Contemporary Heroines (2015) is the second part of Abul Kalam Azad’s ongoing series that draws its roots from the classical Tamil epic poetry Silappathikaram, which is believed to have been composed during the Sangam / Early historic period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) by the Cera dynasty’s Prince-turned-Jain-poet Ilango Adigal. It is believed that Poet Ilango was staying in Trikkana Mathilakam (present Mathilakam Panchayath, Kerala) which was an important Jain Centre during the Sangam period while composing his epic. It must befrom here the poet derived the landscape and heroines, the legendary Kannaki and Matavi,and other characters of his poetry. ‘Contemporary Heroines,’ shot in the same region, tells the tales of the great women of our times, hidden among us and engaged in their ordinary lives, each leading a life rich in detail, struggles, woes, passion and happiness.
Kunjipennu (70) is single and lives alone in a small hut in Punnakka Bazaar, Mathilakam. A quiet lady, she is known for bringing together good alliances for marriage. Her favorite food is rice and fish curry. Her mother died five years back, and her sister, who lives nearby, visits her often.
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