Deshakkaran

Aswathi, a PhD scholar researching folklore practices in Northern Malabar, travels to Thechikkad village, renowned for its Thirayattam art form. During her quest, she uncovers the story of Kannaperuvannan, a Thira ritual artist oppressed by a cruel landlord, which led to his departure and the subsequent calamities in the village. When the temple authorities acknowledge that the village is under a curse and that only Kannaperuvannan can save them, they convince his hesitant son to take up the mantle. Aswathi captures this powerful rebirth of the Desakkaran on camera, and her thesis presentation earns resounding applause for reviving the village’s lost legacy. The variants of Thirayattam enacted by the hero form a true visual and auditory theatrical extravaganza.