MUSCAT: It’s the month of August, and in Oman, it’s raining not with rainwater, but with films and stage dramas. Noted filmmakers and cultural organisations are entertaining movie buffs with a variety of short films – ranging from English to Malayalam – screened during weekends at high-end eateries and the auditorium of the Indian Embassy.
The first movie to be released was on Saturday, August 2, when noted filmmaker Anirban Ray’s Video Haiku Series 5 – The Winner was screened for a select audience at Pizza Modo, Darsait, Muscat. The film was well received by the audience.
Two days later, Bhavalaya Art & Culture presented Paaru, a Malayalam short film featuring Somasundaram and Anita Rajan, screened exclusively for invited guests at the spacious auditorium of the Indian Embassy, Al Khuwair, Muscat.
The third screening, Kininjen (Trapper), a Malayalam short film directed by Sinoj Ambookan, co-produced by Subhash Krishnan, was released on August 7 at Golden Tulip, Ruwi. Subhash Krishnan also acted in the film, playing the role of an underworld don with a stylish white flowing beard.
The fourth and most awaited show is the bilingual musical drama on Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings Kathaparayum Chitrangal. The drama will be staged in Malayalam and Hindi on August 22 and 23 at Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi. Directed by Sunil Krishnan Nair, the production features scores of local artistes from Muscat alongside noted celebrities from Kerala. With a team of over 60 members, the cast has been rehearsing daily for three hours over the past two months, showcasing their dedication to bringing this classic drama to life.
For the first time in Oman, filmmaker Anirban Ray has adapted Haiku – a Japanese form of poetry into visuals on varied subjects. His earlier Video Haikus include Move On (mother-daughter relationship), The Lift (about a dementia patient), Not a Friend (misunderstandings between friends), and Mr. Cupid is Cruel, a Valentine’s Day story on traditional love. In Mr. Cupid is Cruel, Dr. Subhashish Sircar played Mr. Cupid, dressed in a red flowing gown and armed with a bow and arrow. The costume was designed by Azra Aleem, a well-known make-up artiste and actor.
The young couple, played by Riddesh Mistry and Nandhini Joshi, along with memorable songs performed by talented singers, left a lasting impression on the audience. The film is available on YouTube via the Anirban Ray channel.
The recent release, The Winner, revolves around a boxer named Ali (Sumesh Hariharan). Despite financial struggles at home, Ali remains committed to his passion for boxing, hoping to win prize money to support his family. On the day of the big match, he is determined to win – until he notices a little girl (Khiyara Pawani) praying for her father, Ali’s opponent. Moved by compassion, Ali deliberately loses the fight, allowing his opponent Vikram to claim the coveted prize. The little girl, touched by Ali’s sacrifice, approaches him and whispers: “You are The Winner.”
“Paaru” portrays the agony of a middle-class couple from the Gulf region, whose only college-going son goes astray, influenced by friends and drugs. This 37-minute Malayalam short film, directed by Kabeer Yousuf, highlights the couple’s everyday hardships and emotional struggles.
The mother, played by Anita Rajan, succumbs to mental instability after losing her son to addiction, while the father, portrayed by noted Malayalam actor and anchor Somasundaram, bears the dual burden of caring for his wife feeding, bathing, and supporting her while enduring humiliation and abuse at his workplace. Somasundaram’s performance powerfully reflects his helplessness in dealing with his wife, Paaru, who is mentally affected. Anita Rajan convincingly expresses raw emotions, though at times—such as in one scene where she spits food onto her husband’s face, the intensity felt unsettling for viewers. The soul-stirring song by Archana Vijaykumar adds emotional depth to the narrative.
The film has not yet been released on social media platforms, as the filmmakers plan to organize more private screenings for select audiences.
Meanwhile, “Kininjen (The Trapper)”, the debut venture of director Sinoj Ambookan, tells the story of how gullible individuals are manipulated into fulfilling their families’ wishes in dangerous ways. The film follows Vanaja (played by Indu Baburaj), a housemaid working for an Omani family in the interiors of Oman. Set against the lush backdrop of rows of palm date trees, the visuals are a treat despite the intense background score.
Vanaja is desperate to buy a mobile phone for her arrogant son back home. Enter Pappen (played by Kabeer Yousuf), the so-called “Man Friday,” who appears to offer solutions for every problem. Exploiting her vulnerability, he connects her to smugglers, convincing her to carry contraband goods back to Kerala in exchange for money. The god-fearing Vanaja, eager to please her son, reluctantly agrees, unaware that she has fallen into a trap. The storyline is executed well by Sinoj and his team, complemented by energetic music.
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for the much-anticipated bilingual musical drama “KathaParayum Chitrangal” (in Malayalam) and “Bolthi Tasveere” (in Hindi), scheduled for August 22 and 23 at Al Falaj Hotel Auditorium. Rehearsals, dubbing, costume design, and music arrangements are being carried out at a war-footing pace to meet the deadline for this grand cultural showcase.
Report By Vinod Raghavan