Capturing the spirit of Deepavali on film

BENTONG: Deepavali means more to S. Prathap than oil lamps, festive food and family gatherings. It is also about sacrifice, family bonds and forgiveness.

And for the past five years, the self-employed Bentong-born storyteller has been bringing these values to life through short films exploring the deeper meaning of the Festival of Lights.

With members of the Bentong Tamil Youth Bell Club, Prathap, 43, has turned his passion for filmmaking into a community endeavour, bringing local talents together to tell stories of love, sacrifice and togetherness.

What began in 2021 with a script and a handful of enthusiastic club members has since become an annual undertaking.

Prathap recalled gathering members interested in acting to produce a 20-minute Deepavali drama, marking his debut as a filmmaker.

"I have always been interested in film direction, and I felt Deepavali was the perfect theme to express my thoughts through films. I wanted to convey meaningful messages about the festival, particularly to the younger generation," he said.

"Deepavali is often associated with muruku, oil baths, temple visits and open houses that bring people of different races together. I wanted to go beyond these festivities and capture the traditions alongside the true spirit of the celebration."

About 35 club members have since contributed to the productions, both in front of and behind the camera.

Prathap said: "This year's production, titled Anaiyaatha Deepam (The Undying Lamp), features Pelangai assemblyman Datuk Amizar Abu Adam in a cameo appearance."

He added that most of his films were shot in Bentong and Karak.

"I have written and directed films highlighting a mother's unconditional love, an inmate celebrating Deepavali with his family, the value of friendship and the true meaning of the festival.

"I want to use the power of cinema to convey meaningful messages that go beyond the usual festivities."

Prathap's films have struck a chord with local audiences, with some reaching viewers in India after friends shared them on social media.

"Some have suggested that I explore other themes, but I prefer to focus on heartwarming films centred on Deepavali," he said.

He plans to upload all his short films on social media.

Producing them, however, comes with financial challenges. Prathap said he had secured sponsorship every year, with production costs averaging RM5,000.

Having completed several Deepavali productions, he now hopes to take his storytelling to the big screen.

He is seeking a grant from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia to produce a longer Deepavali-themed film featuring a larger cast.