Trailer- Nammai Marandarai Naam Marakkamattom by Dr.Swarnamalya Ganesh

The great Tamil epic Silappadikaram which was written by Ilangoadigal in the 5th century C.E is a work that defines the life and culture of the Tamil country and its people. The principal characters of this epic are Kovalan,, a handsome young merchant, his wife Kannagi and the celebrated court dancer, Madhavi. The story of Kovalan, wrongly executed for a theft of the queen's anklet, and Kannagi, the chaste wife burning down the whole of Madurai is popular. However, the narrative of Madhavi and her role in Kovalan's life, her own dancing techniques, the fisher community that she belonged to, her beautiful daughter Manimegalai, along with whom she finally takes to Buddhism is the fulcrum of this dance drama. Madhavi's dance at the Indra Vizha or the Flag Festival is a celebration of life during the Sangam age. Ironically, it is this dance that also separates Madhavi from her lover, Kovalan. She pens a beautiful love letter to him, the first love letter of the Sangam age. Did she win him back?

This classical dance drama will narrate the story of Madhavi and Kovalan. It will allow the viewer to see Madhavi as a symbol of womanhood and strength. Her story is not a tragedy, but that of transcendence.

Highlights of this production

Dr.Swarnamalya Ganesh worked on this concept and choreography for more than a year before premiering it at The Music Academy, Chennai to a house full audience. It has toured many prestigious venues both in India and abroad.
This dance drama although in Tamil has English narrative subtitles and voice over-s. It is multi cultural as it speaks of the ethnicity of the Tamil country, the life and social settings of the Sangam age and other rustic elements.

Dr.Ganesh plays the role of Madhavi

Guest appearance: Guru Kalaimamani Smt.K.J.Sarasa (Late). This doyen of classical dance world who is also the Guru of Dr.Ganesh, has played the role of Madhavi's mother.

Special folk dances, which are native to the fisher communities of Tamil Nadu
Hitherto un-attempted eunuch dance (pediaadal) as prescribed in Silappadikaram.
The virtual sets and stage properties are designed by Art Director Sri P.Krishnamurthy, a National Award Winner.

Music direction Kalaimamani Sri.K.N.Sashikiran
Celebrity Musicians IsaiPeroli Smt.S.Sowmya
Selvi Saindhavi (carnatic and playback singer)
Sri Haricharan (carnatic and playback singer)
Sri Pradeep Kumar (carnatic and playback singer)
Sri Palakkad Sriram (carnatic and playback singer and film
(music composer)

Voice -overs Smt. Shobana Ravi (English)
Sri.V.Kalidass (Tamil)

Instruments A team of 35 musicians have come together to create the grand music of the Sangam era including rare instruments like the
harp, citraveena, dundumi, tavil

Duration: The running time of the production is 1.45 minutes. Since this mammoth production involves so many artistes and so much technical and research work, we have included a behind the scenes and interview of some artistes and eminent scholars (15mins) duration.
Video shoot: Shot on high quality HD with six cameras