Uttarayanam - 1974
(Throne of Capricorn)

Uttarayanam came out of the group of modernist artists based in Kozhikode. Drawn from a work by writer Pattathuvila Karunakaran, who also produced the film, and co-scripted by playwright Thikkodiyan, Uttarayanam influenced the parallel cinema movement in Kerala to a great extent.

According to belief within the sun's cycle, the best movement of the sun is Utharayanam- which is the time the sun moves to the north. Symbolically this becomes Ravi's own Utharayanam i.e., a journey or movement into the forest- where he finds his peace/reconciliation.

During his journeys in look out of a job, Ravi has a series of encounters. Kumaran Master and his critically ill friend Setu had participated in the Quit India agitation along with Ravi's father. He also meets Gopalan Muthalali, now a rich and corrupt contractor, who also had taken part in the Quit India agitation.

In the end, Ravi decides to leave the city in search of eternal truths, initiated by a godman meditating in the mountains.

Uttarayanam won the State film awards for best film, cinematography and screenplay. It also won the award for the best film about history of Indian Independence, during the 25th anniversary of Indian Independence.

Direction & Screenplay: G Aravindan
Co-Scenarist: Thikkodyian
Cast: Mohandas, Kunju, Balan K Nair, Adoor Bhasi, Sukumaran
Cinematography: Mankada Ravi Varma
Music: Raghavan, M B Srinivasan

Also read :
Aravindan on Uttarayanam