‘Bhagavathi’, a new music video by Sithara Krishnakumar’s band, Project Malabaricus, is an ode to the strength of women

The music video Bhagavathi by Sithara Krishnakumar and band celebrates the strength of women through the story of Muchilottu Bhagavathy Theyyam

Celebrating the legend behind Muchilottu Bhagavathy Theyyam is ‘Bhagavathi’, a music video by Sithara Krishnakumar’ s band, Project Malabaricus. The versatile artiste, known for pushing her boundaries as a performer, musician and singer, renders a power-packed track, backed by arresting visuals.

‘Bhagavathi’, according to the band, is ‘the tale of unwavering strength that is named woman.’ “There are so many legends associated with Muchilottu Bhagavathy and there is one particular story that I have always loved to hear. I wanted to compose a song based on that, especially because it is relevant,” says Sithara.

The legend is about this young scholarly girl from a reputed family whose erudition did not go down well with male scholars, especially because of her gender. When a public debate was organised to find a groom for her, no suitor could defeat her. Therefore, the men hatched a plan to humiliate her and, eventually she was ostracised following which she self immolates. By then the community realises that she is a goddess and deifies her as Muchilottu Bhagavathy. Another legend goes that she is a part of Lord Shiva.

“The song is more about the story of that woman than the spiritual side of the legend. Circumstances might have changed but situations remain the same because, even now, being a successful woman is not easy. There are two extremes — society either deifies a woman or relegates her to the margins. This has been happening across the world,” says Sithara.

The song has been written by her husband, Dr Sajish M, a cardiologist, who has his roots in Karivelloor in Kannur, the land of Theyyams, where one of the many temples dedicated to Muchilottu Bhagavathy is located. “He is familiar with the legend and the world of the Theyyam. That is why I wanted him to write about it. It is the first time that he has written a song for me,” says Sithara.

The video, set in Payyannur, is directed by Sumesh Lal and shot by Mahesh SR. Sithara says that the team did its research and interacted with the people before the shoot. “Once the song was ready, we wanted visuals to go with it and that’s how the music video happened. However, this is not a documentation of the Theyyam. We are presenting only the story and have taken certain elements from the Theyyam, such as the poykannu [metallic, see-through eyes]. It is believed that she hides her grief and anger behind those eyes. The Bhagavathi Theyyam is not ferocious or aggressive like some other Theyyams,” she says.

Sithara adds that there are several challenges involved when you place Theyyam, a ritualistic art form, in a popular medium. “We can’t recreate the grandeur of the art form. The team has tried to create a work that is close to the concept and we believe it has come out well,” she says.