Pazhassi Raja
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Set Design for a Stage Play Based on a Real Historical Narrative
This project is a hypothetical set design for a stage play based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a freedom fighter from North Malabar, Kerala. The play is primarily set within domestic spaces associated with Pazhassi Raja, where moments of conflict, resistance, and intimacy unfold. The narrative includes British attempts to capture him from his household, guerrilla counterattacks, the involvement of women in resistance, and emotionally charged interactions between characters.
Set in the Western Ghats of South India, the design adopts a forest-dominated ambience, reflecting how land, home, and warfare were inseparable during this period.
Research and Context
I researched the life of Pazhassi Raja, who lived during the late 18th and early 19th century, focusing on his resistance against British colonial control over land and governance. As Kerala was not united in opposition to the British, resistance often took the form of guerrilla warfare rather than organized battles. This understanding became central to the spatial and narrative direction of the set.
Site Visit
To understand the architectural language of the era, I visited Paliam Palace in Kodungallur, Kerala, which was built during the same period. Studying domestic layouts, materials, traditional objects, and clothing informed the design elements of the set. Observations of trees, soil, and shaded spaces revealed an atmosphere that felt dense and confined, yet protective, which strongly influenced the spatial quality of the design.
Design Development
The core concept was to create a single theatrical space where forest, household, and resistance coexist. The forest is treated as an active character that shelters, conceals, and supports the narrative. Domestic structures merge into the landscape, reflecting how everyday life and rebellion overlapped.
The set enables guerrilla-style attacks through concealed entry points. Actors emerge from a water body, cattle storage spaces, and from behind trees, allowing sudden appearances using archery and other surprise elements. A key dramatic moment includes the capture of a princess using a tree-based trap, where she is suspended above ground. These elements reinforce the use of nature as both protection and weapon.
Final Set Direction
I developed the design through hand sketches and narrative brainstorming, focusing on actor movement, concealment, and spatial transitions. The final set integrates trees, domestic structures, water elements, and land textures into a unified stage environment. The set model was developed at a 1:24 scale, based on the stage dimensions of the Langham Court Theatre, ensuring spatial accuracy and performative feasibility. Earthy tones, organic textures, and low-contrast color palettes were used to create a grounded and immersive theatrical space, where the set remains constant while its meaning shifts through action and lighting.
Indian Navy Cyclothon
Role: Spatial Design & Creative Coordination
Event: Kochi Navy Cyclothon (40 km & 75 km)
Date: February 2025
I was part of the design and execution team responsible for transforming an open playground into a functional cyclothon venue. My involvement spanned from ideation to execution, where I planned the spatial layout, coordinated with vendors, and ensured smooth event flow.
Layout & Placements
Entry Point → Controlled access for participants & guests.
Registration / Bike Checkpoint → First stop after entry, ensuring crowd control.
Restrooms → Centrally placed for easy access.
Main Stage → Focal hub for announcements & ceremonies.
Refreshments Zone → Positioned near the stage for visibility & convenience.
Cycle Parking & Stands → Close to the line-up zone for smooth movement.
Sponsor Stalls → Near entry for maximum brand visibility.
Line-up Area → Flag-off Point → Clear directional flow for participants.
VIP Parking & Photo Point → Peripheral placement to reduce congestion.
Why This Layout Worked
✔ Natural circulation flow without cross-movement.
✔ High-traffic services (registration, restrooms, refreshments) in central zones.
✔ Sponsor visibility integrated into the participant journey.
✔ Safe & open design minimizing bottlenecks.
Challenges & Improvements
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Refreshment area could have been expanded to avoid queues.
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Limited shaded structures for participants waiting post-race.
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Signage could be more visually distinct for quicker navigation.
Execution Highlights
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Coordinated with LED team for stage lighting.
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Worked with print vendors for branding & signage.
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Integrated celebratory effects – paper blasters, firecrackers,
and lights for early morning ambience.
Key Learnings
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Communication is everything → Managing cross-team collaboration was vital.
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Preparation & contingency planning are crucial for smooth event flow.
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Design Insight → Spatial design decisions (placement, flow, visibility)
directly shape participant experience. -
Organizational skills are as important as creativity in event design.
Geojit 35th Anniversary
Role: Theme Ideation & Creative Coordination
Client: Geojit Financial Services
Date: 5th September 2022
Location: Kochi (Indoor Event)
Geojit is a leading financial advisory company headquartered in Kochi, providing investment and wealth management solutions across India and abroad.
For Geojit’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, the design direction was inspired by a painting competition conducted for children. A vibrant coral-themed artwork was selected, which became the basis of the event’s visual identity and concept.
Theme: Coral Pink
The chosen theme color, Coral Pink, was integrated across event branding, print collaterals, and digital screens.
Symbolism of Coral & Coral Pink in Relation to Geojit:
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Growth & Resilience: Just as corals grow steadily over time, Geojit’s 35-year journey reflects sustainable progress and strong foundations.
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Protection & Stability: Coral reefs protect marine ecosystems, symbolizing Geojit’s role in securing clients’ financial futures.
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Vibrancy & Energy: The coral pink palette brought warmth, celebration, and modernity to the milestone event, connecting heritage with a youthful spirit.
Execution & My Role
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Attended creative discussions with the Marketing Department to align the theme with brand values.
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Contributed to the ideation of promotional collaterals(posters, invites, and digital promotions).
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Took the lead in finalizing background video visuals, which were created in Cinema 4D.
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The video was designed to span all five main stage screens, creating an immersive visual experience that tied the theme together dynamically.
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Coordinated with the agency executing the event to maintain thematic consistency across stage design, lighting, and printed materials.
Challenges & Learnings
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Balancing creativity with corporate branding: Ensuring the coral theme felt celebratory yet professional for a financial services brand.
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Indoor space adaptation: Needed to create a sense of vibrancy in a formal indoor setting, achieved through lighting, visuals, and synchronized five-screen media.
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Learning: I gained insights into how motion graphics tools like Cinema 4D can elevate corporate events by enhancing storytelling through digital media.
