Infusing Hamlet into Hindu Mythology: A Study of the Malayalam Movie Karmayogi

Shakespeare's works have been adapted into various other art forms in the recent years. Karmayogi, a Malayalam movie released in 2012 takes a new approach by portraying Hamlet as the descendant of Lord Shiva. It's rather fascinating as to how Shakespeare's plot amalgamates so well with the rituals and traditions of Kerala and Hinduism in general. Works of Shakespeare have been a favourite of Kerala film directors and this movie is a latest addition to the list.

       The movie is directed by national award winner V. K. Prakash and stars Indrajith (Hamlet/ Rudran Gurukkal/ Rudran Valya Gurukkal), Nithya Menon (Ophelia/ Moonumani), Padmini Kolhapure (Queen Gertrude/Mankamma), Saiju Kurup (Laertus/ Kanthan), Ashokan (Horatio/ Shankunni), Thalaivasal Vijay (Claudius/ Bhairavan), Sreejith Ravi (Fortinbras/Sathyan), and M. R. Gopakumar (Polonius / Kidathan). The movie is filmed with the background of martial arts called Kalaripayattu, art form called Theyyam and Poorakali. Karmayogi was screened in the competition section at the 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), in Panaji, Goa in 2011 and at the 16th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in 2011.

       The word "Karmayogi" means 'the Sacrificer’ or ‘the one who does selfless action’. The movie plays with the concept of idea of liberation from the wheel of karma through karmayoga, or the selfless performance of one’s duty. Hamlet and his father (Rudran Gurukkal and Rudran Valya Gurukkal) are members of the royal clan of Chathothu family belonging to the Northern part of Kerala. They belong to the Yogi clan and are masters of Kalaripayattu; an ancient martial arts of Kerala seen as the ancestor of Karate. The Chathothu family is powerful, rich and rules the realm Ekarajyam (Elsinore). Rudran is the namesake of the Lord Shiva and also means ‘the roarer’, ‘the fierce one’ or 'the terrible one'. Though it's a family of powerful rulers and talented martial artists, Rudran Valya Gurukkal followed the traditions and rituals of the Yogi community. They are believed to be descendants of Lord Shiva who came from Prayag. With such an ancestral background and kind heartedness, both father and son gain so much respect from the citizens. He transformed himself into a Kelipatram in remembrance of the penance of Lord Shiva.

   " Legend has it that the evolution of Kelipatram goes back to the day when there was an argument between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu on who was the master of the three worlds. When it came to be known that Lord Brahma had lied about certain facts, in a fit of rage, Lord Shiva cuts off one of his five heads. In penance, Lord Shiva goes around the earth, seeking alms with that skull for twelve years. The Yogi clans are considered to be descendants of Lord Shiva, and Kelipatram is their art form." (Hero as Avatar)

There are some rules and regulations that must be followed when you become a Kelipatram.

   "It is a hereditary role in which the practitioner is considered to be possessed by Shiva; he observes an ascetic pilgrimage of silence and abstinence, seeking alms door to door and blessing generous households." (Hero as Avatar)

       Silence and begging is regarded with respect in Vedantic thoughts. One who maintains silence controls the constantly turbulent mind and begging destroys one's arrogance and ego. The arrival of Rudran Valya Gurukkal as Kelipatram was considered so holy that people believed it will bring luck and prosperity to their household. Many other family members and courtiers mocked this ritual by saying that its eccentric for a person with such a high position and wealth must go and ask for alms. The traditional costume of Kelipatram is that the performers are dressed in red, the whole body is smeared with ashes and they hold a bell in hand to inform about their arrival since they can't speak.

       The movie has been adapted in such a way, were it blends easily with the local culture. It includes extra plot points and cultural elements. The following paragraphs discuss it in further details.

       The movie makes so many connections with plot and myth of Lord Shiva. During the romantic exchanges of Bhairavan and Mankamma; she is compared to goddess Parvathi.

       The reasons given by Bhairavan to his courtiers to marry Mankamma come down to two reasons. One: the ritual states that a widow must give up all materialistic pleasures and retreat back to a lonely isolated corner of the outhouse. The fate that awaits the widow is pathetic. Second: Since Rudran Valya Gurukkal earned so much property and wealth, Bhairavan doesn't want anybody to plunder it until it is passed on to Rudran Gurukkal. He makes them believe that if her tears touch the ground, the heritage and foundation of the family would shake.

       Even Bhairavan admits how efficient and well loved Rudran Valya Gurukkal was. He was strict about conducting all the rituals accurately. He named his brother Bhairavan after the version of Bhairavan Theyyam that commemorates Shiva's birth into a Kelipatram; which was conducted in the palatial house often.

