On a historic day in January over six decades ago, vibrant cultural energy came alive at Putharikandam Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram. It hosted Kalanilayam’s groundbreaking Kurukshethram Opera, penned by renowned playwright Kavalam Narayana Panicker. This significant event was marked by the debut of the first-ever permanent stage for theatre in Kerala, a visionary concept brought to life by cultural activist Krishnan Nair, later known as Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair. From that moment, Kalanilayam embarked on an inspiring journey, enchanting audiences for years with grand theatrical productions.
A notable production in Kalanilayam’s illustrious repertoire is ‘Raktharakshas’, or ‘Vampire’. This play, an epitome of Kalanilayam’s innovative spirit, promises to return to the stage in October with a fresh twist. Performed in two parts, this revival marks an exciting chapter for the theatre company, now operating under the new identity of Aries Kalanilayam Arts and Theatre Private Ltd. This transformation followed a strategic collaboration with the Aries Group of Companies, led by Sohan Roy, redefining the theatre institution to adapt to modern times.
The son of the late Krishnan Nair, Anandapadmanabhan, plays a pivotal role in this revival. Despite personal and organizational challenges, including the absence of the incapacitated actor Jagathy Sreekumar, son of playwright Jagathy NK Achary, Anandapadmanabhan continues to navigate Kalanilayam’s course. With a firm belief in evolving with contemporary audiences, he strives to honor his father’s legacy of transformation on stage, bringing unseen spectacles—from airplanes to floods—into the theatrical experience. Partnering with Aries fortified these aspirations, extending the reach of Kalanilayam’s storied productions beyond Kerala.
Over the decades, Kalanilayam has mounted over 50 productions, captivating audiences with tales such as ‘Kayamkulam Kochunni’ and ‘Taj Mahal’. These productions not only left a mark in theatre but also opened doors to cinema for many artists. The troupe nurtured talents like Meena and Balan K Nair, who became familiar names in the Malayali film industry.
As Kalanilayam gears up to stage ‘Raktharakshas’ in two chapters, Anandapadmanabhan elucidates the development of this project.
. The play’s core storyline, penned initially by Jagathy NK Achary, vividly portrays the transformation of Lakshmi, the central character who turns into a bloodthirsty vampire. Anandapadmanabhan himself has crafted the sequel, exploring the backstory of the protagonist’s familial experiments. This two-part adaptation aims to introduce the classic tale to a generation unfamiliar with its original theatrical thrill.
A highlight of this new rendition is an enhanced production quality, particularly in sound. In a bold step, live dialogues will intertwine seamlessly with a pre-recorded soundtrack transformed into Dolby 7.1 surround sound, creating a cinema-like audio experience for theatre-goers. This technical sophistication underscores the innovation infused into the timeless narrative.
The relaunch of ‘Raktharakshas’ spotlights a diverse and talented new cast, committed to redefining success in stagecraft. With a formidable cast of 60 actors among a 150-member crew, the production relies on fresh faces to breathe new life into Kalanilayam’s ancient roots. The project reflects a commitment to elevating the confidence and recognition of stage actors, a pressing need within Kerala’s theatre community.
As part of this revival, the Thiruvanchikulam temple ground in Kodungalloor has been meticulously transformed to offer a state-of-the-art viewing environment, featuring an air-conditioned auditorium complete with plush seating. The return of ‘Raktharakshas’ launches on October 13, playing for a limited 25-day engagement before the production advances to other locations.
While audiences will enjoy a blend of nostalgic and new scenes, signature moments from the original have been retained. The narrative promises drama, thrills, and set pieces that lead gracefully to the second chapter. This revival not only honors Krishnan Nair’s dream of permanent stages but breathes fresh life into cultural heritage, inviting both veteran and young audiences into the storied world of Kalanilayam Theatre.
Tickets for this much-anticipated theatrical event range from ₹300 to ₹700.ее
