Radhika Shurajit’s production ‘G. Ramanathan Mudhal A. R. Rahman Varai - Tirai Isai Paatum Bharathamum,’ which premiered at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, was a bubbly affair which won over the spectators with its artistic fusion of film hits and graceful movements drawn from Bharatanatyam.
Featured here were evergreen songs which continue to be favourites among music lovers event today -- ‘Maraindirindaen Paarkum’ from ‘Thillana Mohanambal’ or ‘Aadal Kaneero’ from ‘Madurai Veeran’ as well as the more recent ‘Pulveli.’
Radhika’s acumen was revealed in the juxtaposing of the numbers where there was a steady build-up of the narrative without letting in dips or lulls. Beginning with Rahman’s ‘Anjali Anjali’ up to ‘Mukunda Mukunda’ by Himesh Reshmaiyya, there was a steady progression of the happy mood.
The luminous quality of the show was due to the combined effect of the glittering costume that swished and swirled with every pirouette of the dancers, the special lighting and make-up of the dancers. Group items such as ‘Kannampoochi,’ ‘Kannan Pirandan’ and ‘Lovebirds’ were enjoyable for the synchronisation and tableau formation by the fine-looking dancers.
The solo and duet numbers stood out for the lucidity in abhinaya. ‘Kannan Varuvan’ by Krithika Shurajit, ‘Kandal Naal’ by Lavanya, ‘Naalai Inda’ by Keerthana and ‘Narumukaiye’ by Sai Santosh and Aarabi Badri stood out for the accent on sunny themes and eloquent sringara.
Dancers Venkatasubhramaniam, Reshma, Gowthami, Aswini, Nitya, Nivedita, Madurya, Shyambhavi, Anusha , Sruthi and Vani pooled in their talents with poise.
The smart hand of the choreographer found the pulse of the songs with few variances. Represented quite differently from the screen version, the dance composition went hand in glove with the musicality and soothed the senses. But after a few songs, the feel good factor also led to a degree of sameness, which could have been easily alleviated by the composer.
This apart the real attraction of this programme lay in the aesthetic blend of film music and Bharatanatyam.
