A few artistes, including sexagenarian Guru Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar, the crew of the documentary and a few Kutiyattam aficionados and media persons are present. “Our effort is to document the Painkulam legacy through the artistry of veteran Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar . The post-Independence renaissance in Kutiyattam is primarily attributed to the late thespian Painkulam Rama Chakyar (1904-1980). He trimmed to an hour several marathon solo acts such as the padaprashna in Sugreeva’s nirvahana (Balivadham),” adds Rama Chakyar. Genuine Kutiyattam artistes are handicapped by limited social life, lack of proficiency in English and Hindi, and lack of contacts in big cities such as Delhi.

Source: The Hindu May 10, 2018 09:56 UTC