Posted on : 18/09/2023
Onam is a major festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. According to legend, Mahabali or Maveli visits earth from the underworld during Onam and grants the wishes of the people. In our animated short, we present a comedic alternative on the traditional story of Maveli’s departure to the underworld . In our video, we depict Maveli literally granting the requests of the people in a humorous way, bringing laughter and cheer to all who celebrate the festival. The video offers a unique and entertaining spin on the cultural and historical significance of Onam and the role of Maveli in the celebration
Concept and Designs : Anuchand Ram
Direction and Storyboards : Visakh PK
Animation : Ananthu Ajith, Visakh VM, Noah Paul, Visakh PK
Post Production : Ananthakrishnan TU, Visakh VM
PR : Devika Sreekumar, Devi Priyadarshini
Dubbing Studio : Pop Media House
Maveli is depicted as a strong and serious character, with a no-nonsense attitude and a tendency to take everything literally. Despite his regal bearing and traditional royal attire, Maveli is shown to be a bold and decisive leader, always ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. His depiction as a strong and serious character in our animation video adds a unique and compelling spin to the traditional story of Onam and the cultural traditions of Kerala
Vamanan In the traditional story of Maveli, Vamanan is depicted as a deity who takes on the form of a dwarf in order to test the generosity and kindness of the mythical king. According to legend, Vamanan appears before Maveli and asks for a small piece of land, which he measures out with a three-step stride. Despite his modest request, Vamanan is secretly a powerful and divine being, with the ability to transform into a giant and claim all the land he desires. In this video, Vamanan is portrayed in a humorous and light-hearted way, adding a unique and entertaining twist to the traditional story of Maveli.
The drama takes place in a beautiful and ornate pavilion that serves as a symbol of the prosperity and royalty of the kingdom. Set during the Onam festival, the pavilion is surrounded by a riot of colorful flowers, adding to the festive atmosphere of the scene. The pavilion itself is depicted as a grand and luxurious place, with a rich golden-brown color and accents of deep red, which serve to highlight its regal and wealthy nature. The rich colors and ornate decorations of the pavilion serve as a reminder of the cultural traditions and customs of the kingdom, and help to enrich and deepen the story of Maveli and Vamanan as it unfolds.
The journey of bringing our animated short to life for Onam began with a humble yet crucial step: rough storyboarding. Rather than opting for a traditional animatic, we decided to take a slightly different approach by crafting rough storyboards and timing the entire sequence directly on Premiere. This unconventional method allowed us to maintain a fluid creative process, quickly iterating on ideas and refining the comedic timing of each scene. By visualizing the sequence in rough storyboard form, we were able to capture the essence of our vision while leaving room for spontaneity and improvisation. Once the rough storyboards were complete and timed to perfection, we seamlessly transitioned into the animation phase, armed with a clear direction and a solid foundation to build upon. This streamlined approach not only saved time but also ensured that the energy and humor of our concept were preserved throughout every frame of the animation
As our animated short takes shape, we're reminded of the joy and vibrancy that Onam brings to the people of Kerala and beyond. Through our comedic reinterpretation of Maveli's tale, we've aimed to infuse the spirit of the festival with laughter and cheer, offering a fresh perspective on its cultural and historical significance. From the initial spark of inspiration to the rough storyboards and into the animation process, each step has been a labor of love and creativity. As we near the completion of our project, we're excited to share our unique vision with audiences, inviting them to join us in celebrating Onam with humor and imagination. Through laughter, we honor the traditions of the past while embracing the creativity of the present, ensuring that the spirit of Onam continues to thrive for generations to come. As Maveli returns to the underworld, we're left with memories of laughter and joy, a fitting tribute to the festival's enduring legacy. Join us as we embark on this whimsical journey, where laughter knows no bounds and creativity reigns supreme. Happy Onam to all!
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