Documentary illuminates ‘Rasanishpathi’ through Kathakali

As the attavilakku (ceremonial lamp) is lit, the stage comes alive in a warm, sacred glow. As a Kathakali performance unfolds, Bheema, in his striking green facial makeup, requests Hanuman, adorned in a distinctive white-bearded costume, to reveal his cosmic form in all its glory, but as the divine form manifests, Bheema, awestruck beyond measure, collapses, unable to withstand the vision. At this moment, the title “Rasanishpathi” appears, marking the evocative opening of Harish K.M.’s documentary, explaining the complex concept of Rasa through the lens of Kathakali.

Harish, a Professor of Sound Engineering at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, has directed and produced a one-hour documentary on a concept developed by K.M.S. Namboodiripad. It brings together performance and Bharata’s rasa theory in an engaging manner. The film features visuals by Manesh Madhavan and sound design by Madhu Apsara. The narrative follows two young women, Narmada Vasudevan and Nandhana Thekkumpad, undergoing intensive Kathakali training. Abhinavagupta’s concept of ‘rasa dhvani’ and Carl Jung’s collective unconscious have also been portrayed.