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Memory Fades, Art Endures: New Film Explores Dementia
14 Nov
Summary
- Film 'Ottanjaavalmaram' premieres at IFFI on November 25, 2026.
- The movie stars Beena R Chandran as Maya, an actor with dementia.
- The narrative explores memory, identity, and caregiver responsibilities.
Shruthi Sharanyam's second feature film, 'Ottanjaavalmaram' (A Lone Jamun Tree), is set to premiere at the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 25, 2026. It will be showcased in the New Horizon section of Indian Panorama, highlighting contemporary Indian cinema.
The film's narrative centers on Maya, a sixty-something theatre actor grappling with dementia, portrayed by Kerala State Award-winning actress Beena R Chandran. As Maya's condition progresses, her ability to recall memories falters, causing her stage characters to intertwine with her personal history.
Her nephew, Appu, documents her journey, capturing fragmented moments and the recurring resurfacing of a specific solo performance titled 'Ottanjaavalmaram.' This act, which gives the film its title, becomes a significant element in Maya's fading recollections.
'Ottanjaavalmaram' examines the intricate connection between memory and identity, alongside the emotional burdens of dementia care. It prioritizes Maya's personal history and autonomy, offering a perspective on what remains when memories become inaccessible, drawing parallels to themes explored in 'The Father'.
