Battle of the mind

Exploring whether the battle of Kurukshetra actually happened is like opening a Pandora’s Box. A question that has been pondered upon, debated and even discarded. “We’ve explored not just this question but everything when it comes to Kurukshetra,” film-maker GS Channi talks of his 28- minute documentary.

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Community Theatre Workshop presents Dharamkshetre Kurukshetre, a Hindi film on Kurukshetra. A place that is more than just a dot on the political map of India. It is history of the heroic battle, with great stories and some vital lessons.

“There might be no archived material available to prove the veracity of some facts or the battle but Kurukshetra stands a metaphor for so many things. It is not just a city, it is a state of mind, it is the inner battles fought.” And may be much more. Each episode of the epic standing for something or the other. “Be it the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna which stands for dual thoughts. Be it the great battle constantly happening on our minds.”

Temples and beyond

The city is home to over 130 temples, big and small in sizes, and each temple ascribing to some episode in Mahabharata. He adds, “But there are temples to quote almost every incident taking place in the epic and each year at the carnivals held, lakhs of devotees come and visit.” The documentary starts with a great saying from the Mahabharata and goes on to touch upon all the above mentioned subjects along with interviews.

Plans for India

Having already explored Fairs & Festivals of India, Forts of India, Classical Dances & Tribal & Folk Dances of India, Music of Himalayas, among others, he is next zeroing down on Rajasthan. “I am thinking of shooting Shekhawat area of Rajasthan and all it has to offer,” he signs off. —TNS

To be screened on May 20 at 6.30 pm at Government Museum—10, Chandigarh.