Draft:Beary Cinema

Beary Cinema
Produced feature films (2019)
Total	3 (Theatrical: Byari (film) (2011), Abba (2018), Triple Talaq (2019))

Beary Cinema refers to the film industry associated with the Beary (also spelled Byari) community, a Muslim ethnic group primarily concentrated along the southwest coast of India, particularly in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka, and parts of northern Kerala. Beary cinema is notable for its use of the Beary language (also known as Beary bashe), a Dravidian language influenced by Tulu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Perso-Arabic elements. While relatively small compared to other regional Indian film industries, Beary cinema has gained recognition for its cultural significance and contributions to Indian cinema, particularly through the acclaimed film Byari (2011).

History

The Beary community's engagement with cinema reflects its rich cultural heritage, which dates back over 950 years as one of the earliest Muslim communities in South India. The Bearys, historically involved in trade and maritime activities, have a distinct identity shaped by their language, cuisine, and traditions. According to research by scholars like B.A. Viveka Rai and Ichlangod Balakrishna, the Bearys’ cultural expressions, including oral literature and folk traditions, laid the groundwork for their eventual foray into filmmaking.

Beary cinema emerged as a distinct entity in the early 21st century, with the production of films in the Beary language. The lack of a standardized script for Beary until 2020 posed challenges for written documentation and screenplay development. Historically, the language was written in Kannada or Arabic scripts, but the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy developed an independent script and numerals in 2020, enhancing its potential for literary and cinematic use.

Notable Films

The most prominent milestone in Beary cinema is the release of Byari (2011), directed by Suveeran (K.P. Suveeran). This film holds the distinction of being the first feature-length film in the Beary language. Byari explores the cultural and social dynamics of the Beary community, focusing on the strict marital laws, the practice of Iddat (a waiting period after divorce or widowhood in Islam), and Talaq (divorce), and their impact on women. The film premiered in theaters in the Dakshina Kannada region on June 9, 2011, and received widespread critical acclaim. At the 59th National Film Awards in 2012, Byari shared the award for Best Feature Film with the Marathi film Deool, marking a historic achievement for Beary cinema. The jury praised the film for its sensitive portrayal of Beary traditions and its cinematic quality. Additionally, actress Mallika, who played the lead role of Nadira, received a Special Mention from the National Film Award jury for her performance. Byari was also screened at various international film festivals, including the Berlin Festival, further elevating the visibility of Beary cinema. Another notable work is Triple Talaq (2019), directed by Yakub Khader Gulvady. This film, made in Beary and Kannada, addresses the issue of triple talaq, reflecting the community’s social concerns. Gulvady wrote the script, directed the film, and played a small role, showcasing a multifaceted contribution to Beary cinema. A forthcoming Beary language feature film, Abba, directed by M.G. Rahim, was announced for release in November 2018. The film features senior poet Mohammed Baddur in the lead role of a father, with Roopa Vorkady playing the mother, and focuses on the struggles of a father whose son is in jail. The music, composed by Riyaz Payil, includes three songs written and sung by Baddur.