The upcoming Indian historical documentary film in Malayalam language “Thariode”, tells the story of gold mining in Thariode, one of the most ancient cities of Malabar Region, a long, narrow coastline on the southwestern shore line of the mainland Indian subcontinent.
India’s been the number one source of global gold demand for decades importing close to a 1,000 tonnes in good years. The Indian “Gold Rush” in Malabar had ended quite abruptly after the discovery inland of the huge gold veins of Kolar in 1890s.
This historical documentary film charts the history of gold mining in Thariode and other areas of Malabar on 18th century. Moreover the film analyses the impact that gold mining – still one of the dirtiest industries in the world – had on the development of the country, the local livelihoods and the environmental repercussions on nature and the territory.
The film is written and directed by Nirmal Baby Varghese, and produced under the banner of Casablanca Film Factory. The film’s camera is handled by Ashwin Sreenivasan, Shalvin K Paul, Mithun Eravil and Shobin Francis and the film’s teaser poster has just been released.
It took five years of investigations and research to realise the film script and the shooting will be soon completed. Wayanad, a rural district in Kerala state, southwest India, is the main location of this film. Works have almost been completed and the film is expected to be released through some national and international film festivals.
Director Nirmal is also planning a big budget movie in that same setting.
