Cine-Murals: Where Kerala’s Ancient Art Meets Modern Cinema
There’s a moment when tradition meets imagination and something extraordinary is born. That’s exactly what happened when we, at Melam Murals, decided to do something no one else had tried before: blending the timeless elegance of Kerala mural paintings with the magic of Indian cinema.
We call it Cine-Mural. And yes, we proudly say, we were the first to introduce this style.
What Is Cine-Mural?
Cine-Mural is not just a clever name. It’s a tribute. A fusion. A heartfelt attempt to preserve the essence of our traditional mural art while bringing to life the legends of cinema that have shaped our times.
In simple words, it’s Kerala mural painting, with all its rules, forms, and beauty, but reimagined using iconic characters from Indian films. Think of it as a visual storytelling experiment, where myth meets movie, and culture meets creativity.
To understand the foundation of this style, it helps to know more about Kerala mural painting’s rich tradition as recognized by Kerala Tourism.
Ponniyin Selvan: A Historic Film Reimagined in Mural Form
One of our proudest creations is a full-scale mural painting based on the epic Tamil historical film Ponniyin Selvan, directed by Mani Ratnam and based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel. The movie, which became a cultural phenomenon, provided a perfect canvas for our imagination.
We didn’t just paint a scene, we recreated the royal aura, the character depth, and the heroic charm, all while strictly following the traditional rules of Kerala mural style.
At the heart of this mural stands Chiyan Vikram, portrayed in the mural with the elegance and detail that only traditional techniques can offer. You can learn more about the Ponniyin Selvan movie and its historical backdrop on IMDb.
Above: A Cine-Mural rendition of Ponniyin Selvan, featuring Chiyan Vikram and other key characters, painted in traditional Kerala mural style.
This painting captures the grandeur of the Chola empire, complete with legendary characters, oceanic backdrops, and the signature ornamental style of Kerala mural art. The balance of expression and storytelling is maintained, making it not only a tribute to cinema but also to India’s rich artistic heritage.
Devasuram: Immortalising Mohanlal and the Legends in Mural
Another mural that truly caught people’s hearts is our tribute to the Malayalam classic Devasuram. The film, starring Mohanlal as the legendary Mangalassery Neelakandan, has a cult following even decades later.
In our mural, Mohanlal takes center stage, surrounded by beloved characters like Sreeraman, Maniyanpilla Raju, Nedumudi Venu, and others. At the heart of the piece is Revathy, captured mid-dance in traditional Kerala attire, graceful, powerful, and emotional.
This mural wasn’t just a painting. It was a revival of cinematic nostalgia through the language of ancient art.
For readers unfamiliar, Devasuram is considered a landmark film in Malayalam cinema. You can read more about it here.
Above: Mural painting of the iconic Malayalam film Devasuram, featuring Mohanlal, Sreeraman, Maniyanpilla Raju, Nedumudi Venu, Revathy, and others in traditional Kerala mural style.
This Cine-Mural brings alive the unforgettable characters of Devasuram, set in a classic Namboothiri household scene. Mohanlal’s character, Mangalassery Neelakandan, commands the center, with his signature expression captured in stunning detail.
To his side are familiar faces like Sreeraman, Nedumudi Venu, Maniyanpilla Raju, and others, painted with vibrant expressions that mirror their cinematic personas. At the heart of the painting is Revathy, in a graceful Bharatanatyam pose, embodying the emotional depth of the film’s most memorable scene.
The composition follows all traditional mural principles such as symmetry, storytelling, symbolic expressions, while capturing the soul of a beloved film. It’s not just a painting, it’s an emotion brought to canvas.
When News Channels Took Notice
We didn’t expect the buzz that followed. But art has a way of speaking louder than we imagine.
Our Cine-Murals caught the attention of leading media houses like 24 News, who featured our work in their coverage, appreciating how we dared to blend tradition with pop culture in a meaningful way. The recognition wasn’t just about creativity. It was about keeping mural art alive in a language the new generation understands.
Why Cine-Murals Matter
In an age dominated by digital screens, handmade art feels like a breath of fresh air. Cine-Murals are more than paintings. They’re bridges, connecting generations, art forms, and stories.
Imagine a young fan of Ponniyin Selvan discovering the intricacy of Kerala murals through a familiar face. Or a family reliving the Devasuram era while admiring the layered brushwork of a wall mural. This is the kind of cultural dialogue that keeps traditions alive.
And that’s the heart of what we do. We don’t just paint, we preserve.
Where to Find These Works
Want to experience these murals in person? You’ll find them exclusively at our studio, Melam Murals. located near Kadampuzha Temple. You can also explore more about our Cine-Murals and traditional artworks at our Homepage where you can find some of the best mural paintings in kerala.
Each piece is handcrafted, rooted in tradition, and customized for timeless spaces, whether in homes, cultural centers, or creative interiors. We proudly offer some of the best mural paintings in Kerala, blending old world beauty with modern inspiration.
In Closing: When Two Legends Meet
Kerala mural painting isn’t just a heritage, it’s a living tradition. And through Cine-Murals, we’ve found a way to bring it into the now. This is more than an art style. It’s a movement. A new language for an old soul.
And this is just the beginning.