Veteran Malayalam Art Director K Shekhar Passes Away at 72

A Creative Force in Indian Cinema

Renowned Malayalam cinema art director K Shekhar passed away at the age of 72 at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram , his family confirmed. Widely celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s most inventive technical minds, Shekhar was known for blending imagination with engineering precision, redefining visual storytelling long before digital effects became mainstream.

Groundbreaking Practical Innovation

Shekhar’s most iconic contribution was the anti-gravity room in India’s first 3D film, “My Dear Kuttichathan” (1984). The visually arresting sequence in the song “Aalippazham Perukkaan” was achieved entirely through practical effects , without the use of computers or CGI. The set was mounted on a rotating steel structure , allowing actors to appear as though they were walking on walls and ceilings. Lightweight styrofoam props were used to ensure safety while maintaining visual realism.

Far Ahead of Global Trends

Inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” , Shekhar executed a gravity-defying set nearly 26 years before Hollywood employed a similar concept in Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” . At a time when digital tools were unavailable, his work demonstrated how mechanical ingenuity could achieve cinematic wonder, a technique that is now widely replicated worldwide.

Career Journey and Acclaimed Films

Shekhar entered Malayalam cinema in 1982 with “Padayottam” , directed by Jijo Punnoose , initially working in costume and publicity design. He later made his mark as an art director in critically acclaimed films such as “Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu” and “Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare” , earning admiration for his unconventional visual ideas.

Legacy and Influence

Contemporary filmmaker Basil Joseph has credited “My Dear Kuttichathan” as a major influence, noting that its sense of wonder shaped films like “Minnal Murali” . K Shekhar’s legacy endures through generations of filmmakers who continue to draw inspiration from his fearless creativity and technical brilliance.

Important Facts for Exams

• My Dear Kuttichathan (1984) was India’s first 3D feature film

• The anti-gravity scene used rotating practical sets , not CGI

• Stanley Kubrick pioneered rotating set techniques in cinema

• Practical effects remain vital in filmmaking despite digital advances