Kalki’s magnum opus, ‘Ponniyin Selvan,’ which was staged last year as envisioned by Magic Lantern’s Pravin and producers SS International Live, stunned theatre lovers. On popular demand, the production returns to the Chennai stage from July 3 to 12, 6 p.m., at the Music Academy.
The play with a stellar cast that includes Srikrishna Dayal, Preethi Athreya, Pasupathi, Hans Kaushik and Meera Krishnamurthi, has been penned by E. Kumaravel and is directed by Pravin. Sets are by Thota Tharani and costume by Preethi Athreya.
So will there be any difference this year? Not much, except that there will be a marked change in costume, sets and the technology used. The novel, a combination of different genres -- historical, romance and thriller – centres round Arulmozhivarman, (the later Raja Raja Chola) one of the greatest kings of the Chola dynasty during the 10 and 11 centuries. The overwhelming success of the play in 2014 saw it create history when it collected a substantial sum through online ticketing. Superstar Rajinikanth was also among the host of celebrities who attended the shows.
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While SS International brings back the exhibition titled ‘Kankaatchi Kaanungal,’ which will highlight the Chola era through photographs and artefacts, what is special this year is ‘Padiyungal Paarungal,’ where a hardbound volume of the novel will be given free with two tickets for the ground floor and four tickets for the balcony.
Another unique concept will be ‘Ungalil Yaar Vanthiyathevan and Kunthavai,’ where seasoned photographers will click models dressed up as the duo. For the public, a headless cardboard figure will be kept at a prominent location, where people can place their heads in the cut-out and take photos. ‘Medaiyil Pesungal,’ that took place in May, had seminars and panel discussions on the novel.
This version of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is presented by SS International and should not be confused with the versions from other drama troupes being staged in the city, the organisers alert.
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