The Making of the Mridangam - A Documentary Film

A humble presentation of the process of making the mridangam, an ancient instrument used in South Indian Classical Carnatic music. The documentary film covers the processes of making the wooden shell at Panruti, Tamil Nadu and the attachment of the drum heads to finish making the mridangam.
There is also a small segment about the usage of a synthetic alternative in the material of the drum head and related innovations, beautifully explained by Sri Ramkumar R, mridangam artiste.
Hope you like it!

Direction, Cinematography: Vishruthi Girish
Assistant Cinematographer: Adith Krishnan

Wooden Shell Maker - Sri Govindaraj R, Panruti - [phone]
Mridangam Repairer - Sri A Sowriyar (Sowri) - [phone]

[francisxavier]

I just completed reading Sebastian and sons by Mr. T. M. Krishna. I listened to Sri . Palghat Mani Iyer's thani avarthanam. Just then I came across this video. Excellent and very informative. Let the tradition be preserved and may we honour those who make the MRDANGAMS.

[a.m.karthick]

This is how a documentary should be, great man.

[mridul]

south indians are saving and glorifying our culture. salute to you. jai hind

[MrCmusicfan]

I hope mridangam artists preserve this glorious tradition and not have these modern bells and whistles substitute. The sound of this type of traditional mridangam is heavenly. Kappi mridangam was used by Sri Palghat Mani Iyer. The sound of that mridangam is just phenomenal. Please keep the tradition alive. The video is excellent.

[violinmak]

Very nice and with great effort Vishruthi has done this documentary. I congratulate her. Congratulations to Gayathri Girish her mother to encourage her daughter to do this kind of research oriented documentary.

[shankarr]

From 11.57 to 12.57 was the portion I enjoyed the most. What a reverberating tone for kappi and kutchi and how beautifully he demonstrates it!

[Parshuram_]

As a documentary filmmaker/editor myself, I think it’s a nicely made film. Synthetic mridangam still needs to evolve, and it might take many more years of effort and innovation before it catches up with its traditional cousin. But then it can totally eliminate usage of animal parts that are often procured by unethical means. Hope to see more from Vishruti Girish.

[redlance]

Amazing video...learning mridangam myself its amazing to hear the story on how this wonderful instrument is made!!! Thanks for uploading such a video!

[sharanghanvijayakumar]

Great i would prefer the traditional Mrithangam over the Synthetic Mrithangam.

[saitheja]

Loved your articulations on Indian Culture.

Hope, you do it More.

[lakshmananvaidhyanathan]

Excellent Vishruthi.  Best Wishes for all your endeavours in future

[JeyakanthanNitharsan]

it's a very clear documentary. thanx.

[bhanuuthangarai]

Very interesting, informative documentary well produced as well. Thank you. U.V.Bhanu

[dhanashrivaishnavi]

mam please make more videos on Indian traditions and science behind it.it was a excellent video.though i am a Indian still i don't know about our traditions and science behind it.

[Rajesh]

Great Work Vishruthi Girish. Deserves admiration and appreciation from Heart.

[jaymistry]

A great piece of cinema. Look forward to future projects.

[srisri]

The only Instruments which are traditionally made are used for God's seva. Synthetic mrudangam may have its pros but tradition is tradition in my view. Very happy to watch traditional making of mrudangam. Thanks for uploading 🙏

[MohanAyyar]

Very informative and nicely produced documentary! Great that you are documenting the unique arts and crafts of South India.

[GiriNaidu]

All Hand work only. How complex would have the process of making when no machines were there. Such a beauty really..!!

[DrGBhas]

Brilliant documentry on the great ancient art of Mridangam making. It is also good that you have covered the modern techniques and innovations of this art too..
Overall, I bow in awe and admiration to all the artists here ( both ancient and modern). May we all continue to be enriched by their deep devotion and dedication to the rhythms of life .