Colourful histrionics on stage

With its colourful characters and a wonderful music, the hour-long performance was a big hit with the kids. The plot was taken from Bhagavatha. The story dealt with a child hero Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu who becomes instrumental in destroying evil. The trials of Prahlada added a variety to the puppet show.

The play was narrated by a Sutradhara and the scenes were shown accordingly. The show began with a court scene of a demon king Hiranyakashipu.

He avenges to kill Lord Vishnu for killing his brother Hiranyaksha. He performs austerities to gain mystical powers from Brahma. Pleased by Hiranyakashipu’s austerities, Brahma offers him a boon that he will personally grant any wish he may ask for.

Meanwhile, Narada takes Kayadu, wife of Hiranyakashipu into his care. When under the guidance of Narada, her unborn child Prahlada, turns a devotee of Lord Vishnu. After his birth, Prahlada gradually begins to adore Vishnu, much to his father’s disappointment.
Hiranyakashipu eventually becomes so angry with his son’s devotion that he plots to kill him. But each time he attempts to kill the boy, Prahlada is protected by Vishnu's mystical power. Prahlada claims that Vishnu is omnipresent. So in an effort to tease him, Hiranyakashipu points to a nearby pillar and asks if ‘his Vishnu’ is in it.

When Prahlada says ‘yes’, Hiranyakashipu smashes the pillar with his mace. Following a tumultuous sound, Vishnu in the form of Narasimha appears from it and kills Hiranyakashipu.

Thus, the show ends on a grand note.With an array of characters and colourful sets, the show succeeded in entertaining the crowd, mostly consisting of children and old people.
The play was elaborate in nature with meticulous in detailing and technical quality. The script was written by Anupama and Vidyashankar Hoskere and directed by Anupama Hoskere. “Hats off to the team for showing us a wonderful play. I hope the show has helped kids know more about Indian epic,” said Seetharamayya, a member of the audience.