KOCHI: Cochin Kalabhavan which has presented some of the most talented actors to cinema is all set for a revival of its famed mimicry legacy.
The prestigious institution had stopped the practice of organising programmes directly for the past 10 years, but is now set to relaunch its troupe.
“So far, we were organising programmes through various franchises which used the Cochin Kalabhavan brand name. This year, we decided to relaunch our own troupe. This is what we would like to call a journey back to our forte: The Mimicry,” said K S Prasad, the secretary of Cochin Kalabhavan.
The decision will also see the Cochin Kalabhavan coming up with a ‘mega show’ with dance, orchestra, skits and mimicry. The mimicry troupe was set up through a stringent audition process. “We identified five promising talents - Biju Thiruvalla, Idavela Rafi, Aneesh Changanassery, Vipin Balan and Rakesh Punnapra - for leading the mimicry wing,” said M Y Iqbal, the joint secretary and programme coordinator of Kalabhavan.
“Mimicry was the major USP of Kalabhavan’s programmes in the past. The troupe will be strengthened by adding 10 more members who have secured top places in comedy shows and through Kalabhavan’s inhouse talent hunt. Classic and western dance programmes will also be part of the show. The budding talents of Kalabhavan’s various institutions throughout the globe will perform in this mega show.”
The concerted efforts of president Fr Cheriyan Kurianthadath, treasurer Ali Akbar, vice president Georgekutty and coordinator Shyju Damodaran went towards the revamping of the troupe. “The first programme of the revamped troupe will be held this Onam,” said Iqbal.
The Kalabhavan management also organised various programmes at its auditorium here on Sunday. The programmes which upheld the spirit of Onam was witnessed by various artists including director Siddique who entered the film industry through Cochin Kalabhavan under its founding father Fr Abel Periyappuram.