Srikala Bharata’s ‘Veeram Vilayandha Bhoomi’ was not supported by powerful theatrics
Puli Thevar, Velu Nachiyar, Marudu Sagodhararagal, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, VO Chidambaram, Bharathiyar and Kodi Katha Kumaran are freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu, but barring a few popular names, most people may not be much familiar with others. So it was a good idea to present their stories in honor of these freedom fighters and to commemorate 75 years of independence.
Srikala Bharata and Thejas, students of her dance school presented ‘Veeram Vilayandha Bhoomi’ at the Natya Utsav of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Beginning with Namaskar to Bharat Mata by a group of young dancers, the story moved from one story to another, with a young man playing the role of the protagonist. Some of the roles were played by Srikala herself.
interesting scene
The use of folk tunes and some scenes like ships on the sea in the episode on VOC were interesting. Scenes of the battlefield and the hanging of freedom fighters were featured as part of the theme, but were not supported by powerful theatrics, imaginative choreography, or aesthetic lighting designs. For a production focused on historical personalities, it is important that the characters are well drawn, otherwise it may appear like a list of events, which defeats the purpose of the production.
The screenplay and music was by Rukmani Ramani. Popular songs like ‘Andrew Thaniyum Indha’, ‘Parukkule Nalla Nadu’, ‘Achamillai’ and ‘Vetri Ettu Dikkum’ were woven into the musical tone. The musical team of L Narendra Kumar on Nattuvangam, Chitrambhari Krishnakumar on vocals, Veda Krishnan on mridangam, KR Venkatakrishnan on tala pad and Ganesan on violin performed with efficiencies generated by experience, but somehow fell short of bringing in. Nationalist fervor in his music. Thejas dancers Nivedita, Ramyapriya, Abhirami, Kshiraja, Vyomini and Divyashree performed with Shrekala, who choreographed the production and designed the costumes.
Chennai-based author reviews classical dance.
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