On a breezy evening in Mangalore, the local troupe Ank staged a vivid retelling of the life of Veera Rani Abbakka, the 16th‑century queen who defied Portuguese invasion along Karnataka's coast. The performance, held at the historic Town Hall, combined folk music, martial dance and contemporary dialogue to highlight the queen's strategic brilliance and unyielding spirit.
Director Shyam Prasad, who leads Ank, explained that the project began as a research initiative in early 2024. “We wanted to reconnect younger audiences with a figure who embodies resistance and regional pride,” he said during the post‑show discussion. The playwright, Maya Rao, drew from archival records, oral histories and local legends to craft a script that balances factual episodes with dramatic flair.
Costumes reflected the period accurately: silk dhotis, ornate gold jewellery and the distinctive red turban worn by Abbakka in battle. Actors trained in Kalaripayattu performed choreographed sword sequences that echoed the queen's reputed combat skills. The set featured a replica of the ancient fort at Ullal, illuminated by lanterns that flickered like torches on a wartime night.
Audience reaction was enthusiastic; many viewers expressed surprise at learning that Abbakka ruled an independent kingdom for over two decades. Local historian Dr. Ravi Shetty noted, “The play reinforces a narrative often omitted from mainstream textbooks, reminding us that Karnataka's coastal region has a legacy of fierce sovereignty.”
Following the performance, Ank announced plans to tour the production to other coastal towns, including Udupi and Karwar, during the upcoming cultural festival season. The troupe hopes the drama will inspire renewed interest in regional history and encourage schools to incorporate Abbakka's story into their curricula.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: The Hindu Entertainment