In Arun Fulara’s graphic novel Shera (Tulika Books), illustrated by Allen Shaw and originally a film by the same name, young Monu and Raju long to catch sight of Shera the leopard. When Monu hears that his family is leaving the Kumaon hills to move to the city of Mumbai, he hatches a plan with Raju. They decide to tempt the leopard with their goat Bijli, so it may appear before them. Will the boys be successful in their scheme?
A moment from Fulara’s film. Illustrations pics courtesy/Allen Shaw; Tulika Books
By highlighting that Monu and Raju are the only two children left in their village Mayun, the author and award-winning filmmaker comments on migration of the village and town dwellers to the big cities. The phenomenon, he hints, is becoming more frequent. Monu’s mother remarks how his cousins in the city can speak English fluently, while Monu struggles even with his mother tongue, Hindi.
Fulara depicts a deep connection of the villagers with nature, not only through Monu’s yearning for the leopard and his pet goat, but through the lore the villagers narrate. Their sense of acceptance of the leopard as part of their surroundings, instead of othering it, is an important statement.
Arun Fulara
Allen Shaw’s use of earthy colours and open spaces add an idyllic appearance to the setting, with several conversations taking place outside of the homes among the trees, rather than inside. While the details are in the watercolour shades, the expressions of the Kumaoni villagers are articulated with immense precision. They amplify the nostalgic, and somewhat hopeful, hankering of the author for the older ways of life.
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