ഒന്ന് ചിരിക്കൂ….ഒരിക്കൽ കൂടി……..
യുദ്ധവും അക്രമവും അനുഭവിക്കുന്ന ഇന്നത്തെ സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ യാഥാർത്ഥ്യത്തെ പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഒരു ഭീകരകഥയാണ്. കഥകളിയെ അതിന്റെ തനിമയിൽ നിന്നു മാറ്റാതെയും, G. Devarajan മാസ്റ്ററുടെ അതുല്യമായ സംഗീതരാഗങ്ങളെയും, **Vayalar Rama Varma**യുടെയും P. Bhaskaran മാസ്റ്ററുടെയും കവിതകളെയും ശാസ്ത്രീയ കഥകളിയുടെ ഭാഷ്യം നൽകി പുതിയൊരു കഥ കഥകളിക്കായി രചിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ് കലാമണ്ഡലം വിജയകുമാർ.
“Onnu Chirikkoo Orikkal Koodi” (Smile Once More… Just Once Again) is a deeply moving Kathakali performance in memory of the Pahalgam terror attack victims, presented by the UK-based duo Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar.
The 45-minute dance drama was conceived as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Blending the grandeur of classical Kathakali with the emotional resonance of evergreen Malayalam film melodies, the production marks a bold and cinematic evolution of the traditional art form, while carefully preserving its classical grammar.
A Cinematic Journey Through Timeless Melodies
Instead of writing fresh lyrics, Vijayakumar chose timeless Malayalam film songs composed by Devarajan Master — melodies deeply embedded in Kerala’s cultural consciousness.
The performance unfolds like a visual poem:
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‘ഏഴു സുന്ദര രാത്രികൾ’ (Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal) from Ashwamedham (1967) portrays the bride’s dreams and tender anticipation of married life.
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‘ചന്ദ്രകലഭം ചാർത്തി’ (Chandra Kalabham Charthi) from Kottaram Vilkanundu (1975) evokes the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir — mountains, valleys and serene lakes forming a canvas for love.
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‘മഞ്ഞളയിൽ മുങ്ങി തോർത്തി’ (Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi) from Kalithozhan expresses the intimacy and warmth of the newly wed couple.
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The performance culminates with the poignant refrain from ‘ആയിരം പാദസരങ്ങൾ കിലുങ്ങി’ (Ayiram Padasarangal Kilungi) from Nadhi (1969), ending with the haunting plea: “Onnu Chirikkoo Orikkal Koodi”
Between these songs, Vijayakumar employs powerful manodharmam (improvised expressive narration) to depict the terror attack — sudden gunshots, frantic searching, pools of blood, and the devastating moment when the wife discovers her husband’s lifeless body.
The transition from romance to horror is rendered through restrained yet intense abhinaya, amplifying the emotional impact without theatrical excess.
Kathakali Tradition Reimagined
This production represents a thoughtful departure from rigid frameworks, without diluting the essence of Kathakali. The classical discipline remains intact – the mudras, the facial expressions, the rhythmic structure – yet cinematic music becomes the emotional bridge connecting tradition to contemporary audiences.
Behind the scenes stands Barbara Vijayakumar, the first foreign woman to master the intricate Kathakali chutty (facial make-up) technique. She met Vijayakumar in 1975 when she arrived at Kerala Kalamandalam to study chutty. Over the past four decades, the couple has organised and performed more than 3,000 Kathakali productions across Europe, playing a pivotal role in globalising the art form.
In transforming grief into art, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Barbara Vijayakumar demonstrate that Kathakali is not merely a preserved heritage but a living, evolving tradition, capable of responding to modern tragedies while retaining its timeless aesthetic power.
A plea for humanity, voiced through the eyes, gestures and cinematic music of Kerala’s most profound classical art form.
Watch coverage by 24 News: https://youtu.be/lOgfYHubPxg
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