Ponniyin Selvan Drama at Sir Pitty Thyagaraya Hall on 4th Aug

 If there's one Tamil novel that has swept the imagination of readers, it's Ponniyin Selvan (Son of Ponni). First published in 1950, this epic has impressed readers for generations. The five-part historical novel has been adapted into stage plays for several years and has captivated the audience every time. This time around, TVK Productions has produced Amarar Kalki in Ponniyin Selvan.

Condensing five volumes into a play is quite a task but the director has managed to pull it off. The likeable stage presence of the artists and a delightful romantic angle make this play seem perfect. This was indeed a commendable performance. The play opens with the core element of the story. The stage is lit beautifully. The backdrop of the set changes according to the scene, and the props used are almost nil. The costumes aren't too elaborate and they seem apt for the characters. The director of the play, D. Malikraj, has brought magic to the stage. The audience cheered during the happy moments and were absorbed by the story during the intense scenes. 

With a theme like this, it would've been easy for this play to become unimaginative and boring. But it turns out to be remarkably good! This wouldn't have been possible without exuberant performances by seasoned actors. 

Why You Should Watch This Play:
If you're a lover of Tamil fiction and historic tales, then don't miss TVK cultural academy's Ponniyin Selvan. If not for anything else, watch it for the sincere performances by the artists. Go watch the ancient tale come alive when it next plays.