New Kathakali production brings Mandodari to centrestage

A new Kathakali production, Mandodari, staged at Chembai Music College here on Saturday (June 13, 2026) evening, explored the story of Mandodari, the queen of Lanka, through a narrative that links the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Scripted by Sadanam Harikumar, the performance focused on events surrounding the final days of Ravana and Mandodari. Mr. Harikumar said the later life of Mandodari was only briefly dealt with in traditional tellings of the Ramayana. His production drew on the Ramayana of Thunchath Ezhuthachan while extending the narrative through artistic interpretation.

According to the storyline, Ravana approaches his guru Shukra Muni, who advises him to perform a ‘homam’ that would render him invincible. When Rama learns of the ritual, he sends Angadan and Neelan to disrupt it. The two humiliate Mandodari in Ravana’s presence in an attempt to break his concentration. Ravana continues the ritual until Mandodari confronts him, forcing him to abandon it and drive away the Vanaras.

Ravana is killed in battle the following day. The production concludes with Mandodari cursing Rama and Sita to endure separation during their lifetime and asking that Rama, in a future birth, save a woman from public humiliation. The episode serves as a link between the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Mr. Harikumar said that it was the first time Mandodari’s story had been presented through Kathakali.

Kottakkal Devadas performed the role of Ravana, while Kalamandalam Praveen portrayed Mandodari. Sadanam Aswin appeared as Shukran and Naradan, Sadanam Vipinchandran as Angadan, Sadanam Ajesh as Neelan and Kalamandalam Sreeraman as Rama.

Artistes of Sadanam Kathakali Academy provided the vocal accompaniment, percussion, chutti, and other stage support.