Water Metro on canvas: Police officer’s painting unveiled at High Court terminal

Kochi: A monumental fifteen-foot by six-foot painting of Kochi Water Metro, created by inspector of police A Ananthalal, now has a permanent home at High Court Water Metro terminal. Ananthalal, the first station house officer of Kochi Metro police station, spent a year completing the canvas. The painting shows a Kathakali artist looking out from the terminal, watching a Water Metro boat glide across Kochi's waters — a blend of cultural tradition and urban transformation.For Ananthalal, the installation is a meaningful recognition of his work. "It was an honour and a stroke of luck, to have a permanent space in the terminal. I served in the city for nearly two decades and it feels special to see my painting displayed here," he says. Much of the work was done while he was posted at state crime records bureau, with the canvas spread out in his residence and painted in short stretches whenever time allowed.Over the years, Ananthalal completed around 75 acrylic works, many depicting various aspects of police life — from community policing to officers in action. "Policing is a tough job, no doubt. Painting is like a little escape; it calms me down and helps me reset. Everyone has their own talents; not all of us can paint or sing. But when you spend time on what you love, it actually makes you better at what you do," he says.The painting was unveiled by industries minister P Rajeeve at 6.45pm on Thursday. Adding to the evening's cultural touch, a music video dedicated to Kochi Metro — also created by Ananthalal — was officially released. It features lyrics by Madhu Vasudev, composition by Ritwik Chand and vocals by Sithara Krishnakumar.Ananthalal said support of Loknath Behera, former police chief and current managing director of KMRL, helped him turn the idea into reality. "This event marks a unique convergence of public infrastructure and artistic expression, celebrating Kochi's progress through the lens of creativity. Water Metro encourages art and culture of Kerala," said Behera.