PRESSRELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 2009
KUTCHERY EMBRACES CINEMATIC MAGIC IN MARGAZHI RAAGAM
MARGAZHI RAAGAM IS A FEAST FOR EYES AND EARS
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. Dolby Laboratories on 100 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco is the venue for the North American Premiere screening of “Margazhi Raagam”, the first of its kind cinematic experience of a South Indian Classical concert with Bombay Jayashri and T. M. Krishna, two stalwarts of Indian music on Friday, April 24, 2009 at 7 pm. Contact Aruna Peri at 408.718.5261 or aruna.peri@gmail.com for ticket information. The premiere screening is a benefit for Ardenwood Elementary School, Fremont and South Indian Fine Arts (SIFA) 30th year celebrations. SIFA is sponsoring a screening at India Movie Center 6 in Alameda, San Jose on Sunday, May 31st at 3 pm as a ticketed event for all its members and sponsors.
Margazhi Raagam is being distributed across USA and Canada by Akaar Events www.akaarevents.com For all enquiries and to screen this movie in your city, please contact Sujatha Suresh, CEO and Founder at 408.772.2262 or email sujatha@akaarevents.com
The month of “Margazhi” (Dec 15 to Jan 15) in Chennai evokes images of crisp cool mornings, steaming cups of Madras coffee, and the sights and sounds of art and music in all its varied forms. This is the season of the famous music festival that takes place each year and is the stage where the who’s who of South Indian classical music and dance feel privileged to perform.
The traditional Kutchery or Carnatic concert has now embraced the magic of cinema through Jayendra Panchapakesan’s vision and direction. Jayendra is a successful ad and social film maker for over three decades. He says, “For over four years, I have been living with the idea of giving Carnatic music an evocative new appeal in terms of presentation. Finally, the technology became available to give this dream the right shape. Margazhi Raagam brings together two things that are close to my heart – music and cinema! I am sure that classical music and cinema will see the benefit of this initiative, as will artistes and music lovers.”
Artist T.M. Krishna says, “Musically it contains as serious music as you can expect in a concert anywhere in the world. It is given in a platform and with a visual and audio experience you have never had before.”
Margazhi Raagam has been running to packed houses and rave reviews in India and Australia with its purity and artistry. Viewer K. Shyam says, “What a marvelous movie you have made! Jayashri looks serene and introspective and sounds absolutely divine. As for T.M. Krishna, the camera faithfully captures not only his immense passion but also his capacity to engage and motivate the accompanists with his infectious enthusiasm….Prepare to be impressed!” Viewer Narasimhan Chakravarthy adds, “Kudos to the creators and the artists. Like all the others in the Cinema, I was spellbound. Never ever have we spent 110 minutes in such blizz.”
Using latest high end digital camera and sound effects, this digital movie-concert aims to take classical music beyond the traditional stage audiences to reach a wider audience of music lovers all over the world. More than 10 cities in USA and Canada have already expressed an interest in screening this landmark film over the next few months. Akaar Events is actively encouraging enquiries for screening in additional cities across USA within the next several months. Please contact Sujatha Suresh directly.
The Dolby Laboratories’ emphasis on both sound and video quality is reflected in the dynamic range of the Dolby Theater which provides the vibrant acoustics necessary for a rich appreciation of this immersive cinematic event.
For tickets or more information on Margazhi Raagam, please contact Aruna Peri at 408.718.5261 or email aruna.peri@gmail.com
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Kutchery as Cinema 