Writer Chandramathi on Wednesday released a collection of stories by Russian writer and film director Vasily Shukshin translated into Malayalam. The collection has been published by the Foundation Russkiy Mir. Actor and writer Madhupal received the first copy.

Ms. Chandramathi said the works of Shukshin reflected the voice of ordinary people. Shukshin’s greatest achievement was his compassionate portrayal of ordinary villagers, workers and people living on the margins of society, she said. He portrayed the dignity, struggles and aspirations of ordinary Russians, becoming one of the foremost representatives of the Soviet ‘Village Prose’ movement.

Mr. Madhupal said Shukshin created films that combined realism, humour and profound emotional insight. His masterpiece, The Red Snowball Tree, remains one of the classics of Soviet cinema, he said.

Honorary Consul of Russia in Thiruvananthapuram Ratheesh Nair was present. A seminar ‘Vasily Shukshin - Voice from Altai to the World ‘ was also held on the sidelines of the book launch.