Malayalam director Shaji to make documentary on M.F. Husain

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Veteran film director Shaji N. Karun is set to make a full length documentary on master painter M.F. Husain.

Speaking to IANS, Shaji as he is popularly known, said that he has spoken to the 94-year-old legendary artist, who has agreed for it.

“The documentary would begin in October and is slated for release next year. We are soon going to meet. More details can be revealed after we meet,” said Shaji.

“The initial work for the documentary has begun and mind you this is a really tough one. The duration of the documentary would be more than an hour and some Dubai-based people who do not wish to be identified are the producers of the documentary,” added Shaji.

Shaji began his career as a cinematographer and later turned to direction and his very first film “Piravi”, released in 1989, won him the prestigious Camera d’Or - Mention d’honneur at the Cannes Film Festival.

He has directed five films in Malayalam and has to his credit five national awards.

His last film was “Kutty Srank” with superstar Mammootty and is ready for release next month.

Husain, who has been under attack from Hindu fundamentalists for his paintings of Hindu goddesses, has been living in Dubai and London for a long time now.

He was conferred Qatari citizenship this year.