Marana Simhasanam (English: Throne of Death, French: Le Trone de la mort) is a 1999 Indian Malayalam-language satire drama film written and directed by Murali Nair.[1] Inspired by the first execution by electrocution in India, the film was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival where it won the Caméra d'Or.[2][3] The film received special reception at the British Film Institute.[4][5] The film received positive reviews from Le Monde for its unusual theme. The film was screened in Vienna, Torino, Toronto, Pusan, La Rochelle, Midnight Sun Film Festival Lapland, and the American Film Institute's Film Festival.[3]
| Marana Simhasanam | |
|---|---|
 Film poster at the Cannes festival | |
| Directed by | Murali Nair |
| Written by | Bharathan Njavakkal (dialogue) |
| Screenplay by | Murali Nair |
| Story by | Murali Nair |
| Produced by | Murali Nair |
| Starring | Vishwas Njavakkal Lakshmi Raman Sudhas Thayat Jeevan Mitwa |
| Cinematography | M. J. Radhakrishnan |
| Edited by | Lalitha Krishna |
| Music by | Madhu Apsara |
Release date |
|
Running time | 57 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Plot
editKrishnan is an out-of-work seasonal farmer who is driven to steal coconuts from his landlord to support his family. When he is caught and imprisoned, he is shocked to learn that he has been charged with the murder of a man who has been missing from the island for many years. But since it was an election time, and the most popular platform for politicians had become capital punishment, Krishnan is sentenced to death in the country's newest technology - electrocution by electric chair funded by the World bank. He is promised a statue being erected in his honour.
Cast
edit- Vishwas Njavakkal
- Lakshmi Raman
- Suhas Thayat
- Jeevan Mitva
Production
editThe film was shot entirely by amateur team on location near the Manjanikkadu islet in Vypin, a small island off the coast of Njarakkal in Kerala, India. Except the female lead, all characters were portrayed by the locals in the village, including a widowed basket weaver who responded to a casting advertisement in the Malayalam daily Mathrubhoomi.[1]
Accolades
edit| Ceremony | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Cannes Film Festival | Caméra d'Or | Won | [6] |
| 2000 Festival international du Film Cinema Jove de Valence | Special Mention - Feature Film | Won | |
| 1999 Torino Film Festival | Best Feature Film | Won | |
| Kodak Theatre | Kodak Prize | Won | [7] |
| 1999 Busan International Film Festival | New Currents Award | Nominated | [3] |
| 1999 International Film Festival of Kerala | The Golden Crow Pheasant Award | Nominated | [3] |
References
edit- ^ a b "In real life roles". Frontline.thehindu.com. 13 August 1999. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ "Festival de Cannes: Throne of Death". festival-cannes.com. Retrieved 10 October 2009.
- ^ a b c d "Rediff On The NeT, Movies: An interview with Murali Nair". M.rediff.com. 8 July 1999. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ "Marana Simhasanam (1999)". BFI. Archived from the original on 26 August 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ site admin (7 June 1999). "Golden windfall - Society & The Arts News - Issue Date: Jun 7, 1999". Indiatoday.in. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ "MARANA SIMHASANAM". Festival de Cannes.
- ^ "Rediff On The NeT, Movies: An interview with Murali Nair". M.rediff.com. 8 July 1999. Retrieved 26 August 2019.