Footnotes on Cinema by Padma Shri Thota Tharrani Opens in Chennai
A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of Indian Cinema Through Art
Chennai: Chennai witnessed a captivating confluence of art and cinema as Padma Shri Thota Tharrani, renowned artist and art director, unveiled his latest exhibition Footnotes on Cinema at Alliance Française of Madras, Nungambakkam. The showcase, presented in collaboration with Alliance Française, was inaugurated by T.K. Durgaprasad, President of Alliance Française Madras, and Pravin Kannanur, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres.
The event drew an illustrious gathering from the film, corporate, and art communities, including acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, actor Pasupathy, CK Kumaravel, Saravanan, Manian Selvan, Guhan, and Sameer Bharat Ram.
A Cinematic Journey on Canvas
With over 125 exhibitions to his credit, Tharrani’s Footnotes on Cinema offers a deeply personal reflection on his lifelong engagement with cinema. The collection features more than 25 evocative paintings inspired by his childhood experiences on film sets, where he often accompanied his father. These artworks, rendered on gada cloth using sketch pens, are based on decades-old sketches now reimagined into large-scale compositions.
The frames themselves—crafted from repurposed doors, windows, chairs, and roofing materials—add a tactile layer of nostalgia, echoing the textures of vintage film sets. Rather than replicating specific scenes, Tharrani’s works interpret the spirit and atmosphere of Indian cinema, celebrating its visual language and emotional depth.
Honouring the Invisible Pillars of Filmmaking
Speaking at the launch, Tharrani shared,
“Footnotes on Cinema reflects a lifetime immersed in the art of cinema. I dedicate this exhibition to the Cameramen, Assistant Directors, and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes—the unsung heroes who bring stories to life.”
Dr. Patricia Thery-Hart, Director of Alliance Française of Madras, added,
“This exhibition is extraordinary. Each painting evokes the magic of filmmaking and the imagination of a master who has shaped the visual identity of Indian cinema.”
Exhibition Details
Footnotes on Cinema is open to the public until 14 November 2025 at Alliance Française of Madras, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the artistry behind the screen and the memories that shaped a cinematic legacy.
