When it comes to mythological stories, people debate whether it is based on true events or is it just a work of art. But we must appreciate whatever it is as its relevance is from ages and will surely go on for long. And if considered these stories as an artwork then we can agree to the fact that there’s nothing more creatively written than these stories. And a lot of their cinematic versions have been made be it in regional or international cinema. And yet the most popular and classic version is the 1957 Telugu film Mayabazar and the reason is it’s mixture of mythology and fantasy, of what we precisely know as Cinematic Liberty.
The story is based on an imaginative character placed in the epic tale of Mahabharata and a plot revolving around her marriage with Pandava Prince Abhimanyu amidst the twists and mysteries bounded with tons of magic spells. A popular play turned into cinema with the liberty to grab the attention of masses during the late 50s when Cinema in India was just at the beginning of Evolution. Right from the opening song of the film where the characters are introduced, then using the storyline of Kauravas and Pandavas and then developing characters which add a perfect mood to the story entertaining the viewers.
If we outlook the mythological angle of the story, it seems like a family drama with which the audience very well related making it an epic film of the era. All the characters have a great importance in this multi-starrer and which is quite a Glory.
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I have never and will never tire of watching this film. I was told that I first watched it when I was an year old. Only the black and white edition was available then, and it was screened in small theatres during Pongal. I remember watching the colour print for the first time after its release…. It was escapism at its best. No other film holds a candle to the beloved Mayabazar. No other film in 1950s or even later for that matter had magical scenes portrayed in such a realistic manner. Savitri was a sight to see. Such beauty can never be forgotten. Ghantasala’s tenor in the background was a feast to the ears. I have no more words. Mayabazar is something that can’t be described well enough. It is that good.