       Bhairavan tells everyone that it was this strict adherence to the rituals that brought the death of his brother as well. It was during the resting hours of Valya Gurukkal near Shiva temple, he was bitten by a poisonous snake that led to his death. He also expresses his clear displeasure to see his brother walking around in a shabby manner covered in ash and hair tied up into knots. After the death of Rudran Valya Gurukkal, Rudran also starts walking around cladding black clothes to mourn for his father's death. He accuses his mother of infidelity and mocks her by saying that she didn't even wait for the redness of the cried out eyes to fade away before marrying another man; and that too her husband's brother. The relationship of Bhairavan and Mankamma clearly suggests that they were in a relationship even when Valya Gurukkal was alive. Mankamma later complains to Moonumani that Valya Gurukkal was holy and well liked, but he never pleased his wife and tried o understand her feelings. She is vain, proud of her beauty and demands a lot of care and attention.

       The only wrong deed accused against Valya Gurukkal is the injustice that happened to Sahyan. Chathothu Family and Chandrothu Family (of Sahyan) were enemies. Even when Valya Gurukkal tried to make peace with Sahyan's father, it failed and ended in a duel where the winner gets all the wealth of the other. Valya Gurukkal kills Sahyan's father, leaving Sahyan poor and homeless. Sahyan is denied a wife and a good life by the people around him. In his grief he curses Rudran that his love affair with Moonumani will never work out. He doesn't lend an ear even when Rudran says that he still considers him as family and have all the sympathies for him. Sahyan gains the favour of Assamese warriors to assist him in his combat but Rudran who is a well trained martial artist defeats them all. Sahyan later flees.   

       Kidathan, an assistant to the head of Chathothu family sends Kanthan to Thulunadu to learn about martial arts. He plans to get the wealth of Valya Gurukkal and lies to Bhairavan saying that Kanthan is going to Kodagu to look after the plantations. Meanwhile, Rudran decides to sleep on top of his father's tomb after getting fed up of the merriment inside his house. He feels that the palace has lost its purity along with his mother's chastity. The impediment to the union of Rudran and Moonumani is that they belong to the same "Mata" (group). Also Kidathan wants Kanthan to overpower Rudran and Bhairavan. Kidathan is portrayed as a bit more evil. He is voyeuristic and scheming. He pretends to help Bhairavan but has nothing but contempt since Bhairavan wastes his time drinking and enjoying.

       In this version it's Rudran's friend Shankunni that dreams about the ghost of Valya Gurukkal first. He sleep walks and reaches the tomb of Valya Gurukkal without even a scratch. Rudran meets him there and asks how he viewed such an illusion. The very next day Rudran sees the same dream when he sleeps on top of his father's tomb. He realises the truth but refuses to tell it out loud since he wants proof.

       This version also shows that Rudran loved Moonumani very much. He promises to tell her about the dream but gets blocked multiple times by outside hindrances. Her presence he says was like the freshness and coolness of "theerthajala" (holy water). After her death Rudran sheds tears and repents for not paying a visit to check on her in between his plans to kill Bhairavan.

       Rudran starts to live in the temple premise where his father lived and died. He feels proud to follow his father's path despite protest from his mother and Shankunni. Many people mock him within the temple but Rudran remains silent. He even visits the house of Kidathan which makes Kidathan furious and storm out of the house. Moonumani brings alms (in the form of rice) and tries to communicate with him. Rudran doesn't respond and maintains a straight face with no hint of emotion. He blesses her and walks away which plunges Moonumani into grief.

       The movie shows the seduction of Kanthan by his female instructor of martial arts but that part of the plot doesn't develop much. The very same instructor provides the poison to Bhairavan and Kanthan to kill Rudran. Bhairavan on the side tries to form an alliance between Moonumani and Rudran to control Kidathan and Kanthan. Kidathan is clearly not very excited about that. Mankamma laments that the attire of her son forces even her to address him as "Rudran Gurukkal" with respect. Her thoughts are filled with her son's welfare. Moonumani feels that the distance between her and Rudran are growing despite the assurance from Mankamma. Shankunni brings Panicker who is a trainer of Poorakali, to Rudran.

"Poorakali an integral part of Pooram festival is celebrated during the month of Meenam (March -April). Young men dance around the nilavilakku (traditional lamp). The dance involves masculine movements and acrobatic, martial arts steps. Poorakali is celebrated to praise and please the god of love Kamadeva. " (Your Face is as a Book...)

       Rudran promises to give up Kelipatram if Panicker and Shankunni help him to stage a particular plot within the Poorakali. Shankunni is given the job to observe Bhairavan's reactions.

   " Poorakali has two domains: Pooramala and Marathukali. During Maruthukali, Panicker recites a verse and asks the opponent some pertinent questions. The yogi dancing answers these questions while Rudran interprets the characters and their actions. Rudran announces the next stage of Poorakali performance- Panchali sutrayogam which means a state when a person appears after his death. Rudran welcomes two characters Hari and Haran where one inquires about the death and the other reveals the truth. They are in a conversation about a mysterious death in Ekarajyam. Hari reveals that while he was asleep a man had murdered him by pouring poison into his ear. Bhairavan, astonished, suddenly rises and screams to stop the performance." (Your Face is as a Book...)

