First Edition Arts Channel

"Decoding Kathakali - The Artful Storytellers" is a set of nine films on the mythic dance drama traditions of Kerala. The films are led by Kalamandalam Shanmukham and span the arc of performances with an ensemble cast of trained actors and musicians as well as films that illustrate the history, context and evolution of the form and the significance of its unique aesthetic philosophy.

These films were conceptualised by the Society for Indian Music and Arts, Nritya and ICMSV during the catastrophic first year of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Since performing artists were unable to travel, a set of films on the form, created by the First Edition Arts team who travelled to Kerala, came to be. We believe that the films serve as an important introduction to students, new audiences and Rasikas into the distinctive universe of Kathakali.

This video is a performance of an extract from the epic "Duryodhanavadham". It features the climactic scene where Bheema encounters Dushasana in the battlefield. A terrifying clash ensues. Dushasana is eventually killed and Bheema is finally able to fulfil the vow made by Panchali when she was insulted by Dushasana.

Some scenes depict simulated violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

There are English subtitles provided for some of the singing segments and dialogues. Click on the "CC" icon to access the subtitles.