On an eventful day in January 1963, the Putharikandam Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram became the birthplace of a theatrical revolution as Kalanilayam presented the Kurukshethram Opera, an imaginative creation by the illustrious playwright Kavalam Narayana Panicker. This pioneering initiative marked the establishment of a dedicated stage for theatre, a unique vision brought to life by the passionate cultural activist Krishnan Nair, who later earned renown as Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair.
The Kalanilayam brand etched itself into the fabric of Kerala’s mainstream theatre with its grandiose and imaginative productions, most of which bore the creative signature of Jagathy NK Achary. Audiences, accustomed to traditional performances, were enthralled by these pioneering dramas that featured innovative set designs, whirlwind sequences, and groundbreaking use of props, weaving stories of folklore and legend into a visual spectacle.
As time passed, the task of nurturing this rich legacy fell to Kalanilayam Anandapadmanabhan, Krishnan Nair’s son, and Jagathy Sreekumar, a notable actor and son of Achary. Following a devastating accident that left Jagathy Sreekumar recuperating, Anandapadmanabhan took it upon himself to carry the torch of Kalanilayam into a new era.
Now, poised for its next chapter, Kalanilayam has transformed into a private registered entity. By forming a partnership with the Aries Group of Companies led by Sohan Roy, the theatre troupe is now recognized as Aries Kalanilayam Arts and Theatre Private Ltd. This October 13, a momentous occasion awaits at the Thiruvanchikulam temple ground in Kodungalloor, Thrissur district, where the company will stage its first production—a novel rendition of its beloved play, Raktharakshas, first performed 51 years earlier in Thiruvananthapuram.
“We’ll be presenting the first part of the play, marking perhaps a first in Indian theatrical history by staging it in two parts,” notes Anandapadmanabhan. The decision to adapt evolved not only as a means to captivate a contemporary audience but also to stay true to the innovative spirit Kalanilayam has embodied since its inception. “My father revolutionized stagecraft, bringing elements like airplanes, cars, floods, and oceanic waves on stage, offering an experience akin to cinema. My challenge now is to elevate this legacy for today’s audiences, broaden our horizons, and extend our theatrical reach beyond Kerala,” Anandapadmanabhan elucidates.
Kalanilayam boasts an impressive repertoire of over 50 productions, including titles such as Kayamkulam Kochunni, Kadamattathu Kathanar, Iravikkodu Pillai, Naradan Keralathil, Taj Mahal, Sree Guruvayoorappan, and Alavudinum Athbhuthavilakkum.
. Among its alumni are actors who have successfully transitioned to cinema, the likes of Meena, Manavalan Joseph, Balan K Nair, and more recently, Kottayam Ramesh in ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’.
The legacy was revitalized on June 23, 2003, when Anandapadmanabhan and Jagathy Sreekumar re-launched it as Kalanilayam Drama Vision, with a performance of Raktharakshas in Kochi that was later adapted into Tamil as Rara Rakshasarathri. Post Sreekumar’s accident, Kalanilayam continued its journey with inventive productions like Hidimbi via its new division, Kalanilayam Stage Craft, launched in 2014.
As Kalanilayam transitions into this new partnership with Aries, it re-ignites its commitment to both tradition and innovation. Anandapadmanabhan says, “Despite our efforts to innovate, our audience has consistently expressed a desire for our classic productions, a testament to the trust placed in Kalanilayam. The pandemic was a formidable challenge, but Aries’ collaboration injects renewed vigor into our revival.”
The upcoming Raktharakshas will debut with its renowned opening scene featuring an airplane, driving the narrative of the character Lakshmi’s transformation through controversial medical treatments. The second part, newly penned by Anandapadmanabhan, delves into the treatment’s ominous origins.
The modernized Raktharakshas promises enhanced production values, particularly in sound, with Dolby 7.1 audio designed to provide a cinematic auditory experience. The vast 150-member team includes 60 mostly new actors, reflecting a dedication to revitalize stage artistry and foster actor confidence.
Establishing permanent theatre spaces is a dream Anandapadmanabhan still holds dear, with plans to fulfill his father’s vision by setting up stages across Kerala. As Raktharakshas prepares to open in Kodungalloor for an initial 25-day run, it heralds a bold stride into the future for a theatre company committed to its illustrious past and dynamic evolution.
