Thota Tharani, the eminent art director of Indian cinema, invites audiences to journey through his memories and artistic evolution in his latest exhibition, “Cahiers du Cinéma,” which will be on display from November 1 to 14 at Alliance Française of Madras. At the age of 75, Tharani’s experiences and tales flow as freely as his distinctive white beard, reflecting a lifetime immersed in the cinematic arts.
Tharani’s earliest recollections of a movie set trace back to his childhood, spent in the company of his father, Thota Venkateswara Rao, also an art director. “I was often carried around by stars like Waheeda Rahman,” he recalls, reminiscing about his time sketching amid veteran artists. This foundational experience inspired his upcoming exhibition, which features over 25 paintings crafted from discarded materials like doors and window frames, channeling nostalgia for an era when filmmaking was a tactile art.
“The exhibition is a tribute to the unsung heroes behind the scenes-cleaning boys, cameramen, and assistants-who create the cinematic worlds we cherish,” Tharani explains. His work reflects a deep engagement with the craft, capturing the essence of yesteryears when the magic of cinema was crafted through painstaking artistry.
Tharani’s artistic journey has been prolific, marked by a passion for observation and learning. He believes that every subject can be transformed into art with keen observation—”It helps show how wind translates on paper,” he adds. This philosophy guided him as he transitioned from drawing figurative subjects like roosters to exploring themes involving Indian scripts, which he regards as a “treasure.”
His career also took him abroad, where a stay at Atelier 17 in France in the late 1970s ignited his creativity. He vividly recounts how he crafted a collection titled “Symphony,” inspired by his experiences traveling across France. His artistic pursuits have culminated in approximately 120 exhibitions over 70 years, a testament to his relentless dedication.
Outside of painting, Tharani remains connected to his passion through a myriad of projects, frequently receiving messages from filmmakers seeking his vision for their films. He admits to balancing these requests with his personal creations, saying, “There is no carving time. One must just create,” a mantra he’s adhered to since his college days.
When not at his easel or on film sets, Tharani enjoys classical music, particularly the works of composers like Johannes Brahms and the legendary “big three”—Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart. He praises Tamil cinema composer Ilaiyaraaja, calling him a genius for his musical dexterity.
As the opening of “Cahiers du Cinéma” approaches, Tharani remains fervently committed to his craft. “Come by, and we can go over the art that I made for films,” he invites, hinting at the stories yet to be told through his art. The exhibition promises to be a rich tapestry of cinema’s past and present, showcasing the vibrant legacy of an artist who has shaped the cultural landscape of Indian film.
“Cahiers du Cinéma” will run from November 1 to 14, and entry is free, offering an accessible glimpse into the life and work of one of cinema’s most revered figures.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/behind-the-frames-thota-tharanis-journey-through-the-lens-of-cinema/article70215733.ece
Category : Movies
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Publish Date: 2025-10-30 02:05:00
