Gopinath, IFS unveiled the DVD of the film and handed over the first copy to Sri Kuzhalmannam Ramakrishnan. Sri Kuzhalmannam Ramakrishnan revealed his love for Kakkayur and shared several personal experiences with the audience. Sri Shadananan Anikkath, briefed the audience about chaayam , its evolution, and the ‘behind the screens’ story of the project. Sri TK Gopinath, blessed the team and wished the film all success. The ceremony was presided by Vasantha Sundareswaran, on behalf of the Kakkayur Recreation Club.
The film, ‘Chaayam-nirangal kondoru niraamaya kaavyam’ premiered on an 8ft screen combined with a 10000 watts sound system. The film instantly ‘connected’ with the audience and got applause and widespread recognition. Later, the crew and the cast of the film were introduced and were presented with mementos. Kunchimuthi, as she is fondly called, who played the role of the grandma in the film was the crowd favourite, apart from the heroine, Priyanka. The Director of the film, Amith PK, thanked the whole team and the several well wishers for having supported him. The debutant music director, Nithesh Bhaskaran declared that Kakkayur was his second home.
Striking a chord between the traditional and the new age, the live fusion performance by Sri Prakash Ulleri and Sri Kuzhalmannam Ramakrishnan sent waves of exhilaration into the crowd. The rhythmic claps were contagious and soon every soul rejoiced in the shower of mesmerising music; It drenched everyone like the monsoon. Soon after, Idea Star Singer fame, Nidhin Lal sang the title song of the movie and the audience went into rapturous applause. The unprecedented, meticulously organised event, attended by a 500 plus strong crowd of well wishers was distinguished by its uniqueness and disciplined conduct.
The chaayam launch was not an event – it was an experience.
