In Kochi, a wall painting from the 1980 film "Mela," urging voters to support A.K. Saseendran, is now a prominent topic on social media.
The painting depicts a village in north Kerala, where Saseendran, then the NCP (SP) leader and State Forest Minister, was contesting in the 1980 election.
The painting is a reminder of how a simple message from a different era still resonates with people.
Thomas A, a retired schoolteacher in Kannur, recalls Saseendran's 1980 election campaign.
"People were not familiar with him then, but his campaign was unique, with banners and wall paintings. He ultimately won," he said.
As the election approaches, Kerala's walls are being transformed into vibrant canvases with colorful calligraphy and graffiti.
However, behind these artworks is a shrinking community of skilled artists, who are in high demand during elections but are now facing challenges.
The issue gained attention when a Congress candidate for the Palakkad Assembly seat, Ramesh Pisharody, used a robot to write on a wall.
Artists argue that technology is not a direct threat, as machines cannot replace human creativity.
"Even in areas like Tripunithura, Thrikkakara, and Ernakulam, there are only a few artists working on professional calligraphy and graffiti during elections," said Shaji, an artist from Nettoor.
Shaji expressed concern about the declining number of practitioners in the field.
He believes the decline is not due to a lack of income, but also due to a lack of recognition.
"In the last 20 years, no new people have entered this field, especially in Ernakulam district. The decline began with the introduction of flex boards in the late 1990s. Unlike other sectors, wall writing is an art form, and language barriers make it difficult to find workers," he said.
Shaji, also known as Sha Nettoor, has worked for candidates from various political parties, including V.D. Satheesan and Deepak Joy of the Congress, and K.J. Maxi of the CPI(M).
He added that artists are adapting to stay relevant.
"We now create graffiti portraits of candidates. We also use 3D images and lettering to make wall paintings more attractive. We are constantly learning new techniques," he said.
Ayyappankutty, a Kakkanad-based artist with over 40 years of experience, shares similar concerns.
"I have worked for all major candidates in the district. There is a severe shortage, especially during elections. Nowadays, work starts early in the morning and continues until dusk," he said.
According to him, a basic wall painting takes about 15–20 minutes.
"For paintings that include a candidate's image and 3D lettering, it takes around two hours. For normal wall writing, we charge Rs 500–700 depending on the size of the wall," he said.
During non-election periods, artists continue to find work in painting homes, schools, and government buildings.
"Elections are hectic, but we still get a steady income during non-election periods. Artists are always in demand," he added.
Meanwhile, Palakkad-based Tevanova Techtrade Pvt Ltd has introduced an automated wall-writing device, "Chuvarbot", for use in Pisharody's campaign.
The computerised numerical control (CNC)-based device operates on a ramp and can execute wall writing and drawings in minimal time. The company is yet to patent the product and is continuing development.
"We have tested the device by doing wall painting in Palakkad. The full-fledged operation has not yet started. It is still under development," CEO Shakkib Geethanjali told