The musical album, released on October 31st evening, is now streaming and has already begun to capture the hearts of Malayalis worldwide.
The project is led by Rajesh Babu K Sooranad, who is credited with its concept, music and visual direction. Rajesh Babu is a multifaceted artist - a music director who has scored over 15 albums, a producer of Malayalam films such as Perfume, Binary and Zha, and now a director whose debut film 'Ennum Ennum' is ready for release.
The lyrics for 'Ente Keralam' have been written by P K Gopi, a name that needs no introduction in Kerala's cultural circles. Known as a historic poet and lyricist, P K Gopi has given the album a timeless quality with his words that talk about Kerala's birth from the mother sea and its eternal presence in history.
What makes 'Ente Keralam' the biggest tribute is its sheer scale and inclusivity. The production took one month, used three cameras, covered all 14 districts of Kerala, featured nine traditional art forms, ten singers and over thirty dancers.
The ten singers - Madhu Balakrishnan, Biju Narayanan, Anwar Sadath, P K Sunil Kumar, Ganga, Sindhu Premkumar, Vinitha and Dilna - hail from different districts, making the song a true representation of Kerala's diverse voices singing in unison. Backing vocals by Prabhal Kusum and Ajmal Basheer, and keyboard and rhythm programming by Ajmal Basheer and Suhas Bachu, add depth.
The visual documentation of Kerala's art forms is the album's crowning glory. The team has included Sopana Sangeetham, the temple music of Kerala, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kerala Natanam, Margamkali, Oppana and Thiruvathira. In addition, the powerful ritual art forms of Theyyam and Thira from North Kerala have been prominently featured, choreographed by Louna & Abitha and performed by a dedicated troupe.
The dance performances are led by featured dancer Vaiga K Sajeeve and include a host of young talents. The choreography was headed by Chief Choreographer Kalakshethra Aniyan T S, with additional choreographers Aprasanth Krishndevak and Krishnja Prasanth.
On the technical front, DOP Shobin C Johny and Second Unit Cinematographer Ragesh Cheliya have done a commendable job in capturing Kerala's landscapes. Editor Sanal Kumar P S has stitched the visuals into a seamless narrative. Project Designer Anju Mukundan and Creative Director V M Anil have given the album its aesthetic appeal. Music arrangements, mixing and mastering were handled by Shimjith Sivan at Shivam Sound Studio, Calicut.
The album was produced by Justin A Ambalan, co-produced by Kalamandalam Narasim and O K Ahammedkutty, and the production was controlled by Shanoop, a well-known actor and production controller in Malayalam cinema.
Speaking about the album, the team said, "We wanted to create something that our children can watch 20 years from now and understand what Kerala was at 70. 'Ente Keralam' is not just for today, it is for tomorrow."
The album is dedicated to all Malayalis.
Shanoop is a noted actor in Malayalam cinema, born in Vythiri in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Known for his commanding screen presence, he has excelled in serious, character and villain roles.
Shanoop entered the Malayalam film industry in 2014 with his debut film Ponnarayan. What started as a debut soon turned into a journey of consistent performances. In the short span of his career, Shanoop has worked in more than 25 films, predominantly in Malayalam, showcasing his versatility across a wide spectrum of characters.
The album is now streaming on
YouTube: https://youtu.be/YWuuMealu7M?si=EuKlGUEpDSF_rq5i
