The 75th year of formation of Parama Siva Vilasam Nataka Company [PSV Natyasangham], under the guidance of Kottakkal Aryavaidya Sala, was celebrated with a series of colourful cultural events at Kottakkal. ‘Nallathangal Charitham,’ a musical drama written by P. S. Warrier, the founder of Aryavaidya Sala, was a highlight of the festival. Warrier wrote this drama about a decade ago. This time the play was enacted by Kathakali artistes of PSV Natyasangham.
The drama tells the story of the bond between brother and sister, Kulasekharan (Nallannan), King of south Madhura, and his sister, Nallathangal. Kulasekharan marries off Nallathangal to Kashyapa, the king of Vadamadura. The marriage is a happy one but Kashyapa is an irresponsible king and soon the land is mired in poverty. Unable to see the suffering, Nallathangal returns to her home. However, she finds that she is no longer welcome there, particularly by Mooliyalankari, her sister-in-law. Eventually Nallathangal and her children commit suicide. A grief-stricken Kashyapa too kills himself. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt Kulashekaran decides to sacrifice himself. Lord Shiva takes pity on the King and gives him a boon. Kulashekara then requests Lord Shiva to restore the lives of his beloved ones.
Although there is plenty of scope for melodrama in the play, the artistes managed to tone it down. Kottakkal Devadas, known for his Chuvannathadi veshams, portrayed King Kulasekharan. Be it in his appearance, histrionics or dialogue presentation, Devadas was picture perfect. The role of Nallathangal was enacted by Kottakkal Rajumohan. He did so with élan. Kottakkal C. M. Unnikrishnan as Kashyapa also did a commendable job.
Kottakkal Murali, who directed the play, deserves appreciation, especially for whittling down the seven-hour-long narrative to two and a half hours. Kottakkal Narayanan, Kottakkal Madhu and Vengeri Narayanan provided background music and Kottakkal Prasad headed the percussion.
Following the drama, a scene from ‘Balivijayam’ Kathakali was performed with Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Warrier as Ravana and Nelliyode Vasudevan Nampoothiri as Narada.
