Canvas is a 2010 Malayalam film directed by Shaji-Rajasekharan starring Kalabhavan Mani, Kannan and Altara. Manaf Hussain (Kalabhavan Mani) is a painter cum dramatist. Ramu (Kannan) is his assistant. Madhuri (Vidya) is a Bollywood star who has found inspiration in their play and has agreed to be a part of it. The story that Manaf decides to adapt for the stage is that of Yayathi's, the celebrated king of the Lunar dynasty who falls in love with both Devayani and Sharmishta. The movie talks about the relevance of the story and how it could serve as a metaphor for the modern times.
Acting
Kalabhavan Mani's tortured painter — possibly his most underrated role.
Direction
Shaji-Rajasekharan blends stage and screen until you forget which is real.
Writing
Yayathi's myth reimagined as artistic midlife crisis.
Director
Shaji Rajasekharan
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Kalabhavan Mani, known for comedy and action, reportedly took this role for scale wages because the script moved him — it remains one of his rare dramatic leads.
The Yayathi myth traditionally condemns the king for trading his youth; Canvas asks whether artists do worse — trading their sanity for creation.
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