Malayalam film to make kids aware about environment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Malayalam film for children “Chithrakuzhal” (The Bird Watcher), told in the form of an adventure thriller, intends to make kids aware of global warming, climate change and deforestation.

The yet-to-be released film’s director Majeed Gulistan, cast and crew attended its preview show here Saturday.

Gulistan, an award-winning film-maker, told reporters after the first screening that his film was aimed at connecting children to nature.

“I have told the story by incorporating aspects like global warming and the need for preserving nature. Children have to be made aware of these topics and to make it interesting it has been told as an adventure thriller,” he said.

Incidentally, this is the first Malayalam film to be made in Dolby digital sound, giving good sound effects to the forest scenes.

Ace cinematographer M.J. Radhakrishnan said: “It was a huge challenge for all of us because we shot the film deep inside the forests. We used very little light because using generators was a problem. We are all so happy that the beauty of the forests has been captured, virtually as it is.”

The film tells the story of three kids who get lost in a forest and learn about nature and the value of precious herbs.

Meera Nair, who played one of the kid’s role, said it was a rare experience for her as she was seeing forests for the first time.

“It was a bit frightening too but with many people around it was OK. We could learn a lot,” she said.

The film will have a state-wide release in July and has been sent to some international film festivals.