Kaalam (Fall)

In North Malabar, the Theyyam season commences alongside the Thulam rains, heralding a time of cultural celebration and spiritual significance. Mukundan, Communist Party local secretary as well as a Theyyam artist, grapples with the challenges of aging and life’s complexities. Yet he is determined to perform for the upcoming Gulikan Theyyam, marking the onset of the year’s festivities after the 10th day of Thulam, which probably could be his last. Amidst these layers of reality and symbolism, Mukundan’s transformation into a revered deity within the community reflects a profound journey—a common man evolving into a divine figure embodying the aspirations and beliefs of his people. Through it all, Mukundan’s wife, Usha, remains a steadfast witness and participant in his life, bridging the realms of personal ambition, cultural tradition, and political ideals.

“Theyams are formed against caste-based hierarchies. This tradition has an inextricable influence on the lives of the people of North Malabar, which includes the northern districts of Kerala. Similarly, here the influence of the Communist Party is also intertwined among people. As someone who was born and brought up here, every Theyyam season is also an anticipation for us. Every ‘Theyyam’ has a heroic story. Stories of people who fought against injustice. Similarly, the struggles of the Communist Party were all around us. In the ‘Kaavu’ (Theyyam performance place) at my native, Vishnumurthy Theyyam was performed by the local secretary of the Communist Party. It is a very common sight for us. There are no barriers of ideologies at that point. I am writing this film from my memories. I aim to capture the essence of these memories, immortalizing the resilient souls etched in my mind. apart from being a complete fiction, the film is an amalgamation of many images I remember.”