Documentary on writer Zacharia sheds light on his personal and literary journey

Hailing from Urulikunnam in Kottayam, writer Paul Zacharia, affectionately known as Zacharia, reminisces about the rain, sunshine and shade of his birthplace as the genesis of his literary journey. However, his life is a continual cycle of rebirth and reinvention – from his childhood in Kerala to his college days in Bengaluru and his tenure as a writer and journalist in India’s capital, Delhi.

Zacharia is the subject of a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Shiny Benjamin, which premiered at Kairali-Sree-Nila Theatre complex in Thiruvananthapuram on August 18. Produced by Achu Ullatil and K.M. Gafoor, the film weaves together the various facets of Zacharia's life through animated illustrations by Sunil Raj, highlighting his family, friends, and works.

The 81-year-old writer made his debut in 1964 with the short story "Unni the Child," and his most renowned works include "Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum," "Salam America," "Aarkkariyam," and "Oru Nasrani Yuvavum Goulishashthravum." In the one-hour-long film, Zacharia or Skariachan, takes a nostalgic journey down memory lane, recounting his encounters with concepts such as misogyny, Christianity, and communism.

Benjamin, the filmmaker, acknowledges the challenge of condensing Zacharia's extensive life experiences into a single hour-long film. The music, cinematography, and editing are handled by veteran composer Sarreth, cinematographer Jebin Jacob, and editor Don Max, respectively.

A notable highlight of the film is Zacharia's interactions with late filmmakers John Abraham and G. Aravindan. Aravindan's death is described by the writer as the loss of half his soul. Zacharia shares, "They made me who I am, and the true objective of this film is to resurrect them through me." The documentary emphasizes Zacharia's philosophy: "I have failed as a writer the moment I cease to reinvent myself with every new work."