A rare scene from Karthaveeryarjuna Vijayam was revived at Karalmanna, showcasing Ravana and Mandodari’s poignant exchange through Kamaladala Lochane.
‘Karthaveeryarjuna Vijayam’ is a Kathakali play penned by Puthiyikkal Thampan. Though not widely popular, one scene from this play has long fascinated the discerning rasikas of Kathakali. The celebrated padam “Kamaladala Lochane…” set in Padi raga and Chempada tala stands apart for its intricate technical display, strict adherence to mudras, and restrained movements.
The scene portrays a tender domestic episode. Mandodari, the beautiful wife of Ravana, the mighty emperor of Lanka, awakens from sleep, visibly disturbed. Ravana, who is in a romantic mood, grows concerned and asks why she appears withdrawn. The padam “Kamaladala lochane… Mama jeeva nadhe…” unfolds as Ravana tries to console his wife. Mandodari reveals that she dreamt of her husband surrounded by women, lost in amorous pursuits—a vision that left her deeply unsettled. Ravana laughs gently and assures her that he would never indulge in such behaviour.
This rare scene was recently presented at the Vazhenkada Kunju Nair Memorial Trust, Karalmanna, as part of its monthly programme, supported by the Kathakali Mela Acharya Trust. Kalamandalam Shanmughadas, a versatile artiste known for his pacha and minukku roles, portrayed Ravana. Usually, the scene begins with Mandodari lying on Ravana’s lap on the floor, but here, for the audience’s convenience, the organisers used a decorated bed—another distinctive feature of this performance. Ravana’s initial padam, performed seated on the bed, began with the typical kathi vesham pathinja padam.
An interpretation rich in emotion
Shanmughadas impressed with his mastery of the four types of nokki kanal—the subtle glances expressing beauty in varying emotions—and maintained the sthayibhava throughout. His rendering of “Kamaladala lochane…” strictly followed the kalari chitta tradition, clearly conveying Ravana’s love and desire for Mandodari. The padam “Patanaduvil vaadathe,” where Ravana recalls his battlefield valour and surrender before Kamadeva’s arrows, brimmed with energy and emotion.
Rather than imitate any one master’s style, Shanmughadas created his own synthesis. His portrayal of kalaham (the quarrel) was innovative, though occasional facial exaggerations and lack of controlled body movement slightly affected the overall maturity. Kalamandalam Arya K. S. played Mandodari with grace, supported by vocalists Kalamandalam Hareesh and Ajesh Prabhakar, and percussionists Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and Kalamandalam Rajanarayanan.
Such rare excerpts like Kamaladala lochane deserve to be staged at least a few times a year—lest they fade from collective memory and vanish from the Kathakali repertoire.
Photos and Video: Ranjith S K M
