Tulu play on Shivaji to Enthral Tuluvas in Mumbai

MANGALURU: Noted director Vijayakumar Kodiallbail and his Kalasangama team are all set to enthral Tuluvas in Mumbai by narrating the heroic tale of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through a Tulu play, ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji.The inaugural show of the play in Maharashtra will be staged at Kurla Bunts Sangha auditorium on November 20. Thereafter, 10 shows will be presented at Thane, Mira Road, Pune, Pavel, Vashi, Santacruz, Nalasopara, and Chembur until November 30. Vijayakumar told TOI that the story of the founder of the Maratha Empire was creatively brought into the Tulu script. “We already staged ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji’ 76 times and are showing it for the first time in Maharashtra.

The team of ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji’ includes 32 members, including artists and technicians. The team will leave Mangaluru on November 19. The play ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji’ has over 80 bookings after the Mumbai tour,” said Vijayakumar.

The historical play, which portrays the life and valour of an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle dynasty, premiered in Kateel on March 6. Many worship Shivaji as God and believe that his administration was responsible for the protection of Hindu temples.

Vijayakumar adapted the story of Shivaji, a research work by Shashiraj Kavoor, to make it a Tulu play. “‘Chhatrapati Shivaji’ is a unique effort to present the patriotic ruler’s life through theatre in a cinematic way.

We took great care to ensure the 150-minute play stayed true to real life and historical accuracy,” said Vijayakumar. Young actor Preethesh Kumar Ballalbagh appears in the play as the protagonist. Manikanth Kadri and AK Vijaya Kokila composed music for the play. It may be recalled here that the play 'Shivadoothe Gulige', directed by Vijayakumar, created a record of its own through performances at various places across India and abroad. On the last day of the Mumbai tour, the Kalasangama troupe will present 'Shivadoothe Gulige', which was already presented more than 760 times, Vijayakumar said.