Job Kurian Pens A Heartfelt Ode to Family on ‘Kaalam’

Showcasing the verdant surroundings of Vithura village near Thiruvananthapuram, Malayalam folk-fusion artist Job Kurian weaves together a story of time and perseverance on “Kaalam.” Drawing specifically from the tales he’d heard of Theresa Joseph, his great grandfather’s sister, Kurian describes the song as a “wild thought that came into my mind out of sheer gratitude and love” for her.

In the video directed by Kurian himself along with director of photography Vipin Chandran, the distinctively silken crooner is seen playing a white piano in the middle of dense foliage, interspersed with shots of an actor portraying the family breadwinner who was known as Threasyamma and Kochelayamma. The track features keys by Samuel Leo, flittering guitars from Sonu Prasad and Sunil Sylvester, plus drumming from Mithun Puthenveettil (from rock veterans Avial).

Kurian says about the song and video, “I have not seen [her] but have felt her grace throughout our lives. An imagination that Kochelayamma came to visit my dream home and was ecstatic to see her hard earned land being well cared for and nurtured [sic]. I bow my head and say a silent prayer of thanks, as she showers her blessings on all our generations and many more to come.”

An educator who was headmistress at one of Kerala’s well-known schools, Cotton Hill, Kurian says he often heard from his father about Kochelayamma’s contribution to the family. “Her hard work and commitment helped her acquire a considerable amount of agricultural land holdings, half of which she donated to several charitable institutions and the rest to her siblings which was again passed on to their children and grandchildren,” he shares.

As a fourth-generation rep and a “small beneficiary of her generosity,” Kurian vows to keep her legacy alive and hopes to serve as a worthy caretaker of the home and land she passed on to him. “Kaalam” is the fourth track off Kurian’s release series called Hope Project, which has included songs like “Enthavo” (which has over two million views), “Mulla” and “Parudeesa.” The artist — who performed at Bacardi NH7 Weekender in Pune last year — will have one final release for the Hope Project coming next.

Watch the video for “Kaalam” below.