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Talented exponent of Chakyar Koothu

Ammannoor Rajaneesh Chakyar

KOCHI: The ‘Ammannoor school' is considered as the bold and definitive style of ‘Vaachikaabhinaya' (oral acting) in Chakyar Koothu.

The sharp and timely criticism, inimitable acting style and crystal clear diction are the prominent factors of this school, which was preserved and popularised by the late Ammannoor Madhava Chakyar.

A number of young talented artistes who were trained under the maestro have now taken up Koodiyattom and Koothu.

Ammannoor Rajaneesh was able to absorb the inimitable presentation of Vaachikaabhinaya from his grand uncle, Madhava Chakyar. To fulfill the dream of Madhava Chakyar, Rajaneesh had taken a decision to give up his profession and to dedicate himself for the promotion of the traditional arts.

Ammannoor Rajaneesh Chakyar proved his potential in presenting the oral acting through various stages.

The connoisseurs of Koothu and Koodiyattom were appreciative of his presenting Vivaadham, the initial phase of famous Purushaartha Koothu, at Thripunithura Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple.

“It is nothing but the rigorous training under the strict supervision of Madhavamman and Kuttamman that enables me to present the Chakyar Koothu properly,” Rajaneesh , an MCA graduate says. It is quite amazing to watch the transformation of the otherwise introvert Rajaneesh into a vibrant Chkayar after adorning the head gear.

While narrating the Vivaadham of Purushartha Koothu, Rajaneesh compared the foolish characters in the story line with the contemporary live characters who lead a mundane life in the society.

While answering a question about his presentation of the intricate Sanskrit excerpts and voice modulation of myriad characters in the main story, Rajaneesh explained the strenuous training period during his student days at the Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam, Irinjalakuda.

Orthodox style

“It is only the two to three hour long chanting of various sholakas, early in the morning that provides energy for presenting the story in an effortless manner,” he says.

On the second day while explaining the Ganapathy Praathal, the satirical story of Vaishravana (brother of Ravana) who failed to provide a sumptuous feast for Lord Ganesha, Rajaneesh adopted the orthodox style followed by Ammannoor Madhava Chakyar.

The most attractive element of his narration is the unadulterated language used by him to explain the interaction between the characters. “It is quite difficult for youngsters like me to avoid the English terms while presenting Koothu,” he admits.

Here, also the hour long chanting experience helps us to give maximum care during the narration to avoid the English terms or colloquial language used in our day to day life, Rajaneesh thankfully recalls the vigilant supervision of his uncles during the training period.

Now Rajaneesh is readying to present the famous Aasthana Purushaartham at the Irinjalakuda Koothambalam.

“As a member of Ammannoor Chakyar Madhom we have to present the debut performance of Purushartha Koothu in the Koothambalam. Then only we can present them in other places,” Rajaneesh says.

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