Most of our Kathakali plays are written and choreographed with either a hero (in the Pacha make-up) or an anti-hero (Kathi make-up) in the lead. Few are the Kathakali plays in which a character in ‘Minukku’ make-up (Brahmin, saints and women) or ‘Chuvannathadi’ (red-bearded villain) plays an important character or the lead.
‘Vadakkan Rajasuyam’, written by Eledathu Nambuthirippad, is one of the rare plays in which a Chuvannathadi is the main character. Jarasandha is the leading character of the play.
Vellinezhi Nanu Nair, the legendary yesteryear Chuvannathadi artiste, was a thespian in this role. He had also created an acting manual for this character. Nanu Nair’s mannerisms and indepth knowledge of the character made him perfect for this role of the mighty King of Magadha.
After the exit of Nair, Nelliyode Vasudevan Nambuthiri, Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan and Kottakkal Devadas reign over the stage in the role of Jarasandha.
The story of Rajasuyam centres around a ritual called ‘Rajasuyam’. When Dharmaputhra, the Pandava king of Indraprastham, decides to conduct the ritual he has to overcome the powerful King Jarasandha.
So Bhima and Arjuna in the company of Lord Krishna, all disguised as Brahmins reach the court of Jarasandha and challenge him to a wrestling match. Although Jarasandha realises something is amiss, he agrees to honour the visitors’ request. Eventually Jarasandha is killed by Bhima.
Hearing of his friend’s death, Sisupala, King of Chedi, rushes to the palace of Dharmaputhra, when the ritual was being conducted. Sisupala begins insulting Lord Krishna and ultimately Sisupala gets killed by Krishna.
The play was staged recently at M.D. Ramanathan hall, Palakkad. Ramachandran Unnithan enacted Jarasandha. However, he seemed to be in a hurry to complete the performance. The initial ‘attam’, narrating the birth of Jarasandha was short and crisp. He regained his momentum in the padam, ‘Bhoosura Siromanikal Ningal...’ but the kalasams in between the lyrics, usually an energetic one, looked feeble. Nevertheless his experience in this role stood him in good stead. His change of expressions as he realises that the Brahmins were none other than the Pandavas and Krishna demonstrated his skill. Kalamandalam Neeraj was good as ‘Bhima Brahmana’ and so was Kalamandalam Sooraj as Bhima sans the disguise.
Peesappalli Rajeevan appeared as Sisupala. Rajeevan enjoys ‘Lokadharmi’ roles but he was superb as Sisupala. In spite of some unnecessary roars, his perfectly executed mudras and kalasams were a pleasure to watch. Palanad Divakaran sang the lyrics with the support of Athippatta Raveendran. Kalamandalam Balasundaran impressed the audience with his brilliant playing of the chenda for the theme. Sadanam Devadas was on the maddalam.
The play was staged under the auspices of the Palakkad Kathakali Trust, as part of their monthly Kathakali programme.
