By Matters India Reporter
Darwin, May 12, 2016: Father John Puthuva, the first Catholic priest to direct a Sanskrit film, has won international acclaim with his debut feature “Ekaki.”
The film was named Best Indian Feature Film at the Travancore International Film Awards, adding to several honours including the Film Critics Award.
Produced under the banner of Puthuva Films, “Ekaki” was directed and produced by Father Puthuva, with the story and screenplay by Prasad Parappuram and Sanskrit adaptation by Ayyampuzha Harikumar.
Filmed in Kalady, the cradle of Sanskrit culture, the movie is India’s first Sanskrit film featuring only a single character.
The story follows Thirunarayanapuram Vasudevan, an artist devoted to drama and ballet, exploring the struggles and anxieties faced by performers.
Father Puthuva, originally from Chully in Ernakulam district and now serving as parish priest in Darwin, said cinema is “not merely entertainment, but a medium to spread messages of goodness in society.”
With more than 500 documentary episodes to his credit, Father Puthuva’s first feature has sparked widespread discussion. He and Parappuram are now developing a new film based on the life of a selfless priest.
(From right: Ayyampuzha Harikumar, Fr John Puthuva and Prasad Parappuram. Photo supplied)