‘Kamaroopigal’, Sanchaya’s popular mythological play, stages 50th show in Bengaluru

For Kannada theatre audiences eager to experience a thoughtfully crafted and visually appealing mythological play, Kamaroopigal, presented by the amateur theatre group Sanchaya, has been a popular choice for three years running. The 36-year-old amateur theatre troupe from Bengaluru is set to present the 50^th show of the popular play on December 28 in Bengaluru.  

Adapted from many versions of the Ramayana, including Kuvempu’s Sri Ramayana Darshanam, the play is designed and directed by Ganesh Mandarthi. Premiered in 2021 at the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival, Kamaroopigal is inspired by the Panchavati portion of Ramayana.

The play starts with the insult of Shoorpanaki by Rama and Lakshmana and ends with Jatayu Moksha. The production talks about the many facets to life including righteousness, evil, love, hatred, romance and lust. Blending ethnicity with modernity, the play highlights Shoorpanaki’s attraction towards Rama and its repercussions.   

“I am very happy that the play I directed is doing so well and is going to complete its 50^th show,” Ganesh says. “While the play is good, it is not the only reason for its long run. Kuvempu’s name, Sanchaya’s dedication, hard work, and hospitality, Ranga Shankara’s openness to let this play have so many shows, great musicians and singers, dedicated actors and production people, and many other elements have contributed to the success of the play.”

Ganesh says he has often been asked why he directs mythological plays. “If we stop working on mythology, it will be the end of such a rich history. No matter where the mythology belongs to, be it Ramayana, Mahabharata, Sufism or more, it is all etched in our DNA, and it is something we easily connect to and should continue to do so.”  

With lights designed and executed by Prithvi Venugopal, music is by Bharath G.V, Vivek G, Ananya Suresh and Havish Sreenath. Aahan Gowda, Vaishnavi Chakrapani and Arun Kumar play the lead roles. 

Aahan says the play gave him an identity. “I had just graduated from Rangayana, Mysuru, I had learned all the theory but needed the right place to execute it. I had watched Ganesh’s play Vaali Vadhe, which I really liked and wished to work with him some day. It was like the universe heard me. I got to know Sanchaya had invited Ganesh to direct a play and I joined the team.”  

Since then, Aahan says, the play got popular. “I started getting a little popular too, people still recognise me as Rama from Kamaroopigal.”

First in 36 years

Chitrashekar Nonavinakere, president of Sanchaya says the efforts of every single artist in the production is the most important reason for such a long run. “We are all very happy to see the success and popularity this play has garnered. Most Sanchaya plays have had a good run, but in 36 years, this is the first play that is completing its 50^th show.”  

“Over three years, from actors, to musicians, technicians, production managers and those who work backstage, the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication of each person has been the same from the first day till the most recent show. We wish to continue to have more shows of this production with the same energy,” Chitrashekar said. 

Kamaroopigal will be staged at Ranga Shankara on December 28 at 3.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. Tickets are available at the box-office and on BookMyShow.