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Full Credits
Awarded the prestigious 'Camera d'Or' at Cannes 1999, 'Throne of Death' has received many prizes and been screened at international film festivals around the world.
Official Selection, Cannes 1999 - Un Certain Regard
Winner of Camer D'Or - 1999
Krishnan and his family who have been seasonal labourers for generations, live in a small island community in Kerala. Driven by desperation because he is out of work, Krishnan steals a bunch of coconuts from his landlord. He is caught, imprisoned, and suddenly finds himself accused of a murder which happened on the island several years ago. The people on the island are shocked. It is election time, and the politicians take up his cause to win votes.
A new technology for killing people is introduced in the country - the "Electronic Chair". Developed with a loan from the world bank, and technological help from America, the chair is seen as the epitome of a glorious death. The islanders and politicians join hands to demand that Krishnan be the first in the country to die by electronic chair...
Murali decided to shoot on familiar territory in an area of Kerala where he grew up; a place of great lyrical beauty which ideally lends itself to the telling of a fable-like story, and a place that clearly has great resonance with him. Filmed over an intensive period, Murali drew on many of those he had worked with on earlier 'shorts'. He also decided from the outset not to use professional actors, instead drawing on real people - real faces - for his performances; lending the characters an honesty and physical authenticity, whilst bringing home the political message with sharper realism.
'Throne of Death' was applauded equally for its visual texture, heartfelt performances and social comment and has been screened at more than 50 international film festivals.
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See also Flying Elephant's Short Films
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