Charukesi (play)
| Charukesi | |
|---|---|
| Original language | Tamil |
| Written by | Venkat |
| Genre | Drama |
| Premiere | |
| Date | November 2021 |
| Directed by | Y. G. Mahendran |
Charukesi (transl. With beautiful hair)[1] is a Tamil-language play written by Venkat and directed by Y. G. Mahendran, first staged in November 2021. The play, starring Mahendran, was later adapted into a film with Mahendran reprising his role.[2]
Plot
The story revolves around the title character, an ageing Carnatic musician with Alzheimer's disease.
Cast
- Y. G. Mahendran as Charukesi
Behind-the-scenes
Mahendran has stated that singer M. S. Subbulakshmi's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease later in her life, to the point that she could no longer remember herself or recognise Mahendran despite having known him since he was an infant, became the inspiration for the story of Charukesi, which he and playwright Venkat developed. Playwright Crazy Mohan and his brother, actor Maadhu Balaji were also involved in initial story discussions; the brothers were of the idea to make the play a comedy but eventually desisted, not wanting to be insensitive.[3] The title derives from Charukesi, a Carnatic raga.[4] A plot detail suggested by Mahendran's wife Sudha was added starting with the play's 25th run.[5]
Production history
The play was first staged in November 2021 at Narada Gana Sabha in Chennai.[6][7] It continued to be staged throughout 2022,[8][9] especially at Krishnadevaraya, Bangalore,[10] and in 2023 it was staged at Singapore.[11][12]
References
- ↑ Mani, Charulatha (3 February 2012). "A Raga's Journey — The charm of Charukesi". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 June 2026. Retrieved 21 June 2026.
- ↑ Suganth, M (2 February 2023). "Y Gee Mahendra to adapt his play Charukesi into a film with director Vasanth". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 November 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ B, Jayabhuvaneshwari (11 June 2026). "EXCLUSIVE | Y Gee Mahendra reveals how MS Subbulakshmi inspired Charukesi: 'She forgot me…'". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 17 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
- ↑ Venkatakrishnan (21 May 2022). "சாருகேசி - ஒய் ஜி எம் மின் புதிய நாடகம் - வேங்கடகிருஷ்ணன்" [Charukesi – YGM's New Play – Venkatakrishnan]. Vikatakavi (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 10 October 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ Sriram, Sarayu (2022). "Humour is his Stage" (PDF). Champions of Chennai. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 April 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ Anand, Lakshmi (12 November 2021). "Y. Gee. Mahendra's UAA celebrates a milestone". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ "இசை விருந்து படைத்த சாருகேசி நாடகம்" [The play Charukesi is a musical feast]. Dinamalar (in Tamil). 23 November 2021. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ Sudha, T. R. (19 May 2022). "The Tamil play Charukesi captures the joys and travails of a musician". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ "Rajinikanth hosts theatre group at his residence". The Times of India. 28 June 2022. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ "Two Tamil plays to be staged in Bengaluru on July 17". The Hindu. 14 July 2022. Archived from the original on 16 May 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ "மெய்சிலிர்க்க வைத்த சாருகேசி நாடகம்" [Charukesi, a mesmerising play]. Dinamalar (in Tamil). 13 March 2023. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ "சிங்கப்பூரில் ஒய் ஜி மகேந்திரன் நாடகங்கள்" [Y. G. Mahendran's plays in Singapore]. Tamil Murasu (in Tamil). 18 October 2023. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.