The final scene of Kottarakkara Thampuran’s Sitaswayamvaram brings together Raghurama and Bhrugurama, the two incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Although the play in full covers much of the story-line of ‘Balakanda’, the first segment of the Ramayana, only the last part gets staged frequently. And undoubtedly, it is the presence of the character of Parasurama that makes it hugely popular. Rama, his newly wedded wife, Sita, Dasaratha, Rama’s brothers, their wives and an entourage of royal courtiers return to Ayodhya after the marriage ceremony. The play opens with this scene where Parasurama appears, armed with axe, bow and arrows, and stops them from travelling ahead. An enraged Parasurama, upset about Rama’s act of breaking the great bow in the name of Lord Siva, challenges him to a battle. Rama keeps his calm and seeks permission to continue on his way to Ayodhya. The initial portions of the play completely anchors on the role of Parasurama and Kalamandalam Balasubramanian was up to the task of portraying the vigour, energy and dynamism that the character demands. His proficiency in doing those stylised kalasams mixed with signature moves and acrobatic postures made it even more pronounced. What enhances the role are the opportunities the actor gets to link some of the past deeds of Parasurama and Rama, while highlighting the deeds of the brave saint. However, Balasubramanian seemed to be a little out of his depth in that portion of the act. Although Lord Rama tries his best to avoid a conflict, Parasurama’s words and actions aggravate the situation. Later, as Parasurama realises the true identity of Rama and seeks forgiveness, he tones down his anger. Kottakkal Ravikumar appeared as Sri Rama and his portrayal was competent. Kalamandalam Sudeep, Kalamandalam Jishnu Ravi and Parvathy Suresh essayed the roles of Dasaratha, Sita and Lakshmana. The very nature of the play asks for nothing short of the best from percussionists and the team led by Kalamandalam Krishnadas and Margi Ratnakaran, assisted by Margi Venugopal and Sadanam Krishnaprasad, did that. Kottakkal Nandakumar and Margi Damu were the singers. Earlier, the evening’s performance began with purappadu presented by Devi Suresh and Parvathy Suresh. The event was organised under the aegis of Margi.

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