On a historic day, January 26, 1963, Putharikandam Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram became the birthplace of a novel theatrical venture, the Kurukshethram Opera, penned by the esteemed playwright Kavalam Narayana Panicker. This moment marked the inception of the first permanent stage for theatre in Kerala, an initiative spearheaded by cultural activist Krishnan Nair who later gained fame as Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair.
During its vibrant decades, Kalanilayam captivated audiences with grandiose Malayalam productions, crafted by the talented Jagathy NK Achary. These productions were known for their groundbreaking sets and props, transporting viewers into folklore and fable worlds in a visually stunning manner. As the times evolved, the responsibility to carry forward this legacy fell on the shoulders of Kalanilayam Anandapadmanabhan and Jagathy Sreekumar, sons of Krishnan Nair and Achary, respectively. The latter’s unfortunate accident in 2012 placed the baton squarely in Anandapadmanabhan’s hands.
In an exciting turn of events, Kalanilayam is now on the brink of a new era. Transformed into a private registered entity, it collaborates with Aries Group of Companies, led by Sohan Roy, under the moniker Aries Kalanilayam Arts and Theatre Private Ltd. As of October 13, the grounds of Thiruvanchikulam temple in Kodungalloor, Thrissur district, are set to host the premiere of a revamped rendition of the iconic play, Raktharakshas. This play, originally staged 51 years ago, will be presented in two unique parts, a first in the annals of Indian theatre.
Anandapadmanabhan highlights the imperative of adapting to the dynamics of modern times while maintaining the core essence of their productions. He remarks on the evolution of Kalanilayam since its inception, especially how his father introduced unseen theatrical experiences like onstage appearances of airplanes, cars, and even natural phenomena. These innovations essentially offered audiences a cinematic experience. Upon assuming leadership, Anandapadmanabhan’s challenge lay in elevating the productions to newer heights, ensuring their rich character remained untouched. He also envisions broadening their audience base beyond Kerala—a dream made feasible with the backing of Aries Group.
Accredited with over 50 productions, Kalanilayam’s esteemed portfolio includes Raktharakshas, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Kadamattathu Kathanar, Naradan Keralathil, and many others.
. The troupe harbored dedicated actors driven by their passion for theatre, bringing characters like ‘Akbar’ Sankarapillai and VK Aravindaksha Menon to life. Furthermore, Kalanilayam served as a launchpad into cinema for numerous actors, including Meena, Manavalan Joseph, and the late KPAC Sunny, among others.
Following the demise of Krishnan Nair in 1980, Kalanilayam faced challenging times before Anandapadmanabhan and Jagathy Sreekumar revived it in 2003 with Raktharakshas as its comeback production. The play, later translated into Tamil as Rara Rakshasarathri, found acclaim in Tamil Nadu.
Amidst recovering from Sreekumar’s accident, Anandapadmanabhan took the helm with Kalanilayam Stage Craft in 2014, launching innovative productions like Hidimbi, aiming to attract younger audiences. The pandemic, however, posed existential threats, necessitating collaboration with Aries for revival efforts.
Instead of debuting the play’s sequel, it was decided to reintroduce the original Raktharakshas to acquaint newer audiences with its roots. The first part, penned by Jagathy NK Achary, features its signature opening with an airplane stage entrance, weaving the gripping tale of Lakshmi, a character turned vampire. Anandapadmanabhan’s sequel dives deeper, unveiling the origins of this transformation.
Technical enhancements like Dolby 7.1 surround sound aim to elevate the viewing experience akin to cinema, as live dialogue synchronizes with recorded soundscapes. A 150-strong crew, brimming with fresh talent, embodies the play, offering hope for theatrical actors who often lacked financial assurance and fan support compared to their cinematic peers.
Work on the staging has been ongoing for a year, with its commencement in Kodungalloor, tying personal and historical significance to Anandapadmanabhan. The new AC auditorium, accommodating audiences comfortably with pushback seats, stands ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Preserving the soul of the original while refining its comedic elements to suit contemporary tastes, the production spans two hours and twenty minutes, set to mesmerize audiences from October 13 in Kodungalloor and continue its journey through Thodupuzha and Ernakulam. For details and bookings, audiences can reach out via the provided contact number.
