Melbourne Talkies’ Tamil play Neram Ippozhudhu Kaadhal, which ran to a packed theatre, was a comedy that spanned centuries from the ancient Chola to the modern
Melbourne welcomed spring with “Neram Ippozhudhu Kaadhal” (NIK), a Tamil play professionally staged by Melbourne Talkies (MT), a local Tamil theatre production initiative. MT, which won many accolades last year for its debut performance – Gajini Gajana Gaali (G3), left no stone unturned yet again in presenting NIK to Melbourne’s Tamil diaspora. NIK unveiled its screens at Wyndham Cultural Centre Werribee on 31 October and had a repeat performance staged at Doncaster Secondary College on 1 November.
NIK, a full length romantic comedy, ran a full house with a rapt audience who sat glued to their seats. The story revolved around the concept of time travel and the MT cast and crew put together a tightly knit performance which was well directed and executed. The characters were a unique blend of shades ranging from a modern Geetha and Karthik (played by Vaishnavi and Kaushik) to the historical Raja Chandravarman and Chandralekha (a dual role portrayed by Feroz) and the short-tempered Major Adityan (played by Srivatsan).
The host of other characters that were a mix of modern day and historical tones — Vasu and Kandamaran (Lakshmikanth), Josiyar Rangasamy (Ilango), Vishnugupthan (Appa Ramji), Manimekalai (Mukilarasi), Media Mythili (Hannah) and Kumar (Senthil) supported the storyline extraordinarily. Every character had a relevant place in the story and fitted the jigsaw quite aptly. A special mention must be made for the digital background, music, dance and special effects that added much exuberance to the play. Apart from the stage performance in itself the props and sets used to depict the Pallava and Chola dynasty were beautifully designed by Anindita Banerjee who helped MT with the set design. The dialogues were crisp and laced with humour culminating in a thorough family entertainment. Apart from the dedicated cast and crew of MT, several community volunteers were also involved in the making of NIK.
It was a heart-warming performance by MT that prides in its annual affair of showcasing quality Tamil stage plays to Melbourne’s Tamil audiences. Vasan Srinivasan, Chair Australian Indian Association, graced the event as the chief guest.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
