There was a huge gathering to watch Sadanam Krishnankutty portray Ravana of ‘Ravanolbhavam’ at T.D.M. Hall, Ernakulam recently and the acclaimed master rose to the expectations of the spectators. He delighted them with his brilliant acting throughout the power-packed performance.
Ravana, the protagonist of the attakatha ‘Ravanolbhavam’, written by Kallekulangara Raghava Pisharody(1725-1795), is one of the most challenging roles of the Kathakali repertoire. Only ‘Thapasattam’, the second part of the original play, was performed.
The play took off with a majestic ‘Thiranottam’ of Ravana. Ravana remembers his past and recounts how he acquired the boons from Brahma that made him a mighty warrior and ruler. Ravana recollects an incident from his childhood when he was sleeping on his mother Kaikasi’s lap. Seeing Vaisravana, Ravana’s step brother, travelling in a Pushpakavimana in the sky, the envious Kaikasi could not stop her tears, which fall on Ravana and wake him up. He vows to attain glory and goes on to do severe penance that eventually pleases Brahma.
The ‘Pakarnattam’ sequence in which Krishnankutty portrayed Kaikasi was in a slow tempo. It was a treat for the audience. With perfect mudras and eloquent body language the septuagenarian thespian communicated well with the spectators. The role of Kumbakarna was handled by FACT Biju Bhaskar while Kalamandalam Radhakrishnan donned the role of Vibhishana. A running commentary of the play helped novices in the audience but hardcore Kathakali fans found it annoying.
The support given by percussionists Kalamandalam Raman Nampoothiri and Gopikrishnan Thampuran (chenda) and Kalanilayam Manoj and Kalamandalam Vineeth (maddalam) was significant for the success of play. Vocal support by Kalanilayam Rajeevan and Kalamandalam Rajesh Babu was praiseworthy.
The event was organised by BEAME and Ernakulam Karayogam jointly.
