A Kathakali play: Kalyanasougandhikam

A two-hour performance of one of the great plays in Kathakali, Kalyanasougandhikam, an excerpt from the Mahabharata.
The story is about Bheema who, on the request of his wife Panchali, goes into the forest in search of the intoxicatingly fragrant Sougandhika flower.
In the forest he encounters Hanuman in the guise of an old monkey, whose true identity is gradually revealed to him...
This video has optional subtitles in English for the benefit of non-Malayalam speakers. The subtitles translate the lyrics of the songs as well as interpreting the codified hand gestures and facial expressions of the actors through the performance. To access the subtitles, click on the "CC" icon at the bottom right of the video window.
Enjoy.

[@jayapradeepm4308]

Superb. Recording, videography etc are of international standard with proper lighting, tone, bass etc. This type of perfection is not generally seen while documenting Hindu artistic performance, spiritual discourses by spiritual leaders and religious functions performed in temples or in Hindu institutions. My respect and regards to all those God blessed spirits behind this venture. Prayers for you all to come with such initiatives in the future.

[@RajNamboodiri]

00:00:01 Introduction by V.Kaladharan
00:01:04 Vandana Slokam - Kedaragowla
00:03:03 Kale Kadachith Adha (Slokam) - Sankarabharanam
00:06:54 Vathena Valsalathayevakilo (Slokam) - Mukhari
00:08:15 En Kanava Kandalum - Mukhari
00:16:24 Manchel Mizhiyale - Dhanyasi
00:41:46 Abhyarthitho Dayitha Eva Madeena Kanthi (Slokam) - Madhyamavathi
01:00:59 Ariha Varunnathu Ivan Aaru - Madhyamavathi
01:19:50 Nishchithya Soyam Ithi (Slokam) - Kamboji
01:23:35 Vazhiyil Ninnu Poka Vaikathe - Kamboji
01:29:48 Vacham Nishamya Samupethya Kaper (Slokam) - Nattakurinji
01:30:15 Vacham Shrunu Me Vanara Pungava - Nattakurinji
01:34:34 Ravananthakan Ayeedum Ramante Doothan - Nattakurinji
01:35:48 Balatha Kondu Njan - Vasantha
01:38:51 Asha Athu Enkil Ippol - Madhyamavathi
01:45:14 Kouravanmarodu Sankaram Ini - Sree
01:46:44 Manyanaya Thava Sodaran - Panthuvarali

[@FirstEditionArtsChannel]

Thank you for this.

[@jayapradeepm4308]

Please refer my comments put earlier. I forgot to mention specially about sub titles. Sub titles too merit mention. They are very fine using apt words and vocabulary, helpful to a novice to get into the kathakali World.

[@geethamadhavasseril9990]

Thanks for uploading.

[@ruthradford897]

Amazing performance tbank you

[@manukoushik3984]

Thanks To FIRST Edition♥️👏🏽

[@SreejithAk]

Quality...🙌🏻👌🏻❤

[@ANANDANPARANGODATH]

Great production, can work as an excellent introduction to the art of Kathakali.

[@achuthankuttyachuthankutty8802]

Athivisishtam

[@RamharCanada]

Excellent 👍

[@maabharati3835]

Wonderful performance and great rendition .excellent. thanks for the video.

[@vinuthiruvattar4887]

Great Art form

[@govindhannampoothiri7739]

Congratulations !

[@dishakanoje4946]

after seeing this ye bollywood and rap culture is ntg

[@1gopifatimah]

Thank you so much for this excellent recording and stellar performance.
I don’t see the names of artists. Kindly credit please if that is the respected practice. 🙏 Missing Kerala. Viewing from New York, US

[@FirstEditionArtsChannel]

The full credits are at the end of the video.

[@harrysadv]

❤❤❤

[@narayananskp]

First edition arts can do much better with recording Kathakali visuals. It would look really amazing if they use just a large 60 wick large kathakali lamp for lighting - this emphasises the bhava, eye-gestures, and keeps unnecessary distracting features off. The colours will be enhanced with the proper lamp light. It will take some experiments to get the light, camerawork etc right. But it will be worth it.

[@FirstEditionArtsChannel]

Thanks @narayananskp for the advice. We will try and do as you recommend when we shoot our next Kathakali performance.