Priyamanasam; Banned Sanskrit Movie by Anti Hindu Lobby in Kerala makes way to Indian Panorama

Kochi: ‘Priyamanasam’, the Sanskrit movie ostracized by Kerala as a mark of sheer intolerance towards the antique language and Hindu religious symbols, has made its way to the Indian Panorama. Directed by Vinod Mankara, the movie will now be screened at Goa Film Festival as the inauguratory movie of Indian category.

The movie was first included in the section of Indian languages in the recently concluded Thiruvananthapuram International Film Festival, but was later excluded following interference from the state government, Cultural Department and Kerala Film Academy for the blasphemous reason that the movie “had an overdose of Hindu symbols, which cannot be taken into consideration.”

The movie based on the life and times of Unnai Warrier has Sanskrit as the language of rendition. Priyamanasam’s entry into the Panorama section now serves as a bitter slap for the intolerance shown by Kerala government and Film Academy. The movie has also been shortlisted for various film festivals in America, Germany and Italy.

“The ostracizing of Priyamanasam is the result of an attitude of sheer intolerance displayed by a certain section. The selection jury and film academy have hurled the grossest of insults on a soul like Unnayi Warrier, who made priceless contributions in the field of Malayalam language, art and aesthetics. Instead of showing abhorrence, the government must take steps to promote a movie that has received recognition on both home turf and international soil,” said Vinod Mankara.

Abhorred by Kerala government, displaying their sheer intolerance, the movie is based on the life and times of the illustrious poet, writer, scholar and dramatist Unnayi Warrier. He lived in Kerala during the later part of the 17th century, and made significant and noteworthy contributions to Kathakali, his masterpiece being Nalacharitham Aattakatha.