This vision is further strengthened by a dynamic team of young artists and talented technicians, including New York-based filmmaker Rajath, who has a track record with globally acclaimed commercial ads. The film's philosophical foundation is robust, having been verified by eminent scholars like Sri Vidyavachaspati Aralumallige Parthasarathy. 

-  Sri Gopinatha Dasaru, Prabhath Kalavidaru - Founder

Maryada Purushottama is a devoted project born from a deep reverence for Indian culture, heritage and spirituality, Written and directed by Girish Nagaraja (Karigiri Films) a filmmaker from the illustrious Prabhath Kalavidaru family, this film is a collaboration of Karigiri Films and Prabhath Kalavidaru’s with over 300 artists from this esteemed tradition. Their collective artistry ensures a level of authenticity and soul rarely seen on screen.

- Girish Nagaraja

The Grand Vision

Synopsis

The film presents a Vyaktitva Chitrana, a cinematic portrayal that delves into the characters’ inner struggles, their unwavering adherence to dharma, and the profound power of devotion. The narrative deliberately moves beyond battles and heroic tales to illuminate the subtle, yet powerful, drama of human ideals and moral convictions. It is a unique template filled with emotions and values, where the silence of Valmiki is explored through the wisdom of Veda Vyasa. The film begins with the sage Valmiki singing a song to his disciples, Lava and Kusha, glorifying the sixteen qualities of Sri Ramachandra that make him the embodiment of a perfect man, Maryada Purushottama. This sets the stage for the epic to be narrated through the film.

A Unique Cinematic Experience

What makes this film truly unprecedented in Indian cinema is its unique and subtle narrative style. We are not just telling a story; we are crafting a singular, immersive experience that transports audiences to that ancient era, allowing them to travel alongside the characters on their emotional and spiritual journeys. The film employs a deliberate, unhurried narrative pace that prioritizes a deep connection with the characters' inner world. This presentation style creates immense scope for nuanced acting, powerful expressions, and a profoundly emotive background score that elevates the intense drama. This is a musical drama with nine original songs that are not mere additions but are integral to the narrative, each one heightening the emotional impact of key sequences.

Filming Locations:

A significant portion of the film, particularly the scenes depicting the forest exile, will be shot in the evergreen forest area of Valparai in the Western Ghats. For the magnificent Ayodhya palace interiors, we will use the opulent palaces of Rajasthan. The bustling Ayodhya streets and the fantastical city of Lanka will be recreated at film cities like Ramoji Film City.

Production Design: Crafting an Era

For a historical and spiritual epic of this scale, production design is paramount. Our approach to production design, art direction, and costume design is a key element of the film's visual language. We will meticulously recreate the world of the Ramayana to provide a visceral and authentic experience for the audience. The Karigiri Films team, a professional and dynamic group, deeply understands the requirements of this massive historical canvas.

Costume Design and Art Direction

These two departments are central to bringing our vision to life. Our team is committed to historical accuracy and artistic elegance, crafting costumes that reflect the period's grandeur and a set design that immerses the audience in a bygone era. The art department will focus on intricate details and craftsmanship to make every frame visually stunning and culturally rich.

A Character-Driven Epic: Thematic Pillars

Top mentions

Our film is an intimate tapestry of human emotion, exploring the psychological depths of its iconic characters in ways audiences have never experienced before.

Dasaratha's Agony

The story of King Dasaratha is a tragic masterpiece of internal conflict. His decision to crown Sri Ramachandra is a desperate act to atone for a promise that haunts him, a choice between his son's destiny and his own word. His is a silent agony, a king undone by fate, whose heart is shattered as he watches his family and his kingdom crumble under the weight of his promise.

Sri Ramachandra's

Steadfast Soul

Sr Ramachandra's character is defined by his serene composure and unshakable adherence to dharma. His response to exile isn't anger but a tranquil acceptance that a prince's duty to his father's word is paramount. In a heartbreaking scene, he explains to his mother Kausalya that his pain is not in leaving the kingdom, but in his father's perceived doubt that he would not honor his command. He is the Maryada Purushottama—the embodiment of righteousness, truthfulness, and integrity.

Sita's Unflinching Purity

Sita's character is a powerful study in inner strength. In the heart of Lanka, facing Ravana's threats and temptations, her steadfastness is her armor. She asserts that her devotion is her true wealth, and her purity is a force that would incinerate him if he dared to touch her. When Hanuman offers to carry her back, she refuses, stating that she will only return when her husband defeats Ravana and restores her honor, a testament to her unshakeable dignity.

Bharatha's Loyalty

Bharata, in contrast, is the renunciate. His fury at his mother's treachery leads him to reject the throne outright. He places Sri Ramachandra's sandals on it as a proxy ruler, embodying the profound truth that true leadership is a service of ideals, not a possession of power. The film features a profoundly moving moment where Sri Ramachandra asks Bharata to promise he will love and care for Kaikeyi, giving him the sandals only after this promise is made.

Lakshmana's Devotion

Lakshmana’s anger is never born of ego, but of devotion - a fire that rises only when dharma is threatened. He stands as Rama’s shadow in battle and exile alike, unwavering,    uncompromising, and fearless. Where Rama embodies calm righteousness, Lakshmana becomes its sharpened edge, swift to strike down adharma. His loyalty is so complete that even his fury is an offering of love, forged into steel for his brother’s cause.

Hanuman's Profound Allegiance

Hanuman's journey is a psychological and spiritual tour de force. His moment of doubt in Lanka, where he contemplates self-destruction, is swiftly replaced by a renewed determination, fuelled by his love for Sri Ramachandra. He is the perfect emblem of devotion, so much so that when he returns from Lanka with Sita's jewel, Sri Ramachandra is left speechless, offering a loving embrace as a reward, a gesture that transcends all material possessions.

Compassion and Justice

The film presents Sri Ramachandra's actions, even the most controversial, through the lens of dharma. His decision to end Vali's life is explained as a necessary act of justice against a powerful being without who acted conscience, violating the sacred laws of kinship and marital fidelity.

His magnanimity extends even to his enemies; as Ravana lies dying, Sri Ramachandra instructs Lakshmana knowledge to from seek him, proving that wisdom can be found even in the most unexpected places. His boundless compassion is also evident when he grants refuge to Vibhishana, living up to his vow to protect anyone who seeks his shelter.

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MARYADA PURUSHOTHAM

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