Recognised as a writer, animator, filmmaker, and creative director, Suresh Eriyat, the founder of Studio Eeksaurus, has left a mark in the space of homegrown short films, notably through the beloved Malayalam folklore short film, 'Kandittund!' and its sequel, 'The Legend of Arana'.
These films hold a special place in Eriyat's repertoire as they both contain endearing tales and folklore, drawing upon the wisdom and narratives shared by his 93-year-old father, PNK Panicker. Through these pieces, Eriyat captures the essence and cultural richness of Malayalam folklore, bringing to life the exquisite stories recounted by his father.
The book 'Drawing Stories' is a significant milestone in the career and creative journey of Suresh Eriyat, as a multi-talented individual renowned for his prowess in animation, filmmaking, and storytelling. With a background in Animation Film Design from the National Institute of Design, Eriyat's contributions to the animation industry have been groundbreaking, shaping the perception of animation in India.
Eriyat's creative endeavours began when he established the Famous House of Animation in collaboration with Famous Studios in Mumbai back in 1998. Through this venture, he embarked on pioneering animated advertisements, short films, and music videos that not only gained national acclaim but also received recognition on the global stage. His relentless pursuit of excellence in animation led to reshaping the landscape of Indian animation.
The book itself is a culmination of Eriyat's doodles, musings, and personal reflections gathered from his daily sketching practice. It represents a labor of love, meticulously curated from numerous sketchbooks into a collector’s edition. The book is a reflection of Eriyat's experiences, lessons, and observations.
As an animator and filmmaker immersed in the chaotic world of filmmaking, Eriyat found solace in sketching, considering it an escape from the demanding nature of his profession. The book represents a collection of his cherished doodles, anecdotes, and stories gathered from numerous sketchbooks meticulously curated into a collector’s edition.
Despite the challenges of sifting through countless sketchbooks, Eriyat successfully compiled together a cohesive narrative encapsulating his artistic journey and diverse inspirations into this volume. The book offers a glimpse into the inner world of an artist whose creative process is influenced by the myriad sights, encounters, and thoughts encountered in everyday life.
Beyond his contributions to the animation industry, Eriyat co-founded Studio Eeksaurus in 2009 alongside his partner Nilima. This studio has been instrumental in producing over 500 films, earning more than 200 accolades globally, including the prestigious Annecy Cristal, a first for India in the animation scene. The studio's remarkable success includes the widely viewed 'Fisherwoman and Tuk-Tuk,' which garnered 40 million viewers on YouTube in 2023.
Apart from his artistic endeavours, Suresh Eriyat's multidimensional persona extends beyond animation and filmmaking. He is recognized as a three-time TEDx speaker, displaying a profound interest in philosophy, anthropology, and culture. Moreover, his lesser-known facet as a trained Carnatic musician adds another layer to his diverse talents and interests.
With the release of the book on 25th November, 'Drawing Stories' is anticipated to be a cherished addition for enthusiasts of art, animation, and storytelling alike. Order it here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
'Kandittund' Is A Short Animated Film Breathing New Life into Kerala's Classic Legends
'The Legend Of Arana' Is An Animated Short That Captures The Magic Of Malayalam Folklore
Tokri: A Stop-Motion Animation On Family, Mistakes & Forgiveness