Thiruvananthapuram: It took 30 days, 3 cameras, 10 voices and a 50-member crew to capture one state – Kerala. The result is ‘Ente Keralam’
Released on the evening of October 31st as a tribute to Kerala’s 70th anniversary, ‘Ente Keralam’ is being described as the most beautiful musical album dedicated to Kerala.
The album is the brainchild of Rajesh Babu K Sooranad, who handled its concept, music and visual direction. The lyrics were penned by the renowned poet P K Gopi.
Talking about the journey, the team says the shoot was nothing short of a yatra. Starting from the northern tip of Kerala, the crew travelled through all 14 districts, shooting at locations known for their natural and cultural beauty. The visuals include the famed “Aavani pallakkil ezhu varnangalum naadu kaanan irangum” – the seven colors descending to see the land, the sounds of Nadhaswaram and Panchari Melam merging with the Pooram, and the distant mountains, valleys, forests and cool mist.
To bring authenticity, the team decided to include every major traditional art form of Kerala. The album features performances of Sopana Sangeetham, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kerala Natanam, Margamkali, Oppana and Thiruvathira. Special focus was given to the northern ritual arts Theyyam and Thira, which were choreographed by Louna and Abitha.
The dance ensemble is large and vibrant. Featured dancer Vaiga K Sajeeve leads a group of talented young dancers including Thejal, Shanvika S H, Sanviya Lakshmi, Aanviya Sureshbabu, Sivananda R S, Dr. Sruthi T P, Geethika A S, Archana, Shivanandha, Juna, Ansiya, Niya, Niyalakshmi, Vedika, Chelziya Vijilesh, Alviya, Devna, Sreenandhana and Shanmiya Rajeev.
On the musical side, the song is sung by ten singers from different districts, symbolizing Kerala’s unity. The list includes veteran playback singers Madhu Balakrishnan and Biju Narayanan, along with Anwar Sadath, P K Sunil Kumar, Ganga, Sindhu Premkumar, Vinitha and Dilna. Backing vocals were provided by Prabhal Kusum and Ajmal Basheer. Keyboard and rhythm programming were done by Ajmal Basheer and Suhas Bachu.
The technical crew worked tirelessly. DOP Shobin C Johny captured the visuals, with Second Unit Cinematographer Ragesh Cheliya. Editing was done by Sanal Kumar P S. Project Designer Anju Mukundan and Creative Director V M Anil gave the visual narrative its shape. Chief Choreographer Kalakshethra Aniyan T S ensured classical authenticity, while additional choreographers Aprasanth Krishndevak and Krishnja Prasanth added contemporary flair.
Music arrangements, mixing and mastering were done by Shimjith Sivan at Shivam Sound Studio, Calicut, with sound engineering by Ajmal Basheer, Suhas Bachu and Athul
The album was produced by Justin A Ambalan, with co-producers Kalamandalam Narasim and O K Ahammedkutty, and production controller Shanoop. Rajesh Babu K Sooranad, who has produced films like Perfume, Binary and Zha and is awaiting his directorial debut ‘Ennum Ennum’, said the album is his personal tribute to the land that shaped him.
The album is now streaming on
YouTube: https://youtu.be/YWuuMealu7M?si=EuKlGUEpDSF_rq5i
