Indu G. presented a Nangiarkoothu recital of ‘Akruragamanam’ (the Journey of Akrura) at Nepathya, a centre for Koodiyattam, near Aluva.
It describes Akrura’s journey to Vrindavan to meet Krishna and Balarama and bring them over to Mathura on the orders of King Kamsa. Akrura has mixed feelings for he fears that he may be putting the youngsters’ lives in danger since the King has always wanted to kill Krishna. At the same time, he is happy at the thought of being able to meet Krishna.
On his way, Akrura is immersed in the thought of Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Akrura recounts the several incarnations of the lord to keep Dharma alive on the Earth and describes each in detail. He hopes that he would too be protected by the glory of Lord Krishna.
With these thoughts Akrura reaches Vrindavan and dismounting from his chariot he begins to roll on the ground where Krishna plays with his cowherds and cows. By twilight he comes to see the flute bearer of Vrindavan shining like the flower of karimkoovala. Akrura then prostrates before Krishna who in turn picks him up and embraces him. After a meal they share some happy moments.
Indu took the spectators along with her to the road to Vrindavan with her superb performance. The whole one-act play throbs with strong emotions and subtle expressions. The classical rendering of mudras and movements in their pristine forms and sancharibhavas were captivating and made it a memorable recital.
Her evocative depiction of the churning of the milky ocean using the great serpent Vasuki as a rope was unforgettable. When it came to the incarnation of Narasimha breaking open the pillar, the fierce features of Narasimha as well as the deep devotion of Prahlada were captivating to watch. The superb enactment and pakarnattam reached its summit while she painted the twilight scenes of Vrindavan and Ambady. Kalamandalam Manikandan, Nepathya Jinesh and Kalamandalam Sivaprasad on the mizhavu and Kalanilayam Rajan on the edakka and Kalamandalam Haritha on thalam accompanied Indu. The programme was held as part of the academy’s monthly performance at the Koothambalam on its premises.
