‘Footnotes on Cinema’ Captivates Chennai, Celebrating Celluloid on Canvas
Padma Shri Thota Tharrani’s Art Showcase - ‘Footnotes on Cinema’ Captivates Chennai, Celebrating Celluloid on Canvas
Chennai:
The city came alive with a remarkable fusion of art and cinema as celebrated artist and Art Director Padma Shri Thota Tharrani unveiled his latest art showcase, Footnotes on Cinema (‘Cahiers du Cinéma’), in collaboration with Alliance Française of Madras at Nungambakkam. The much-anticipated event, inaugurated by Mr. T.K. Durgaprasad, President of Alliance Française Madras, and Mr. Pravin Kannanur, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres. The showcase was attended by - Director Mani Ratnam, Actor Pasupathy, Mr CK Kumaravel, Mr Saravanan, Mr Manian Selvan, Mr Guhan, Mr Sameer Bharat Ram along with other renowned personalities from the film, corporate and art fraternity.
Building on a legacy of more than 125 art shows, Footnotes on Cinema offers an intimate reflection on Thota Tharrani’s memories and observations of cinema, shaped by his experiences on film sets as a young child accompanying his father, up until now. The art showcase houses over 25 paintings that evoke the magic of cinema from yesteryears, featuring film sets, lighting, and camera crews, all presented on frames made using repurposed materials such as old doors, window frames, chairs, and roofing elements. The sketches, rendered on gada cloth with sketch pens, vividly bring the enchantment of celluloid to life. These are small sketches created decades ago, and now after 30-40 years, they have been reimagined and transformed into large-scale artworks. They are not replicas of original film sets, but artistic reinterpretations inspired by them.
Commenting on the occasion, Padma Shri Thota Tharrani said, “Footnotes on Cinema reflects a lifetime immersed in the art of cinema. Growing up surrounded by these images and spending countless hours on film sets, I have observed, absorbed, and been inspired by every frame, every gesture, and every detail that brings a story to life. Through this work, I aim to translate those moments onto canvas, capturing the essence and vibrancy of Indian cinema. I am particularly pleased to dedicate this exhibition to the Cameramen, Assistant Directors, staff, and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes, the unsung heroes whose dedication, creativity, and hard work build the worlds that make cinema come alive for audiences across the country. Their contributions, often unseen, are at the very heart of these artworks.”
Adding to this Dr. Patricia Thery-Hart, Director of Alliance Française of Madras said, “When I first had the privilege of seeing Thota Tharrani’s works a year and a half ago, I was immediately captivated by the depth of his vision and the way he captures the essence of cinema in every stroke. I urged him then to transform these reflections into a full-fledged exhibition, and seeing Footnotes on Cinema today is truly a delight. This exhibition is nothing short of extraordinary; it brings the world of cinema to life on canvas, evoking the magic of film sets, lighting, cameras, and the myriad details that create cinematic storytelling. Each painting tells a story, not just of movies, but of memories, imagination, and the artistic journey of a master who has shaped the visual language of Indian cinema.”
Open until 14th November 2025 at Alliance Française of Madras, the exhibition invites visitors to experience the magic of film sets, the dedication of behind-the-scenes heroes, and the vibrant stories that have inspired a lifetime of artistic creativity.