01 / The story
A shore under threat.
Dutch ships approach the Travancore coast. Kandan, a Kalari master, joins fishermen and recruits defending their home. The Battle of Colachel provides the historical backdrop; the characters and their personal journeys belong to the film.
I wanted to imagine the people who might have felt that war approaching. Their fear. Their love of home. The point at which an ordinary person decides to stand with others. The ships and the battlefield create scale, but the story has to give us someone to care about.
02 / My direction
Give the image a reason.
My work began with the writing: what each character was protecting, what they might lose and why the next decision mattered. Those questions shaped the performance, framing and rhythm I wanted from the film.
New tools make it possible to attempt an ambitious historical world. They also ask for clear choices. A striking shot still has to belong to the scene. A face, costume and gesture must feel connected across the edit. Sound has to give the space a believable life. As a director, I take responsibility for how those choices come together.
03 / Real movement, new tools
Begin with what the body knows.
We filmed real Kalari practitioners using real weapons near Kochi. Their balance, physical timing and intention gave us a reference for the action. The weight of a weapon and the discipline of a movement deserve close observation.
AI image-making helped build the period world, fleet and battle sequences. Gemini and Flow formed part of the creative workflow. Editing, music, sound and colour then shaped the finished experience. The aim throughout was to make the audience feel the scene.
Read Avium’s production case study for the studio’s perspective, or explore my reflection on the human craft behind the film.
04 / Programme and coverage
Created through Create with AI.
Chekavar was developed through the IICT–YouTube Create with AI programme. IICT provided facilities and mentorship, while Google and YouTube supported access to AI tools. Avium Studios and Garuda X Media brought the film to the screen.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s announcement of 7 October 2026 names Chekavar by Avium Studios among four films unveiled at IICT. It also records their release on the filmmakers’ YouTube channels.