Friday Review
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Role play
T. K. SADASIVAN
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Kathakali Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri portrayed the virtuous Kuchela of ‘Kuchelavritham.’
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Perfect understanding: Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri and Kalamandalam Balasubramaniam in ‘Kuchelavritham.’
Kuchelavritham,’ penned by Muringoor Sankaran Potti (1851-1914), has a special significance in Kathakali repertoire. Known for its lyrical beauty and enchanting music, the play is the only ‘vritham,’ while most of the other narratives are either ‘charitham’ (history) or ‘vadhom’ (assassination). Another feature of ‘Kuchelavritham’ is that its hero is a ‘minukku’ character; a role that has only limited significance in many other stories.
Ode to friendship
The story of ‘Kuchelavritham’ is a simple story of friendship between Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Kuchela. The story traces their friendship and their momentous but sweet meeting after many years. Kuchela’s wife persuades him to undertake the journey to meet Krishna and seek the god’s help to alleviate their penurious existence. ‘Kuchelavritham’ is all about that journey of Kuchela.
‘Kuchelavritham,’ organised by Ernakulam Kathakali Club and Ernakulam Karayogam became interesting for another reason.
The pious and virtuous character Kuchela was portrayed by Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri, who is a celebrity when it comes to donning negative characters. It is extremely difficult to depict the passive feeling of devotion in Kathakali. But Nelliyode excelled in the role of Kuchela.
Kalamandalam Balasubramaniam, as Krishna, skilfully depicted the excitement of meeting his childhood companion Kuchela. Balasubramaniam enthralled the spectators with eloquent facial expressions and expressive body language. His improvisations were a delight to watch.
C.R. Ratheesan donned the role of Rugmani while RLV Radhakrishnan excelled as Kuchelapatni.
Kalamandalam Babu Namboodiri and Kalamandalam Harishkumar rendered the songs. Babu Namboodiri’s rendition of ‘Aithahare’ in slow tempo was outstanding. The percussionists were Kalamandalam Raman Namoodiri (chenda) and Kalamandalam Sasi (madhalam). Chutti (make-up) was by Cherthala Viswanathan Nair. ‘Purapad’ by Malavya Ajith and Jithin was impressive.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
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