Kerala's Hidden Slave Trade: An Animated Revelation

Rahul Riji Nair, a filmmaker known for live-action features, has ventured into the world of animation with his film 'Kingara Kavyam.' This creative shift was inspired during the 2020 lockdown, a period when Nair also penned the script. He found that animation demanded significant financial and resource investment, differing greatly from live-action production.

After more than two years of dedicated preparation, Nair collaborated with Ananthakrishnan TU, Visakh PK, and Lijo Joseph to bring his vision to life. The result is a traditional hand-drawn 2D animation film that required an additional two years for completion due to various factors.

The narrative of 'Kingara Kavyam' is rooted in the intriguing Kappiri Muthappan lore of Kochi. It tells a poignant love story between an African slave and a native woman, shedding light on Kerala's historical slave trade. The filmmakers conducted extensive research to ensure the accurate depiction of costumes and lifestyles from that era, highlighting a significant yet often overlooked aspect of shared history.