Hamlet takes to martial arts in Karmayogi

For the first time in Malayalam cinema, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet will hit the silver screens next month through V K Prakash’s ‘Karmayogi.’
Indrajith plays the dual role of Hamlet and his father in Karmayogi, which will feature most of the characters of the Shakespearean tragedy, while Nithya Menon and yesteryear Bollywood actress Padmini Kolhapure plays the characters of Ophelia and Gertrude, respectively.
The movie will be an entertaining action drama, beams director Prakash, adding that it will give prominence to the traditional martial art form - Kalaripayattu.
Indrajith plays a conflicted Kalaripayattu exponent who is tormented by his father’s death, which leads him to his mother, Gertrude, living with his uncle. The story focuses on the themes of indecision, revenge, loyalty and treachery.
Interestingly, most of the action sequences in the movie are real stunts done by Manipuri men. The national award winning director’s previous two movies, ‘Gulumaal’ and ‘Three Kings,’ were commercial entertainers but, according to the director, ‘Karmayogi’ is an entertaining action drama.
“I have always struck a balance between both genres,” says Prakash who is of the opinion that Malayali audience should promote different and experimental cinema by going to the theatres.
He says that though the audience now like fast-paced movies that keep them entertained, sensitive cinema with fresh ideas should also be encouraged.
This Shakespearean work is also scripted by Belram Mattannoor, who wrote for Jayaraj’s ‘Kalliyattam’ based on Othello.