Parvathy Baul, a name synonymous with the Baul tradition of Bengal, is not just a singer but a storyteller, painter, and poet who embodies the spiritual and artistic essence of the Baul sect. Her life and work are deeply intertwined with the mystical and philosophical aspects of the Baul tradition, which emphasizes a path of love, devotion, and a quest for divine connection.
Ace Cinematographer Ravi Varman has been ropped in to shoot the upcoming Hindi film “Joy Guru,” a fictional account on the life renowned Baul singer Parvathy Baul – the flagship India-USA-UK-France co-production being helmed by studio producers Aniruddha Dasgupta and Aparna Dasgupta of Adited Motion Pictures ( USA/India ) and writer-director Soumyajit Majumdar’s LOK Arts Collective ( UK/India) . The film promises to be a captivating portrayal of the life and artistry of one of India’s most celebrated musicians. Ravi Varman is known for his exceptional work in cinematography and bringing a visual grandeur and emotional depth to the films he works on. His portfolio includes notable films like “Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2” “Barfi!,” “Tamasha,” “Ram Leela,” where his unique ability to capture the essence of the story through his lens has been widely appreciated. Varman’s expertise lies in his capacity to blend natural beauty with intricate storytelling, making him the ideal choice for a film that aims to explore the life of a spiritual and artistic icon.
On roping with this project Ravi Varman says ” A project that celebrates the life of Parvathy Baul, a renowned singer and musician. Music and cinematography share a deep, intrinsic connection, both touching the soul in profound ways.
Baul tradition is a pure form of art and Parvati has done yeoman service to the art by keeping it alive and spreading it along with many other Indian traditional folk arts. Her selfless service inspires me a lot and the biopic will go a long way in helping the gen Z understand the art with clarity. I’m proud of being associated with the film.
Directed by Soumyajit Majumdar “Joy Guru” aims to delve into Parvathy Baul’s life, exploring her journey from her early days to becoming a torchbearer of the Baul tradition.
Ravi’s involvement ensures that the film will be a visual treat, capturing the serene landscapes of rural Bengal as well as Kerala, the vibrant energy of Baul performances, and the quiet, introspective moments of Parvathy’s life. His ability to use light, color, and composition to evoke emotion will be crucial in bringing the spiritual and artistic dimensions of Parvathy’s story to the screen.
The collaboration between Ravi Varman’s cinematographic genius and the rich narrative of Parvathy Baul’s life is expected to create a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and deeply moving, further cementing Indian cinema’s reputation for creating profound and aesthetically remarkable films. The film is at its final scripting stage and will go on floors at 2025.