In the bustling world of theater, Stage Creations has unveiled yet another gem with their latest play ‘Sikkal Sivaraman.’ The play, crafted by the talented S.L. Naanu, weaves a tapestry of humor and human relationships that can resonate with audiences of all ages. With Naanu taking charge of the story, dialogues, and direction, the stage is perfectly set for a light-hearted exploration of life’s many twists and turns.
The storyline unfurls with Chellappa, played delightfully by Naanu himself, embarking on a mission to find a suitable match for his son. His choice? A marriage within the sanctified walls of a Pillayar temple, united with the daughter of Parameswaran, portrayed by Ganapathy Shankar. Little does Chellappa know, his son has his own secret plans to tie the knot with Hema, the sister of Nandini (another character brought to life by Anu Suresh), in the very same temple. To complicate matters further, Chellappa has no inkling that Hema is also the daughter of Parameswaran, the man he originally had in mind.
As if this web of relationships wasn’t intricate enough, there’s another subplot intertwining with Chellappa’s grand plans. Lalitha’s daughter Janu is on the brink of marrying Suresh, once again in the same Pillayar temple, all unbeknownst to the ever-dutiful Chellappa. His disapproval of this union is rooted in his close kinship to Lalitha, and his unyielding resolve to oversee her best interests, although his vigilance seems more meddling than well-placed care.
The titular character, Sikkal Sivaraman, played masterfully by Kathadi Ramamurthy, is the living metaphor for the phrase “tying oneself in knots.” Sivaraman, whose very name implies knots or complex problems, seems to magnetically draw chaotic situations towards him. Ramamurthy’s portrayal is nothing short of energetic; despite his advancing years, he moves with the agility and zest of someone decades younger.
. His ability to dart in and out of scenes while seamlessly delivering sharp, witty lines is a testament to his enduring prowess on stage.
But Sivaraman’s talent isn’t limited to creating chaos. He is equally adept at resolving these tangled issues, transitioning the narrative from turmoil to tranquility, ensuring the audience is left with a sense of satisfaction akin to the adage ‘All’s well that ends well.’
Naanu has a knack for peppering his plays with subtle sociocultural commentaries, and ‘Sikkal Sivaraman’ is no exception. The play takes jabs at modern-day obsessions, particularly those revolving around the omnipresent YouTube channels. These digital platforms, with their endless supply of ‘life hacks’ ranging from kitchen cleaning tips to the art of folding clothes, are humorously depicted as overly complicating the banal tasks of daily life. And who among us can’t chuckle at Kathadi’s constant urge to check his Whatsapp messages, a reflection of a universal modern-day distraction.
Another societal shift that Naanu deftly addresses is the evolution of matchmaking. The transition from the 1970s and 1980s – an era where prospective grooms laid out extravagant demands – to the present day where it’s the brides’ turn to be equally discerning is portrayed with a satirical lens. The character of Janu, who turns down one proposal after another for trivial reasons, until fate intercedes and she falls for Suresh, typifies this modern phenomenon.
True to Naanu’s signature style, ‘Sikkal Sivaraman’ is a comedy that maintains a light-hearted tone throughout, using humor as a lens to examine the quirks and idiosyncrasies of human nature. His plays are celebrated for their ability to bring levity to life’s more complicated scenarios, ensuring audiences laugh while also reflecting on the underlying truths.
In the backdrop of Stage Creations’ thoughtfully designed set, and accompanied by fitting music and lighting, ‘Sikkal Sivaraman’ comes alive. The team’s dedication to the craft of theater is evident in every line, every scene change, and every laugh elicited from the audience. For those looking to explore the lighter side of life’s complex knots, this play stands out as a must-watch.
