Carlos Saura

Kerala gleams in sheer variety of experience it offers to its visitors. For Carlos Saura, the internationally acclaimed Spanish filmmaker, it is Kathakali, the nearly 300-year-old classical dance form. A man of admirable calmness, Carlos Saura has many awards to his credit during his 50 years as a filmmaker. When we met him at Margi, in Thiruvananthapuram, he was savouring the exotic world of Kathakali, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. The great emphasis of Kathakali on the complex body movements and facial expressions particularly caught his attention. He enquired about the mudras (sign language) of Kathakali and its origin and improvisations made over the years. He said Kathakali carried him to an altogether different world, a dreamy world of its own. He made some observations that Flamenco dance of Spain resembled Kathakali. A skilled photographer, he captured the magical world of Kathakali to carry it home.

This is Carlos’ second visit to Kerala and he is very happy and satisfied with the hospitality of the people in Kerala. Though paid only short visits, he is fascinated by the topography of the land. More than the places, it is the culture and tradition of Kerala which he attaches more importance to. He would like to meet people and get familiar with their custom to have a better understanding of Kerala. He loved the variety of the delicious Kerala food. He is eagerly awaiting for a cruise through the magical backwaters of Kerala and meet more local people and also experience the life in general.