Divine Paradox
VR narrative experience
In Divine Paradox, I explore the haunting contradiction at the heart of Theyyam, a ritual from Kerala where men from marginalised castes are worshipped as gods for a few sacred hours, only to return to lives of social invisibility. Built from extensive field research, interviews, and on-site documentation, the project follows a fictional performer, Gopi, whose story is shaped by real testimonies.
The experience unfolds through two acts- childhood and adulthood- within an immersive VR environment set inside a 3D-modeled temple. The character design merges myth and reality: human vulnerability, black skin symbolic of caste perception, and a glowing golden bangle representing both honour and inherited burden. Surrounding him is a fair-skinned audience, symbolising caste privilege and distance.
The project includes a short documentary, VR narrative (developed in Unreal Engine), and a photographic series—inviting viewers to not only witness the ritual, but to embody the paradox of being both divine and untouchable.
Developed from a collaborative documentary project by Ashika Miriyam and Indeevar Kalidas, research and interviews shaped the foundation of this work.
Made in Unreal Engine and Blender.
Created by Indeevar Kalidas
Voice narration by Eric Zacariah
Sound engineering by Gopi Krishna
story by Indeevar Kalidas
Written by Indrani Kalidas and Indeevar Kalidas
Temple 3D rendering support by Ruben
Made in Unreal Engine and Blender.
Dive into the Research.
Voices of my research.
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Dr. Rajesh Komath
Assistant Professor of Social Sciences, School of Social Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University. Hailing from Kannur, Kerala, he was born into the world of Theyyam. While many in his position dedicate their lives entirely to the practice, he chose a different path—pursuing higher education and continuing his studies until he earned a PhD.
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Santhosh Kumar
Santhosh is an animator at Toonz Animation in Thiruvananthapuram, having moved there from Kannur after getting married in pursuit of a more stable future for his family. Despite his relocation, his roots in Theyyam remain strong—he continues to perform, embodying the sacred traditions he was raised with.
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C.P. Narayanan
Narayanan, a Theyyam host and scholar based in Kannur, has dedicated his life to preserving and teaching the rich traditions of Theyyam and its deep-rooted connections to caste. Over the years, he has hosted countless Theyyam performances and guided many in understanding its cultural and social significance. For me, he has been the anchor of this research—an old soul with a kind heart, whose storytelling feels like slipping into a dream. His words don’t just inform; they transport you, weaving history, myth, and reality into something truly unforgettable.
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Madhu Panickar
Madhu, a highly respected Theyyam practitioner from Payyanur, Kerala, carries forward a deep-rooted tradition passed down through generations. Our journey took us north of Kannur, where stories of social injustice and caste discrimination were more prevalent. Unlike some contemporary performers, Madhu held strong, more conservative views—firm in his belief that the sacred art of Theyyam should remain within the family, just as his father had entrusted it to him. Though Theyyam is seasonal and not always financially stable, he finds fulfillment in preserving his heritage and continues to sustain himself through his devotion to the practice.
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Kuttan Panickar
A Theyyam practitioner and auto driver from Kannur, Kerala, radiated warmth and kindness the moment we started talking. His easygoing nature made him one of the most wholesome people to speak with. But the moment he donned his Theyyam costume, everything changed. His presence became powerful, almost otherworldly— he no longer felt like the same person. The transformation was complete, and in that moment, he wasn’t just performing; he became the deity.
This documentary provides context to the world and people behind the VR experience. It introduces the paradox, the culture, and the personal stories that inspired the narrative.
The VR narrative.
