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Centuries-Old Telugu Theater Tradition Revives in Chennai
3 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Legendary Bhagavatha Mela Natakams to be performed in Chennai
- Plays Sati Savitri and Rukmini Kalyanam to be staged
- Troupe from Melattur, led by Kalaimamani recipient S Kumar
In a celebration of the centuries-old Telugu theater tradition, the legendary Bhagavatha Mela Natakams will be performed in Chennai this weekend. The Melattur-based troupe, led by Kalaimamani recipient S Kumar, will present two plays - Sati Savitri and Rukmini Kalyanam - on October 4 and 5, 2025.
The art form, which was revived by V Ganesa Iyer in 1938, has been carried forward by the troupe for over 600 years. The upcoming performances in Chennai will feature a cast of up to 25 artistes, including Prasanna, the grandson of V Ganesa Iyer, and dancer Srikanth Natarajan.
While the natakams staged in Melattur are typically three-and-a-half hours long, the Chennai performances will be two hours each to cater to the local audience. The stories will be announced prior to the shows to aid understanding, as the plays will be in the original Telugu language.
