Koodal by Tyeb Mehta

Tyeb Mehta (1925–2009), emerged as one of India’s leading modernists. Trained at the Sir J. J. School of Art (1947–52), his early exposure to inhuman violence deeply influenced his work, infusing it with trauma, resilience, and integrity. His artistic journey was significantly shaped by his time in London (1960–64) and later New York, where he encountered European modernist and abstract expressionist influences. This exposure led to his hallmark minimalist approach and the pioneering use of a diagonal motif, which he developed and refined over a decade, translating intense expressionistic vigour into planar depth and compositional clarity.

Tyeb Mehta’s oeuvre, including iconic works like the anguished Falling Figures and the redemptive Celebration, powerfully communicates themes of human suffering, solace, and transcendence. His powerful imagery—ranging from the trussed bull and rickshaw puller to mythological figures like Kali and Mahishasura—manifests an austere, commanding clarity and masterful execution.

Throughout his career, Mehta received prestigious honours such as the Kalidas Samman (1988) and the Padma Bhushan (2007). His work remains intensely influential, combining emotional depth with formal innovation, and exemplifying foundational consistency within Indian modernism.

Koodal
Tyeb Mehta’s first and only film, Koodal (1970), is a 16min 16sec experimental meditation on violence and resilience. The much acclaimed film was produced by the Film Division of India, was awarded Filmfare Critics’ Award, 1970. Tyeb with his nuanced use of metaphors bleeds his visual sensibilities beyond canvas- into motion, sound and silence. As a fellow artist and a friend Krishen Khanna observes, Koodal stands as “a message of non-violence,” a profound reflection on trauma, faith and hope of a nation scarred by partition.

Courtesy and Copyright Films Division / NFDC India

Film Screening Timings:
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 4:45 to 5:00 P.M.
Friday, November 14, 2025 - 11:30 - 11:45 A.M.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - 6:30 - 6:45 P.M.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 - 12:30 to 12:45 P.M