‘Cinematic’ Thrissur Pooram expo by Thiruvambadi this year: What’s in store for visitors?

Thrissur: Pooram lovers never miss the chance to visit the annual chamayam exhibition of the pooram paraphernalia to see the mesmerizing beauty of the regalia. This year, the chamayam organised by Thiruvambadi invites you to immerse in a unique cinematic experience. A giant banyan tree with its leaves swaying in the breeze, the stone paved walkway, the temple platform and the rhythmic beats of ‘melam’ in the background will take you to the scintillating and colourful world of a temple festival. Some of the well-known names in the film industry are behind the venue designed as a cinematic set, on a big budget. Thiruvanbadi has turned the Kausthubam Hall into a mini temple festival scenario to entertain and impress the pooram lovers. It is sure to be an immersive experience rather than just viewing the neatly stacked colourful umbrellas, alavattam, venchamaram and glittering elephant accoutrements.

Who curated the ‘set’
The extensive set for the chamayam is designed by noted art director Prashant Madhav who has worked in super hit movies like Aadujeevitham, Nadikar, Nunakuzhi and upcoming movies like Sathyan Anthikad’s Hridayapoorvam and Jeethu Joseph’s Mirage. Meanwhile, the lighting is set by cinematographer Aneesh Lal who has cranked the camera for movies like Traffic and Mili. The lighting has been designed to highlight the colour and texture of the paraphernalia, especially the colourful umbrellas, perfectly.
Meanwhile, the modern light fittings are supplied by Vadakkan Infrastructures that provide lights for award ceremonies and other stage programs. The flooring is done by Manikandan and team of Pallathu Pandal Works. Saji Albony who has worked as the production executive of many movies including Am Ah is the coordinator of the set construction.

What’s on display
The set is being constructed on the upper floor of the Kausthubam Hall. Black curtain would be paved in the background to highlight the beauty and charm of the regalia. Elephant caparisons would be displayed behind the althara while the umbrellas would be arranged on both sides of the banyan tree. The audio of the melam (percussion orchestra) would be played to complete the ambience. Meanwhile, the special umbrellas would be displayed in the ground floor of the hall. The set construction that began on April 22 will be completed by May 2.
More than ten art assistants and other workers are engaged in the construction of the grand set. Devaswom President TA Sundar Menon said that the residents of Thattakam and the Devaswom officials took the initiative for bringing such a fabulous change in the chamayam culture. The chamayam exhibition opens at 10 am on May 4 and will close by 12 am on May 5.