Folktales Of India : The Bird With Two Heads
Advait Rajadhyaksha
2:15 | India | 2020
The Bird with Two Heads is a 2D animated short film. The film is a part of Folktales of India YouTube Channel. The film tells an abridged tale about a two-headed bird lost in greed and vengeance.. This tale originates from the lush green lands of Karnataka. The art style is inspired and developed from the ancient Chittara Tribal Art. This tale is derived from the famous Indian literary series, “The Panchatantra”.
The protagonist is a two-headed mythical bird, Bherunda, which lives along the banks of the Cauvery River. One day, one of the heads of the bird saw a delicious fruit and started devouring it. He exclaimed, “It is the most delicious fruit I have ever eaten.” Hearing this, the other head requested the first one, “Oh My! Let me also taste the fruit that you are praising so much”. The first head laughed and replied, “You do not need to taste the fruit. Since we have only one stomach, whichever head eats, the fruit it will go to the same stomach. Moreover, I am the one who found this fruit. So, I hold the right to relish it.” The other head became silent and disappointed after hearing the first head. While returning the other head found a tree bearing poisonous fruits. He plucked the poisonous fruit and told the first head, “You deceitful fellow, you did not share your fruit with me. Now, I will consume this poisonous fruit to teach you a lesson.” The first head yelled in fear, “Please don’t eat this poisonous fruit. If you eat it, both of us will die, because we have a common stomach to digest it.” The other head replied, “Remain silent! As I have found this fruit, I have every right to eat it.” Saying so, the other head consumed the poisonous fruit. As a result, the bird died and with it, both the heads also lost their lives.
That is why it is said that sharing a good thing with others is always good. This story also teaches you that you must think before taking any action in the heat of the moment.
Winner – Best Animation Film June 2020 (Calcutta International Cult Film Festival)
Advait Rajadhyaksha
