How Kathanar’s portrayals in Malayalam cinema won hearts through adaptations

Kadamattathu Kathanar, a 9th-century Christian priest from Kerala’s Kadamattom Church, is a legendary figure in Malayalam folklore. The character is renowned for his supernatural powers.Born into a Syriac Christian family he is said to be trained in occult arts and Christian mysticism. Kathanar gained abilities to tame wild beasts, exorcise demons. He also performed.Stories depict him as a compassionate protector. He is known for using his powers to aid the poor and confront evil spirits haunting villages. One tale recounts him defeating a yakshi aka Kalliyankattu Neeli by trapping her in a tree, while another describes him calming a rogue elephant with a mere glance.From the popular TV series 'Kadamattathu Kathanar' to the recent Sunny Wayne's portrayal of the character in 'Lokah', there has been several adaptations of the character by different actors.

Stage-to-screen roots

Early portrayals drew from folk theater like Kathanar Kathakali, where actors embodied the priest's dramatic sorcery through expressive gestures and chants. Films in the 1960s-70s, such as short features or episodic TV adaptations, mirrored this, using simple sets to depict miracles like animating clay birds.

For the Malayali audiences the OG Kathanar is surely the TV actor Prakash Paul who charmed our childhood via the popular serial 'Kadamattathu Kathanar'.

The series ran from 2004 to 2005 with around 255 episodes.Coming to cinema, stars like Prem Nazir in mid-20th-century shorts brought charisma to Kathanar via the 1984 film 'Kadamattathachan'.

'Initially I thought serials were not my thing' - says Prakash Paul

Earlier in an interview with Filmi Beat, the 'Kathanar' TV serial fame Prakash Paul opened up about his TV serial journey.

He said, "I thought serials were not my thing initially. I didn't even like the first dialogue that I delivered in my first serial." He further opened up about his struggles after he stopped working in the fantasy horror serial. Prakash said that people only had demand for his look as Kadamattathu Kathanar.

"I was in demand majorly during Easter and Christmas. Even if I don't get payment, I will do that for them."

Twisting tales for modern appeal

Adaptations evolved with creative liberties. Coming to the present, the actor Sunny Wayne literally took the Kathanar character to a different level - a more fun and young character.

The Neeli character was truly safe in Kalyani Priyadarshan's hands.

Coming up next is the most awaited Rojin Thomas ('Home' fame) and Jayasurya's highly awaited 'Kathanar: The Wild Sorcerer' which also has Anushka Shetty in the female lead as Yakshi.In conclusion, by blending folklore with modern storytelling, stunning visuals, and heartfelt performances, these adaptations have immortalized Kathanar as a symbol of faith.