Starry setting for Indian epic

Theatre lovers across the Middle East will get the opportunity to appreciate the stage performances of Malayalam film industry's most versatile actors, Mohanlal and Mukesh.

This October and November, Chayamukhy or Mirroring the Mind – based on the Indian epic Mahabharat – will be staged in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.

The UAE marks the first international destination for Chayamukhy, which opened to rave reviews in India. The two-hour long drama is presented by Kalidasa Visual Magic and directed by Prashanth Narayanan.

Speaking at a press conference, Mukesh, who has initiated the movement to reinvent India's theatre genre, said: "This has been a dream project. Ever since I entered the film industry 25 years ago, I have not had the opportunity to perform on stage, which is the ultimate acting experience. Each time I act in a film I have the urge to do theatre. I wanted my journey in the industry to ultimately culminate in drama."

Mukesh, who is the son of the late famous stage actor, director and drama troupe organiser, O Madhavan, said producing a film is easy, but stage is a real challenge.

"Today, theatre artists aren't doing well. People are waiting for an opportunity to break into television or film. This has to change," said Mukesh. "The success of this play indicates that theatre actors can dream of big productions now."

Speaking about his decision to share the stage with Mohanlal, Mukesh said he approached the veteran actor to join him in the production on a film set. "I was surprised when he told me that he was equally keen to act on stage. The following two and half years were spent preparing for this day," he said.

Mohanlal said: "I consider this a great achievement. For an actor, theatre brings out the absolute best of their skills. Acting on stage is an epitome of concentration."

Mohanlal, who has acted in Malayalam and Hindi films, is about to start work on a Japanese production, Nair Saab, along with Jackie Chan where he plays the role of a Malayali expatriate.

"Despite the busy schedule of the film industry, I wish to continue acting in plays," said Mohanlal, who has earlier played a role in Kavalam Narayana Panicker's drama Karnabharam.

The success of Chayamukhy is expected to once again revive the Indian theatre industry, especially in Kerala. The play was first staged in Trissur in February and then in Trivandrum. Dubai is the third destination.

Mukesh says about 7,000 people watched the play in Kerala. "The applause went on for almost 10 minutes. And if that wasn't enough, a government minister who was in the audience took the liberty to jump onto the stage and explain the nuances of the story."

"I am expecting something similar from the audience in the Gulf. People here have been our ardent supporters all these years and I am sure the performances will be well appreciated," he said.

The script

Chayamukhy is an amalgamation of classical and ethnic theatres. Mohanlal and Mukesh play Bhima and Keechika, who let their desire for a magic mirror corrupt their thoughts.

The play won the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award for Best Script.

Noted Malayalam poet ONV has penned the lyrics, Namboothiri has designed the costumes and Mohan Sitara is the music director.

Chayamukhy is being staged in the Gulf under the patronage of noted actor/producer, Dinesh Panicker.