From ‘Charukeshi’. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Watching a Tamil drama on a warm Sunday evening turned out to be a pleasant experience. It was the 25th show of United Amateur Artists’ (UAA) latest play CharukesiStaged at Sri Tyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, T. Nagar. The melodious music playing in the background sets the tone for the play, which is named after a Carnatic raga and revolves around the life of a musician.
The show begins with a brief AV from the days of YG Parthasarathy on his visit to UAA, and then hero Charukesi (Y.G. Mahendra) is seen performing a spirited Thillana at the end of a music festival.
The idea for the screenplay written by Venkat came from the late ‘Crazy’ Mohan. The play is directed by YG. Mahendra.
The story revolves around the life of Charukesi, a renowned musician, and his battle with Alzheimer’s. Distraught at being ridiculed by people who once celebrated his musical prowess, he and his family find ways to deal with the situation. When Charukesi succumbs to disease, the Ragadevata (lord of music) appears and blesses him to be reborn as a musician. This is a type of open-ending that allows the audience to interpret the scene in their own way. The deeper message, however subtly conveyed, was that art never dies and legends live on.
The play may strike a serious note, but the scenes between Charukesi and Chellappa (Balaji), who plans their concerts and manages their finances, and Supini, the president of a music hall, are There is also the specialty of These have been visualized in the trademark YGM style.
Mahendra, who has completed six decades on stage, leaves an impact with his portrayal. The scene where he tries to hide his embarrassment when he forgets the lyrics of a song during a concert due to his medical condition was particularly touching.
The last few minutes of the play were full of emotion. A constable takes Charukeshi to a police station on suspicion, but is rescued by a man from a nearby hut.
Kaushika as Charukesi’s daughter-in-law puts in a decent performance while debutantes Kala Vardan and Francis (needs to improve his accent) also don’t disappoint. V. Balasubramanian, who plays Ragadevan, has also composed the background score. UAA presented the program in association with Valaramdhi Productions, Abbas Cultural and Roshni Fine Arts.
It is rare that you get to see a drama based on the life of a classical musician. In this regard, Charukeshi is a welcome idea.