Diametrically different from its last offering, ‘Soppana Vaazhvil’ in theme and presentation, ‘Kaasaedhaan Kadavulada,’ the new play which is all set to roll out of the UAA bastion on June 17, will be a fizzy, fun-filled laugh riot – a re-creation of the nearly five-decade old classic film that gained cult status, thanks to its spontaneous, situational humour. ‘Chitralaya’ Gopu was its writer and director.
“Gopu’s humour is natural and timeless. And when I told him that I wish to bring ‘KK’ to the stage again, his response was, ‘I’m sure you will do a commendable job of it,’” laughs Y.Gee. Mahendra as we chat over a cup of coffee.
When Gopu’s theatre troupe, Unity Club, staged ‘Kaasaedhaan Kadavulada’, it became an instant hit, and after more than 200 shows AVM took it to the big screen.
“As the tea vendor turned conman ‘Thengai’ Srinivasan took the film to another level,” says Mahendra. And it is this role that Mahendra will essay in the new version of the play, which has been adapted from the film, with writer ‘Chitralaya’ Sriram lending a touch of topicality.
Mahendra has done it before – he successfully revived ‘Vietnam Veedu’ and ‘Pareetshaikku Naeramaachu,’ which were immensely popular plays before they were made into films. The only difference is that he is re-visiting a comedy this time.
“Expressing my adoration for ‘Chitralaya’ Gopu, the living legend of unadulterated humour, has been in my mind for a while now. What better way to do it than bringing back his hit on stage,” asks Mahendra. “And it is also a tribute to Manorama, Muthuraman, ‘Thengai’ Srinivasan and my God of Music, M.S. Viswanathan, who were part of the film.” MSV’s foot tapping numbers, such as, ‘Jambulingamay…’ remain matchless. “We’ve included one and half minutes of the song -- without it, our play cannot be complete,” he chuckles.
When a comedy that has been very successful is re-made, you need to have talents who are attuned to timing in comic dialogue. “My actors are used to it. Even our serious plays are interlaced with humour.” At once I think of Brinda, one of UAA’s seasoned performers. Her portrayal in the recent ‘Soppana Vaazhvil’ had Nasser, the chief guest at one of the shows, enjoying her funny act on stage, and later complimenting her profusely. She is playing the role that Manorama portrayed on screen, and Yuvasri replicates Lakshmi in this UAA outing.
The roles of Murthy, Srikanth and others enhanced the humour element in the film. We’ll have to wait to gauge the performances of UAA members. “I was considered for Srikanth’s role in the film then, but I missed it,” Mahendra sighs.
The presence of Suppini in the posters of the play is puzzling! “He’s our star performer. So I have created a role for him. He’s an atheist, who argues with the diddling, religious Guru. They will be lively, rip-roaring moments,” Mahendra assures.
“Despite treading light-hearted terrain, Gopu’s creations have underlying messages. ‘KK’ says if you keep holding on to your purse strings, others in the family will resort to trickery. Therein lies his uniqueness,” smiles Mahendra.
Gopu’s take
“In the film ‘Thengai’s role was such a hit that after the first week of release, AVM Chettiar had a huge hoarding of ‘Thengai’ Srinivasan put up at Pilot Theatre where it was running to a packed house. It was my first film as director,” recalls ‘Chitralaya’ Gopu. “When Mahendra approached me, I said this is a laugh riot which is often telecast. So comparisons could be inevitable. His reply was that it shouldn’t be an issue as theatre is different.”
“Ramani, a mimicry artist who was with AG’s Office, did the significant role of tea-shop owner and the cheating god man when my troupe, Unity Club, staged ‘Kaasaedhaan Kadavulada.’” He was a part of all K. Balachander’s plays then.
Mahendra is the third actor to don the role. “He has a strong following and has proved himself as a stage director and actor,” Gopu commends.
