Veteran Art Director K Shekhar Passes Away at 72

Veteran Malayalam cinema art director “K Shekhar” passed away at the age of 72 at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram. His family confirmed the news on Sunday. Widely regarded as one of the most imaginative technical minds in Indian cinema, Shekhar leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and path-breaking visual design.

Pioneer of Practical Visual Innovation

K Shekhar is best remembered for designing the iconic anti-gravity room in the 3D children’s fantasy film “My Dear Kuttichathan”. The visually striking sequence, featured in the song “Aalippazham Perukkaan,” was achieved without computers or digital effects. The entire set was constructed on a rotating steel rig, creating the illusion of actors walking on walls and ceilings, with lightweight styrofoam props enhancing realism.

Far Ahead of His Time

The concept for the anti-gravity room was inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey”, directed by “Stanley Kubrick”. Notably, Shekhar executed a similar technique nearly 26 years before Hollywood revisited it in “Inception” by “Christopher Nolan”, and did so without any computer-generated imagery. Today, variations of this practical method are widely used across global cinema.

Career Beginnings and Filmography

Shekhar entered Malayalam cinema in 1982 with “Padayottam”, directed by “Jijo Punnoose”, initially contributing as a costume and publicity designer. He later worked on acclaimed films such as “Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu” and “Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare”, earning respect for his unconventional visual thinking.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• “My Dear Kuttichathan” was India’s first 3D feature film.
• The film was released in 1984, decades before CGI became common.
• Rotating sets are a practical filmmaking technique for gravity-defying visuals.
• Stanley Kubrick pioneered rotating set technology in cinema.

Enduring Influence on New-Age Filmmakers

Filmmaker “Basil Joseph” has publicly acknowledged the influence of “My Dear Kuttichathan”, stating that the sense of wonder in the film inspired his work, including “Minnal Murali”. Shekhar’s ability to blend imagination with engineering continues to inspire filmmakers, reaffirming his place as a visionary whose ideas will live on through cinema.