On a historic day in January 1963, the Putharikandam Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a groundbreaking event: the staging of Kalanilayam’s “Kurukshethram Opera.” This opera, penned by the renowned playwright Kavalam Narayana Panicker, marked a new era in Kerala’s theatrical landscape, ushering in the concept of a permanent stage curated by cultural luminary, Krishnan Nair, who gained fame as Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair.
Fast forward to the present, the revered theatre company, Kalanilayam, is orchestrating a grand revival of one of its iconic productions, “Raktharakshas” (Vampire), at the Thiruvanchikulam temple ground in Kodungalloor, Thrissur district. This production embodies a novel and daring ambition: to stage the play in two distinct parts, offering audiences a phased yet riveting narrative. “The decision to split the story into two could very well be a first in Indian theatre history,” declares Anandapadmanabhan, the torchbearer of this legacy and son of Krishnan Nair.
Theatre enthusiasts can recall the enchantment Kalanilayam’s performances brought to the stage with their grandiose storytelling and captivating set designs, all crafted by Jagathy NK Achary. Over the years, under the leadership of Krishnan Nair’s son, Anandapadmanabhan, and Jagathy Sreekumar, Achary’s son, the company has explored new horizons despite challenges such as Sreekumar’s near-fatal accident in 2012.
The evolution of Kalanilayam signifies a pivotal moment as it morphs into Aries Kalanilayam Arts and Theatre Private Ltd., following a strategic collaboration with Aries Group of Companies led by Sohan Roy. This partnership aims to refresh the essence of Kalanilayam’s productions while holding steadfast to their traditional roots, and Raktharakshas is at the forefront of this new chapter. “Our aim is to bring our plays beyond the boundaries of Kerala without losing our core essence,” Anandapadmanabhan explains.
Kalanilayam’s repertoire extends beyond a single play, including classics such as “Kayamkulam Kochunni,” “Kadamattathu Kathanar,” and “Taj Mahal,” among many others. These productions boasted lavish sets and innovative techniques that set the standard for theatrical craftsmanship. “We had actors like ‘Akbar’ Sankarapillai and VK Aravindaksha Menon, whose passion for theatre was unparalleled,” Anandapadmanabhan reminisces.
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In the world of cinema, too, Kalanilayam made its mark, nurturing talents like Meena, Manavalan Joseph, and Poojappura Ravi, who found further success on the silver screen. The legacy is being revitalized through a modern lens with the adaptation of Raktharakshas, written by the very same Jagathy NK Achary and now reimagined by Anandapadmanabhan. The contemporary rendition builds upon the original’s rich narrative tapestry, setting the stage for a two-part saga.
Raktharakshas’ first installment introduces audiences to a dramatic opening where an airplane touches down on stage, immersing them in a story that charts Lakshmi’s transformation into a vampire through unconventional treatments discovered after her father, Kadan vaidyar’s, demise. The second part, yet to be revealed, promises a prequel exploring the origins of these transformative treatments.
In this refreshed incarnation, sound design takes center stage, boasting a Dolby 7.1 audio experience to envelop audiences in the drama. A formidable 150-member team, including 60 actors, many of whom are new talents, bring this production to life. “We are determined to raise the confidence of stage artists by ensuring they receive both recognition and financial stability,” Anandapadmanabhan declares.
With a commitment to preserving the nuances of past productions yet adapting them for contemporary tastes, “Raktharakshas” is set to enthrall newer generations while honoring the stalwarts of its history. The production will tour multiple locales, beginning with a 25-day stint in Kodungalloor before moving on to Thodupuzha and Ernakulam, complete with daily performances.
Anandapadmanabhan also plans to fulfill his father’s unrealized dream of establishing permanent stages across key cities in Kerala. With a bespoke auditorium ready to host audiences in comfort, Kalanilayam is poised to transform the theatre landscape once more, demonstrating that even as time marches forward, the magic of the stage remains timeless. For theatre enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike, this marks not just a revival, but a resurgence—a celebration of art, legacy, and innovation intertwined.
