As part of a celebration of the birth centenary of the legendary Goan cinematographer K. Vaikunth, the Cinephile Film Club of the Entertainment Society of Goa will hold a special program as a tribute to man behind the camera who worked on some all-time great films. There will be a conversation about the legacy of K. Vaikunth, with noted film historian Pavan Jha, a close associate of Gulzar who collaborated on several films with the Goan cinematographer and a screening of Aandhi.
The event will be held at Maquinez Palace Theatre, Old GMC building on Saturday 20th September at 5.30 pm.
Born in Margao, as Vaikunth Dattaram Kunkolienkar, he has been a towering yet under-recognised figure in the world of Indian cinematography. With a career spanning over three decades, Vaikunth brought a unique visual language to Indian cinema during a transformative period in its history. Known for his meticulous attention to lighting, framing, and emotional tone, his work has left an indelible mark on some of the most iconic films of the 1960s and 70s.
During his illustrious career, Vaikunth worked with Ramesh Sippy on Andaz (1971), Seeta aur Geeta (1972), for which he won the Filmfare award, Ramanand Sagar, Manmohan Desai, among others. But his association with Gulzar on films like Parichay, Koshish, Achanak, Mausam, Khushboo and Aandhi, is legendary.
One of Vaikunth’s most celebrated works, Aandhi, by Gulzar and starring Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar; remains a masterclass in both narrative storytelling and visual aesthetics. Often remembered for its political undertones and poignant performances, Aandhi is equally significant for its restrained yet powerful cinematography.
Vaikunth’s lens captured the internal landscapes of its characters as evocatively as the external backdrops, blending emotion with environment in a way that elevated the film’s themes of love, loss, and identity.
The screening of Aandhi will be preceded by a session with Pavan Jha, a well-known film historian and commentator on Indian cinema. Amit Kunkolienkar, son of K Vaikunth, will also be present for the program. The event is free and open to all on a first-come, first-served basis.
With decades of experience in researching and archiving film history and his close association with Gulzar, Jha will provide rare insights into K. Vaikunth’s legacy, the making of Aandhi, and the socio-political landscape that shaped its creation. His deep knowledge of film music, visuals, and narrative techniques promises to enrich the audience’s understanding of the era and the artistry behind the film.
This event is part of a broader effort of the Entertainment Society of Goa in celebrating the contributions of Goan artists in Indian cinema.
