With breathtaking choreography and soulful music, Sakuntalam – A Dance Musical by Madurai R. Muralidaran enthralled the audience, leaving a lasting impression with its grandeur and artistic brilliance. Presented by Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy, Sakuntalam featured lyrics, screenplay, music, choreography, and direction by Madurai R. Muralidaran. The group choreography was designed by Chithra Muralidaran, with Kavya Muralidaran assisting in choreography. For the first time in the field of Bharatanatyam, the composer collaborated with the Budapest Orchestra, bringing together 65+ musicians from Hungary and 40+ artists from across India, creating a grand musical experience.   The chief guest for the evening was Anand Kuchibhotla, President of the University of Silicon Andhra. 

Being his 27th production, it took Muralidaran almost a year to conceptualise, script, and bring this grand musical to life. The production opened with an introductory song featuring a collaboration with the Budapest Orchestra.

As the story unfolds, Sakuntala, portrayed by Priyadharshini Kishore Neelakandan, is born to Sage Vishwamitra and the celestial nymph Menaka. She marries King Dushyanta, played by Srinivasan S, who forgets her due to a curse. A lost ring restores his memory, leading to their reunion with their son, Bharata.

Innovation and Detailing

Muralidaran has meticulously crafted each segment of the dance musical with remarkable detail. The penance of Sage Vishwamitra and Menaka’s distraction was beautifully depicted with intricate choreography. In a unique innovation, two Sakuntala birds descended from above for each narrative, symbolising key moments. The dancers portraying these birds displayed exceptional skill, maintaining a folded-leg posture while transitioning between segments.

Another captivating element was King Dushyanta’s grand entry from within the audience, making his arrival feel immersive and unexpected. Similarly, in a striking moment, Sakuntala also emerged from the audience in a scene where she visits Dushyanta’s palace, adding a theatrical surprise.

The production also featured grand group dance sequences in every segment, enhancing its visual splendour. Finally, the birth of Bharata was portrayed with remarkable detail, bringing the epic tale to a powerful and emotive way.

Costumes Enhancing the Visual Spectacle

Great care was taken in designing the costumes. The group dancers wore coordinated outfits—green and gold for women, and red and gold for men—enhancing the visual appeal. Sakuntala stood out in a pristine white costume, with her saree drape hanging colours to reflect different segments of the story.  A special mention goes to Menaka’s stunning attire. After Sakuntala’s birth, as animals gathered to see her, young girls beautifully portrayed nature’s elements, dressed as white birds, black butterflies, and even deer. The interaction between Bharata and the lion was made even more striking by the well-crafted and fitting lion costume.

Props and visual effects

The production explored every possible way to make it unique, with special attention given to props. A display board showcased relevant backgrounds for each sequence, enhancing the storytelling. Some standout props included the scene where Sakuntala crosses the river and loses her ring—four large fish props, carried by performers, created a striking visual effect. Additionally, a moving boat prop added to the realism of the scene. The lighting and sound effects were brilliantly executed, making the entire production feel immersive and lifelike.

The production concluded with the reunion of Sakuntala and King Dushyanta, followed by a vibrant group dance.