April 16, 2023

AFS Cinema

Dhabari Quruvi draws story inspiration from a folk myth that exists among the tribal communities at Attapadi. The title refers to a sparrow, whose father is unknown.

Dhabari Quruvi

India | Narrative Feature

2022 | 105 mins | Irula

Official Selection of the International Film Festivals of India, Kerala, and Chennai

This is the story of a naive tribal girl who, facing an unwanted pregnancy, rises from the ashes to proclaim her most essential rights, those over her body and the decisions upon it.

Set amid the Irula Tribal Community at Attappadi in Kerala, DHABARI QURUVI is noted as the first film to star an entirely tribal cast. The production included around sixty people, belonging to Irula, Muduka, Kurumba and Vaduka tribal communities.

About the Artist

Priyanandanan is a National Award Winning Director from Kerala who has achieved great acclaim for his plays, feature films, and television projects.

His directorial ventures in plays include Vaikom Muhammad Bashir's LOVE LETTER (Premalekhanam), Joy Mathew's SANKADAL, N Sasidharan's KITCHEN (Adukkala), and many more. These dramas, staged across India, received many accolades.

Priyanandanan commenced his film career under famous directors KR Mohanan, PT Kunju Muhammed, and Manilal. He began by filming newsreels and documentary shorts, including FIGHT FOR MAN AND LAND & THE HISTORY OF STRIKES IN THRISSUR DISTRICT. He also directed several television films including four based on MT Vasudevan Nair's short stories.

His first feature film, NEYTHUKARAN, examined the life of a weaver, who was an ardent supporter of E. M. S. Namboodiripad, the first ever Chief Minister of Kerala State. Veteran Actor Murali won the Indian National Award for 'Best Actor' for this film. His second movie, PULIJANMAM, received the National Award for 'Best Feature Film' in 2006.