Internationally acclaimed director Jayaraj’s upcoming movie ‘Veeram A Tragedy of Ambition’ is based on the backdrop of ancient martial culture of kerala. The movie stars Kunal Kapoor in lead role.
The folksongs of North Malabar are songs praising the heroic fighters including Chekavars,who are the legendary warriors engaged in combat, often on behalf of noble men in the feudal system. A Chekavar is only declared victorious in the duel when he kills his opponent.
Among the Chekavars, the Puthooram Clan and their rival, Aringodar Clan, were the most popular.Puthooram Clan was led by Kannappa Chekavar, his son Aromal Chekavar and his valiant daughter, Unniyarcha. Aromalunni is her son from her marriage to Kunjiraman.
Paanan, a lower class of poets and singers - took the northern ballads forward and now he brings the most celebrated story of all, that of Aromal Chekavar and his cousin, Chandu.