Sadanam Harikumar’s new Kathakali play ‘Mandodari’ gives an interesting twist to the epic

Sadanam Harikumar, known for presenting new Kathakali plays every year, has unveiled its latest and 24th production Mandodari . full of innovative features MandodariDoes not disappoint. But what stands out in this play is that most of the songs are taken from ‘Adhyatma Ramayana’, the Malayalam version written by Thanchath Ezhuthasan.

There are many other interesting features. For example, the story presents Ravana in a different light. While Ravana is usually portrayed as powerful and arrogant, here he is submissive, worried and slightly remorseful. Additionally, the introduction of new rhythm patterns in the pure dance movements known as Kalasam, and variations in Yuddhavattam or combat exercises, help provide freshness without deviating from the structure of Kathakali.

conspiracy of Mandodari Revealed a few days before Ravana’s death. His sons and allies are killed, Rama breaks his bow and the defeated Ravana retreats to his palace. The opening scene of Ravana and Mandodari grieving for their children was impressive and innovative. With background music only on chenda and maddalam, it set the tone of the play. Kottakkal Devadas as Ravana and Kalamandalam Praveen as Mandodari were restrained and steady in their performances, never letting the scene sink into melodrama.

A scene from the drama Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Ravana, hiding in an underground cave, does penance to make himself invincible. But Ram foiled his penance by sending his monkey army under the leadership of Angad and Nala. When they fail to break Ravana’s concentration, they resort to dragging Mandodari in front of him and abusing her. Ravana immediately gives up his penance and drives away the monkeys. Once again Mandodari requests him to return Sita to Ram. Ravana refuses, saying that war is inevitable and only one of them – Rama or he – will survive. The next day, Ravana returns to the battlefield and meets his end at the hands of Rama.

There is no mention in Ramayana About the fate of Mandodari after Ravana’s death. In Harikumar’s version, Mandodari arrives at Ravana’s funeral pyre, cursing Rama that he will have to suffer separation from his wife because he caused her widowhood. Then Mandodari, distraught with grief, ends her life.

Kalamandalam Sriraman’s sharp movements and impressive body language were a joy to watch. The role of Ram suited him. The vocals were done by Harikumar and Sadanam Jyotisha Babu while Sadanam Ramakrishnan and Sadanam Devadas led the percussion team.

This was the first staging of the play and would benefit from some changes. At over three hours the production felt a bit long and lagged towards the end, with some scenes requiring tight editing. However, these are minor flaws in an otherwise impressive presentation.

New Kathakali plays – shorter than traditional productions – are being produced to suit contemporary audiences, and Mandodari Shows every sign of fitting into that evolving repertoire.