A Grand Theatrical Celebration in Kolkata

The highly anticipated drama Ponni, written and directed by the esteemed Shri Kavalam Nandakumar, will be staged on March 23, 2025, at Behala Sarat Sadan, Kolkata. The performance is part of the 69th Anniversary Celebrations of the Kerala Catholic Social Service Center and is expected to be a landmark event in the city’s cultural calendar.

With an impressive cast that includes Vijayan Vellinezhi (President, AIMA West Bengal), Sreethu MS, Nithin Balakrishnan, P Suresh Kumar, Sreeja Krishnadas, Airah Shamim, Anagha Prasad, Ravi Nair, and Ginesh V Reji, the play promises to be a captivating experience for theater enthusiasts. The drama’s music is composed by Sujit Kumar Nair, with lighting designed by Hari Nambiar, ensuring a visually and aurally immersive performance.

The Visionary Behind Ponni

Shri Kavalam Nandakumar, a multi-talented artist hailing from Kavalam, Kuttanad, is known for his excellence in marketing, theater, and social work. With a vast theatrical repertoire, he has acted in over 50 Malayalam plays, short films, and even a Bengali film. His directorial ventures span 25 plays, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his place as a leading figure in Indian theater.

Beyond his performances, Shri Nandakumar has played a pivotal role in organizing major cultural events. Notably, he coordinated the KSNA Cultural Festival in Kolkata in 2006 and has had his work featured at prestigious festivals like the Soorya National Theatre Festival (2015) and the National Theatre Festival of Vriksh in Delhi (2019).

As the National Vice President of AIMA (Eastern Region), Shri Nandakumar has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach by establishing state units in eight East/Northeastern states. His efforts in theater and cultural activism have earned him numerous accolades, including Best Actor Awards from Malayalee organizations and multilingual drama competitions. He was honored with the KSNA Best Actor Award at the first All India Drama Competition in 2013.

His leadership extends beyond theater. He has held key positions in multiple organizations, including:

  • National Vice President (2017-2021) & National Vice Chairman of AIMA
  • President of AIMA West Bengal (for six years)
  • Various leadership roles in MANAS CALCUTTA
  • General Secretary of the Confederation of Kolkata Malayalee Organizations
  • National Vice Chairman of Panchajanyam Bharatham
  • Trustee of the Bhavabhuti Arts & Charitable Trust

Shri Nandakumar currently resides in Kolkata with his wife Jayasree, while his children, Nitish and Ashwathi, are based in Muscat and Bangalore, respectively.

Ponni: A Hard-Hitting Micro DramaShri Kavalam Nandakumar’s micro-drama

Ponni was featured at the National Micro Drama Festival in Delhi on February 2, 2025. The play struck a chord with audiences by shedding light on societal neglect, gender inequality, and the harsh conditions faced by women in rural India.

A Story of Love, Struggle, and Despair

Ponni narrates the poignant tale of Ponni and Selvan, a couple who, despite their deep love, face an immense challenge shortly after marriage due to the lack of basic sanitation facilities in their village. The absence of toilets in Selvan’s household becomes a source of tension, impacting their relationship and exposing the stark realities of many rural Indian households.

The Breaking Point: A Cry for Change

Ponni, unable to endure the humiliation of open defecation, decides to leave, but her departure leads to a tragic climax. Selvan, unable to cope with his helplessness, spirals into despair. The drama reaches its emotional peak when Ponni returns to find Selvan has taken his own life. The play’s tragic conclusion serves as a stark commentary on the systemic neglect and social apathy that continue to oppress women in India.

Through its powerful storytelling, Ponni highlights the urgent need for improved sanitation and infrastructure, particularly for women, and calls for greater awareness and policy changes to tackle these challenges.

National Micro Drama Festival 2025:

A Tribute to Omcheri NN PillaiThe National Micro Drama Festival 2025, held at LTG Auditorium in Delhi, was a resounding success, celebrating the power of short-format theater. Organized by Vriksh the Theatre in collaboration with the National School of Drama, the event paid a heartfelt tribute to Omcheri NN Pillai, a legend in Indian theater.

Omcheri NN Pillai, hailed as the ‘Godfather of Vriksh the Theatre’, made significant contributions to Malayalam drama and played a crucial role in shaping the National Micro Drama Festival. His 51 one-act plays and novels have left an indelible mark on Indian theater. The festival honored his legacy by showcasing thought-provoking performances that tackled socio-political struggles, gender inequality, and cultural traditions.

The Transformative Power of Micro Dramas

The 2025 edition of the festival underscored the power of micro dramas—performances that deliver impactful messages in under ten minutes. This year’s festival featured diverse themes, from religious dogmatism to political struggles, demonstrating how short-format plays can spark deep introspection and social dialogue.

Guided by Dr. Abhilash Pillai, the Programme Director, the festival successfully blended traditional and contemporary theater, further enriching the cultural landscape of Indian drama.

A Celebration of Artistic Expression and Social Change

Through events like Ponni and the National Micro Drama Festival, Indian theater continues to serve as a powerful medium for storytelling, advocacy, and social transformation. Shri Kavalam Nandakumar’s contributions, both as a playwright and cultural leader, have reinforced the importance of art in raising awareness and inspiring change.

As Kolkata prepares for the staging of Ponni on March 23, 2025, anticipation runs high for what promises to be a compelling theatrical experience. The play will not only entertain but also ignite crucial conversations about societal issues, leaving an enduring impact on audiences.

Theater remains a mirror to society, and with visionaries like Shri Kavalam Nandakumar, it continues to evolve as a force for enlightenment, empathy, and progress.