The Malayalam film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran art director K Shekhar. The creative mastermind, renowned for his groundbreaking visual concepts, died at his home in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 72 years old. The sad news was confirmed by his family, as reported by Kerala Kaumudi. The industry has lost a uniquely imaginative talent whose work transcended conventional set design.
The Legacy of a Visionary: The Iconic Anti-Gravity Room
K Shekhar's name is forever etched in Indian cinema history for his revolutionary work on the 1984 fantasy film 'My Dear Kuttichathan', India's first 3D film. His most celebrated creation was the unforgettable anti-gravity room sequence for the song "Aalippazham Perukkaan". In an era devoid of computer graphics, Shekhar engineered this magical illusion purely through mechanical ingenuity.
The entire set was constructed on a rotating steel rig. As the room slowly turned, actors appeared to defy physics, walking effortlessly on walls and ceilings. All props were crafted from lightweight styrofoam to ensure safety and functionality. Shekhar drew inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey', but executed the idea with indigenous innovation. Remarkably, he achieved this visual marvel 26 years before a similar concept was showcased in Christopher Nolan's Hollywood blockbuster 'Inception'. Today, his pioneering technique is a standard reference in filmmaking.
A Prolific Career: From Costumes to Creative Sets
K Shekhar began his illustrious journey in Malayalam cinema in 1982. His debut film was the epic 'Padayottam', directed by Jijo Punnoose, where he initially served as the costume and publicity designer. This marked the start of a career defined by versatility and creativity.
He quickly established himself as a sought-after art director, contributing his distinctive vision to numerous successful films. His notable filmography includes classics like 'Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu' and 'Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare'. Shekhar was known for his ability to think differently, translating abstract ideas into tangible, smart set designs that elevated every narrative.
Inspiring Generations: A Lasting Impact on Filmmakers
K Shekhar's influence extends far beyond his own filmography, inspiring new generations of directors. Contemporary filmmaker Basil Joseph has often cited 'My Dear Kuttichathan' as a major inspiration. In an interview with The News Minute, Joseph recalled the wonder of seeing "chocolates, ice creams, and a Kuttichathan floated around" in the film.
He explicitly credited the classic as an inspiration for his own superhero film, 'Minnal Murali'. Basil Joseph praised the monumental achievement of director Jijo Punnoose and art director Shekhar, stating they "made a 3D film without any CG support or computer graphics." He expressed doubt that another film of such pioneering scale and technique would ever be made in India again.
K Shekhar's passing leaves a void in Indian cinema. However, his legacy is immortal. His creative spirit and groundbreaking ideas continue to inspire filmmakers, ensuring that his imaginative genius will live forever through the magic of cinema.
