Randamoozham
Cover of 30th edition | |
| Author | M. T. Vasudevan Nair |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Namboothiri (first edition) |
| Cover artist | Vinaylal (first edition) |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Genre | Mythology, drama |
| Set in | Ancient India |
| Publisher | Current Books |
Publication date | December 1984 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 328[1] |
| Awards | Vayalar Award Muttathu Varkey Award |
| ISBN | 81-226-0731-4 |
Randamoozham (transl. The second turn) is a Malayalam novel by M. T. Vasudevan Nair.[2] It is a revisionist retelling of the Mahābhārata from the perspective of Bhīma, departing from the epic's traditional mythological framework by rejecting divine intervention in favour of a human-centred, realist portrayal of its characters and events.
First serialized in Kalakaumudi Weekly in 1984, it won the Vayalar Award for the best literary work in Malayalam in 1985.[3] It also won the Muttathu Varkey Award in 1994.
Plot
The plot begins with the incident of Mahaprasthanika Parva where the Pandavas leave for the pilgrimage to Himalayas, forsaking all worldly possessions. The story runs through the eyes of Bhima who faces seemingly severe frustrations as a young man. Always destined to be second to his weak elder brother, Yudhishthira, in seniority and younger brother, Arjuna, in fame and popularity, Bhima is not given his due as the main architect of the Pandava victory over their cousins, Kauravas, in the Kurukshetra war, despite killing all the 100 Kauravas.
The book unravels all the hardships and dilemmas encountered by Bhima which remain unnoticed. It explores the emotions of the mighty Pandava as a son, brother, husband, and father. The story brings to light his affection for his wife, Draupadi, and how unnoticed his acts of love remain. The narrative questions the mourning of Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu, when he is killed during the battle while trying to break the Chakravyuh formation, while Bhima's son, Ghatokkach, is led to his death by sacrificing his life to save Arjuna's life. Ghatokkach's sacrifice too remains unsung and everyone finds happiness in saving Arjuna. Towards the end, Bhima is shown as the only husband who stops and tries to stay with Draupadi in her last moments during their pilgrimage.
Translations
The novel has been translated into multiple languages. It was translated into English as Second Turn by P. K. Ravindranath in 1997. Another English translation by Gita Krishnankutty published in 2013 is titled Bhima: Lone Warrior.[4][5] The book was translated into Tamil by Kurunjivelan as Irandaam Idam with the cover illustration by Trotsky Marudu.
Film adaptation
In 2011, director Hariharan announced plans to adapt Randamoozham to screen, scripted by Nair and Mohanlal cast as Bhima.[6] In April 2017, it was announced that the project was taken up by V. A. Shrikumar Menon, again with Mohanlal in the lead, to be produced by B. R. Shetty.[7][8] The film was planned as a two-part epic.[9][10][11] However, the project was eventually shelved after Nair withdrew the script, citing dissatisfaction with the pace of progress.[12][13]
References
- ^ M. T. Vasudevan Nair (6 August 2012). "Randamoozham". DC Books. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
- ^ M. T. Vasudevan Nair (August 2016). "Randamoozham". Indulekha.com. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
- ^ "Jnanpith Awards". Department of Information and Public Relations. Archived from the original on 24 May 2007. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
- ^ Kunhikrishnan, K. (24 November 1997). "Bhima, The Wronged". Outlook India. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
- ^ Srilata, K. (4 January 2014). "An exercise in guilt". The Hindu. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
- ^ "Bheema's outing - The Hindu". The Hindu. 10 November 2011.
- ^ Suresh, Mera (20 April 2017). "Mohanlal's Mahabharatha to be most expensive Indian movie at Rs 1,000 crore". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 18 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ Somani, Deepa (27 January 2017). "Randamoozham's pre-production works begin". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ Suri, Manveena (19 April 2017). "'Randamoozham': India to produce its most expensive film ever". CNN Entertainment. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ Mumford, Gwilum (19 April 2017). "Mahabharata epic set to become India's most expensive movie ever". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ "Karnataka billionaire to bring Malayalam Mahabharata on screen at Rs 1000 cr". Asia News Network. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ "Mohanlal's Rs 1000 crore film Randamoozham shelved". The Indian Express. 3 April 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2020.
- ^ "'Randamoozham' case: Verdict on March 15". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 7 February 2020.