Stage Play Review: Angaadi Kuruvikal

Good Story, Actors, Lighting and Sound Effects Make a Drama

In an age when we have endless online entertainment options, I found myself at Payyannur in Kannur district, watching a stage play titled Angaadi Kuruvikal. It would be an understatement to say that I went in with the least expectations. I had gone just to accompany my in-laws. But it was worth it — paisa vasool.

Am I glad that I went! Completely floored is how I would describe the entire play — whether it be the story, the actors’ performances, the sound and background music, the accompanying lights, or even the audience. All of the above played their important parts.

Watching a live drama feels almost like witnessing a film shoot — except there are no retakes. In addition to acting, performers also have to hone their dialogues and deliver them with a perfect pitch. If they forget their lines, they must improvise. And if they falter, there are no second chances.

The title Angaadi Kuruvikal means “market sparrows”, when translated literally. The sparrow here seems to be an allegorical term used to represent small provision-store owners or, in a broader sense, small business establishments.

At the heart of the story is Patteri Devan, a mom-and-pop store owner struggling to survive amid cut-throat competition from online…