Our Legacy

Kalanilayam Theatres, founded in 1952 by Mr.Kalanilayam KrishnanNair, revolutionized commercial dramas in India with a unique style of presentation. In 1963, we introduced the concept of a permanent stage in Thiruvananthapuram, offering continuous drama performances for months. Our productions featured elaborate sets, thunderous sound effects, and immersive elements like lightning and rain. Popular dramas such as "Guruvayoorappan," "KayamkulamKochunni," and "NaradanKeralathil" captivated audiences across Kerala. The iconic production "Raktharakshas" in 1974 left audiences spellbound, showcasing exceptional storytelling, music, and technology.

Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair

Founder, Director - Kalanilayam Dramas

71

Years of
Excellence

Our Legacy

Kodungaloor Ammini Amma, a distinguished theatre activist, was born in the culturally rich town of Kodungaloor. Her remarkable career in the arts saw her performing in the National Award-winning movie "Neelakuyil,".Beyond her contributions to Malayalam cinema, Ammini Amma's versatility as an artist was evident in her dubbing work for numerous Hindi films to malayalam bridging linguistic and cultural divides with her voice.
She brought to life a variety of iconic characters, such as Kururamma in Sree Guruvayoorappan, Vazhapilly Janaki in Kayamkulam Kochunni, Kaikaekii in Ramayanam, Kunjara in Kadamathathu Kathanar, Noorjahan in Tajmahal and Kunthi in Kurukshetha Oper (Kalanilayam’s first production in permanent theatre). Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering support for her husband, Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair, were instrumental in the troupe's success. Together, they created unforgettable theatrical experiences that left a lasting legacy in the world of drama.

Kodungaloor Ammini Amma

Wife & Artist

In those days,even cinemas failed before Kalanilayam Dramas in technical perfections.

The drama lovers accepted this new experiment, that provided a wonderful experience of witnessing dramas for months in the same venue continuously, with an open heart. There were more than 150 artists, mammoth costly sets which could change the visuals in splits of seconds, deafening thunder bolts and lightening followed by heavy down pour, huge waves, landing of aeroplanes, racing of cars, beautiful cascades, all these and many more were the unique features of Kalanilayam.

RETURN OF THE PHOENIX

After kalanilayam krishnan nairs death his son Ananda Padmanabhan to restart Kalanilayam dramas. In 2003 along with the legendary actor Sri. Jagathy Sreekumar, whose father, Sri. Jagathy N.K. Achari , scripted all most all the dramas of Kalanilayam, Ananda Padmanabhan revived the dramas, by starting Kalanilayam Drama vision . Inspite of all the challenges posed by the modern times, people irrespective of age differences thronged to see the wonder on stage. kalanilayam initially staged Raktharakshass, soon followed by Kadamattath Kathanar, Kayamkulam Kochunni and Naradan Keralathil People welcomed the dramas which were filled with dazzling scenes, musical extravagance and theatrical excellence.