On the colourful streets of Goa, which 'attracts everyone', Arun's camera captures a number of unnoticed lives, that have faded, and are isolated on the streets surrounded by celebrations.
Arun Punalur (Actor, Photographer)
The faded lives on colourful streets of Goa; Goan diaries of Arun Punalur
Goa is known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, a flamboyant city that offers nightlife, alcohol and music at night along with the beauty of the beach.
It is also drinkers paradise as alcohol is available at low prices and liquor is allowed in public places like beaches. These are the main factors that attract Goan tourists the most.
Street sleeps
Tourists who happily return after spending thousands to lakhs of rupees on a night out, and people running from one place to another in the rush of festivities, are quite common here.
But Arun, who is also a professional photographer, takes us to some of the faded sights that most Goan travellers cannot notice. Here we can not see the dazzling colours or the noises of the celebrations, what awaits us there are only glimpses of some of the lives of those who struggle to make a living in the midst of world-famous Goan tourism and are isolated in the crowd with no opportunity to celebrate.
Those who are awake on the sleeping street
On the colourful streets of Goa that attract everyone, Arun Punalur's camera has focus-locked on some unnoticed corners of the streets and captured numerous faded lives. Arun's Goan street photography stands out from the ordinary versions as Goan visitors focus on picturing the festive side. It is an indispensable tourist destination in India, hosting celebrations and festivities day and night. Lets enjoy some Goan lives contrary to the expectations captured by Arun Punalur.
Some of these can be seen in the dawn of Goa...
Behind that are vehicles waiting for those who gamble with millions on casinos anchored on the Mandovi River all night, and the exit area to the shore. At the same time here one is waiting for the mercy of those who go before her to eat at least one meal a day. This is a view that can be seen on the sidewalks of any city that opens up to a busy day. - Arun Punalur wrote on his timeline.
Night travelers
Arun Punalur has arrived in Panaji (Panjim), the administrative capital of Goa to attend the 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He is a travel enthusiast, actor and also a professional photographer.
He is a native of Vilakkuvattom, Punalur, Kollam, was first worked as a freelance still photographer in the film Dalamarmarangal, directed by film Vijayakrishnan. Later, Arun worked as a still photographer in the films Kaadu Pookkunna Neram and Sound of Silence.
Those who sell happiness on the street
Arun has directed about six documentaries, and some of these have won several awards including the 2010 Film Critics Award. His documentary on the historic Punalur - Red Fort (Chenkotta) Railway "Ormmakalilekku Oru Ottayadipatha" has garnered a lot of audience attention.
Arun Punalur at 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
In 2016, he madeis acting debut in the short film Akam Puram. He later acted in 'Kanthi' (Best Film at the Indian Cine Film Festival) directed by Ashok R Nath, 'Kaadu Pookkunna Neram' (2017) directed by Dr. Biju, Vyasan Edavanakkad's 'Ayal Jeevichirippundu' (2017), Krish Kymal's 'Ashiq Vanna Divasam' (2018), M.A. Nishad's 'Kinar' (2018), Prajesh Sen's 'Captain' (2018), John Manthrickal's 'Janamaithri' (2019), Joshi's 'Porinju Mariam Jose' (2019), Dinjith Ayyathan's 'O.P.160/18 Kakshi: Amminippilla' (2019), Ahamed Kabir's 'June' (2019), Nadirsha's 'Mera Naam Shaji' (2019), 'Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan' (2020), Shyam Mohan directed 'Kochaal' (2020) on the big screen.