       Bhairavan kills Kidathan out of rage for treachery. He beats him by saying that Kidathan has so much arrogance to spy on Rudran's and Mankamma's conversation which he wouldn't dare to do if Valya Gurukkal was alive. He mocks Kidathan saying that he underestimated Bhairavan's powers and knew all along about the lie Kidathan said to him. Bhairavan later frames the death on Rudran. He later goes and stares at the portrait of Valya Gurukkal in Kelipatram attire. Throughout the movie Rudran waits for a perfect opportunity to kill Bhairavan. Though Rudran tries to kill him at that moment he feels that killing Bhairavan secretly wouldn't bring justice to his father and has to wait till Maha Shiva Ratri and "Kazchapayattu" (duel for entertainment with no serious injuries inflicted upon the other person; another ritual in Chathothu house). Shankunni on the other hand advises him to kill him by putting pressure on Thrishankupushpam" (Solar Plexus); a point in between two chests and above stomach; location of heart). Bhairavan tricks Mankamma by pretending to be a saviour and advises her to send Rudran to Kodagu to save him from rage of Kanthan. Rudran makes his accompanying warriors understand that Bhairavan intends to get them killed too, to leave no clues behind. The warriors feel repentance and vows to follow Rudran. They release Shankunni whom they held captive. Kanthan who comes to fight Bhairavan (who hides behind the door and pushes Mankamma to deal with Kanthan) sees the dirty rag and broom in front of the house and decides it to be a bad omen for fighting. Bhairavan later tricks Kanthan to make him murder Rudran. Kanthan also plans to remove Bhairavan from his position after his fight with Rudran. Rudran's problem is not the issue of "to be or not to be"; it's whether he should embrace his human qualities or his ancestral qualities to punish Bhairavan.

       Mankamma gets suspicious about Valya Gurukkal's death after her maid questions how the descendant of Lord Shiva can get bitten by a poisonous snake. Moonumani goes mad and lies with the black cloth of Rudran. The death of Kidathan actually gains more favour for Rudran from the citizens as Kidathan wasn't well liked. Even the warriors of Bhairavan refuse to fight Rudran stating that he is their "god". Rudran gains more popularity but he doesn't want to be responsible for the murder he didn't commit. Rudran sees the bats as a good omen for fight in Kazchapayattu. Shankunni compares the dilemma of Rudran with that of Lord Shiva. He can't spit out the poison, he can't drink it; Rudran wants to kill Bhairavan but doesn't want to take a human life. The death of Moonumani is rather mysterious and is not revealed whether she committed suicide (suicide is a great sin in Hindu Mythology). It's not revealed either whether she was killed for family's honour or by Bhairavan to generate the wrath of Kanthan and common people against Rudran.

       Rudran takes Shankunni to show the Rudrabhoomi, a holy burial ground. It is believed that blood shouldn't be spilled on the ground or else Chathothu family will be destroyed. The grave digger there shows a skull to Rudran which reignites his rage to take revenge and fulfil his destiny as the descendant of Lord Shiva.

       One warrior tells Mankamma about the secrets that Bhairavan hid from her and she becomes enraged. She discovers the poison and realises the plan of Bhairavan to kill Rudran. When Rudran tries to defend himself he accidently injures Kanthan with the poisonous blade. Mankamma consumes the poison, tries to strangle Bhairavan and declares to Kanthan that Bhairavan did all the evil deeds. Bhairavan escapes from the scene when Kanthan falls. Rudran chases him to the Rudrabhoomi. Bhairavan threatens to spill his blood with Shiva's trident from the temple. Rudran grabs hold of the trident, throws it away into the river and following the advice of Shankunni, punches Bhairavan in the Solar Plexus and kills him without spilling a drop of blood. Bhairavan dies and falls into the river. Sahyan later feels guilty for his actions and repents.  Rudran leaves his house to be a Kelipatram again and leaves all his possessions to Sahyan. The movie ends with Rudran's statement that he will dispel his ego, arrogance and identity by embracing the ritual of Kelipatram.

       The movie is abundantly infused with Hindu myths, rituals, omens, traditional martial arts and folk art forms. The well infused nature suggests how universal Shakespeare's work can be. It also throws a light into the forgotten traditions of Kerala History and urges its viewers to do their duty selflessly for the general good. For a mass influencing medium like movies; it's the best way to conclude the narration as well.

Bibliography

·        MH Entertainment. “Malayalam full Movie 2015-Karmayogi(Award winning).” Online video clip. YouTube. 18 May 2015. Web. 15 Oct 2015.

·        "Karmayogi 2012".Wikipedia:The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 18th August 2015. Web. 16th October 2015.<http://en.wikipeadia.org/wiki/kamayogi>

·        Shyamala,C.G." Your face is as a book where men may read strange matters". Indian Journal of Comparative Literature and Translation Studies.2.1(2014).111-123.Web.

·        Buckley,Thea. "Hero as Avatar: Karmayogi, Kerala’s Kalarippayattu Hamlet

A review of V. K. Prakash’s Malayalam film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet". The Shakespeare Institute Review: Shakespeare and the Superhuman. The University of Birmingham. Spring (2013).41-46.Web.