Yakshagana is an ancient theater form that combines dance, music, dialogues, costumes, make–up and stage techniques with a unique narrative style. It is mainly practiced in the coastal districts and Malanadu region of Karnataka, India. The stage performances of Yakshagana, which generally run from dusk to dawn, are mostly based on the stories derived from Indian mythological scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Purana etc. YKT Mumbai explores behind-the- stage-world of Yakshagana performers and
YKT Mumbai explores behind-the- stage-world of Yakshagana performers and takes the audience into the world of one such group of Yakshagana performers based in the city of Mumbai. The film follows the narrative structure of a popular Yakshagana performance (prasanga) and intercuts in between to reveal the backstage activities and the life beyond.
It makes an attempt to bring to the fore the ground realities of the lives of the ‘performers’ behind these colorful characters and tries to seek insights into their personal journeys and unmask the reasons for their love for Yakshagana. The film also tries to explore the eco-dynamics of doing Yakshagana stage shows in a Metropolis like Mumbai , where performing art forms are gradually being pushed to the sidelines due to the onslaught of electronic mass media.
Written & Directed by O.P Srivastava; Produced by Reelism Films