Latest news with #AUniqueStoryofColoursandCanvases
Observer
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Muscat to host grand tribute to Raja Ravi Varma
Muscat is set to witness a spectacular audio-visual production titled 'Kadha Parayum Chithrangal' - The Pictures That Speak (A Unique Story of Colours and Canvases) — a creative homage to world-renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. The programme will be staged on three specially arranged platforms on August 22 and 23. The Malayalam version will premiere on August 22, followed by the Hindi rendition, 'Bolthi Tasveerem', with multilingual subtitles, on August 23. Rehearsals are in full swing for this unique theatrical celebration. The programme brings to life the story and works of Raja Ravi Varma, who was born in the Kilimanoor Palace near Thiruvananthapuram in the 19th century. Famed for blending Western techniques with Indian themes, Ravi Varma revolutionised Indian art with his lifelike oil paintings of mythological and royal figures. In this innovative format, characters from his iconic paintings take the stage, drawing viewers into the emotional and cultural depth of his artworks. The production offers a rich narrative journey through the painter's tumultuous life, using light, sound and dramatic visuals to convey the timeless beauty and struggles behind his masterpieces. The programme is produced by Bhavalaya, conceptualised by Dr J Retnakumar, and presented by Global Events. Directed by acclaimed stage artiste, director and choreographer Sunil Kumar Krishnan Nair, the show incorporates 71 carefully curated scenes. These include well-known works like Galaxy of Musicians, Hamsa Damayanti and Shakuntala, with musical interludes composed by Ronnie Raphael and background scores by Rama Varma Thampuran, a descendant of the Kilimanoor royal lineage. As part of the tribute, a painting competition inspired by Ravi Varma's works will be held in early August for both citizens and residents of Oman. Over 120 performers and 100 backstage crew members from Muscat will bring this epic to life, joined by Indian film star Moksha. Speaking to the Observer, director Sunil Kumar Krishnan Nair shared, 'Through this audio-visual journey, we aim to introduce Raja Ravi Varma's genius to a new generation, ensuring that his legacy lives on not just as paintings, but as living, breathing stories.'
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Muscat to stage tribute to art legend Raja Ravi Varma
Muscat – Muscat is set to host a unique stage production celebrating the life and work of iconic Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma, known for his Renaissance-style depictions of Indian mythology. Titled Katha Parayum Chithrangal (A Unique Story of Colours and Canvases), the show promises a cinematic experience combining light, sound, dance and drama. Scheduled to be held at Al Falaj Hotel Grand Hall, the Malayalam version will be staged on August 22, followed by a Hindi rendition, Bolti Tasveerein – Rangon aur Canvas ke Zariye Khulti Kahani, on August 23. Directed by Sunil Kumar Krishnan Nair, the 165-minute performance involves over 117 actors and technicians with rehearsals having commenced nearly six months ago. 'This is not just a performance; it is an emotion, a tribute to a man whose brush transformed still life into motion and emotion,' said Nair. 'We aim to introduce Raja Ravi Varma's genius to the younger generation and revive his artistic spirit in a contemporary way. To my knowledge, Oman has never seen a live drama show of this scale. We're telling stories through colour, canvas and soul – just as Ravi Varma did.' The production includes sets by stage designer Sujathan Master and music by composer Rony Raphael. A painting competition is also being organised as part of the show to encourage cultural dialogue and artistic expression open to artists of all nationalities in Oman. Artists from India will oversee makeup, costume and lighting, underlining the show's scale and ambition in presenting a multidimensional tribute to one of India's most celebrated painters.
