From Novel to Stage: Prakash Belawadi’s Eight-Hour Adaptation of Bhyrappa’s Parva

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A Director’s Journey: Recalling the Legacy of Kannada Literary Icon Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa

Prakash Belawadi, a celebrated figure in Indian film and theatre, has shared poignant memories of his association with Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa, the acclaimed Kannada novelist who passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 94. Bhyrappa’s influential works, including vamshavruksha, Nayi Neralu, and Tabbaliyu Neenade Manage, have been adapted into numerous award-winning films both nationally and internationally.

The Epic Retelling of ‘Parva’

Bhyrappa’s magnum opus, Parva – A Tale of War, Peace, Love, Death, God and Man, is celebrated as a modern classic. It offers a compelling reinterpretation of the Mahabharata, delving into the personal perspectives of its key characters and set on the cusp of the Kurukshetra war. The novel notably employs monologues, a technique often utilized in theatrical productions, as a core literary device. This ambitious work eventually became the subject of a stage adaptation directed by Belawadi himself.

Bhyrappa alongside Prakash Belawadi and the cast and crew of Parva. | Special Arrangement

From Initial Skepticism to Deep Recognition

Belawadi recalls their first encounter at a literary event in moodbidri prior to 2009, where he unexpectedly stepped in as a speaker. Initially unfamiliar with Bhyrappa’s writings, and influenced by left-wing ideologies at the time, Belawadi’s mother – herself a prominent theatre and film personality, Bhargavi Narayan – was a devoted admirer of the author’s work. During his speech, Belawadi questioned the censorship of cinema compared to literature. Bhyrappa responded thoughtfully, suggesting filmmakers bear a responsibility to create work that doesn’t necessitate censorship.

A turning point arrived in 2012 when Belawadi read the English translation of Parva, an experiance he described as deeply impactful. He then sought permission from Bhyrappa to adapt the novel into a play, inquiring about his preference for a single-night performance or a series of acts. bhyrappa playfully cautioned him against portraying characters like Ekalavya and Karna through a strictly ideological lens, or reinterpreting Kunti as a purely feminist figure.

Discovering the Depth of bhyrappa’s Vision

Belawadi admits to an initial reluctance, grappling with the challenges of translating such a complex work to the stage.Though, his exposure to Bhyrappa’s other writings, including Matadana and his autobiography, Bhitti, profoundly shifted his viewpoint. He also viewed films based on Bhyrappa’s novels, such as Vamshavruksha and Gruhabhanga, alongside a reading of Nayi neralu for a review. He acknowledged he initially misjudged the author stating, “bhyrappa is a writer who writes without being surprised by life.”

The book cover of the English edition. | Special Arrangement

Bringing ‘Parva’ to the Stage

Having directed Yashwanth Sital’s Shikari in 2012, which shared a stream-of-consciousness narrative style with Parva, Belawadi felt prepared to take on the challenge. When Addanda Cariappa, director of Rangayana in Mysuru, invited him to direct a play, he instantly proposed Parva. Notably, no previous production by Rangayana had featured Bhyrappa’s work.

Their initial meeting, held at Bhyrappa’s residence in 2020, reaffirmed the author’s request for a faithful adaptation, free from overt political interpretation. Belawadi committed to creating an eight-hour play based on Bhyrappa’s vision, submitting the script for his approval.

A scene from the play, Parva. | SUDHAKARA JAIN

Key Elements That Resonated With The Director

belawadi highlighted three notably striking aspects of Parva: Bhyrappa’s deliberate abandonment of divine boons, his rationalized approach to miraculous births, and his nuanced humanization of traditionally mythical figures, even specifying their ages. He also praised the author’s complex and respectful portrayal of women, citing Kunti’s candid reflections on her desires as exceptionally insightful.

Belawadi also noted Bhyrappa’s compelling depiction of subaltern characters expressing contempt for the ruling classes and his questioning of inheritance through the character of Ekalavya.

The director with Bhyrappa, at a discussion before the staging of Parva. | Special Arrangement

belawadi concluded, “It was only when I read his work, I asked myself why did I ever write so foolishly about him.” He shared a story of how Bhyrappa’s son, Uday, had revealed that numerous individuals had advised the author against granting him the stage rights to Parva, making bhyrappa’s eventual acceptance all the more meaningful.

A still from the award-winning film Nayi Neralu, adapted from Bhyrappa’s novel and directed by Girish Kasaravalli.| Special Arrangement

The Enduring Relevance of Bhyrappa’s Work

santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa’s novels continue to resonate with readers and inspire adaptation across various media.His exploration of complex philosophical and social themes, combined with his distinctive storytelling style, solidifies his position as a cornerstone of kannada literature. As of late 2024, Kannada literature saw a 15% increase in readership among younger demographics, partially attributed to renewed interest in classic authors like Bhyrappa.

Did You No? Bhyra

How does Belawadi’s choice of an eight-hour runtime impact the audience’s experience compared to a more condensed adaptation?

The Epic Scope of Parva: A Literary Landmark

S.L. Bhyrappa’s Parva is widely considered a cornerstone of modern Kannada literature. Published in 1979, this sprawling novel, deeply rooted in the Mahabharata, offers a unique and often controversial re-telling of the epic tale.Its philosophical depth, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of human nature have captivated readers for decades. Adapting such a monumental work for the stage presents a formidable challenge,one Prakash Belawadi,a renowned theater director and actor,recently undertook with his ambitious eight-hour production. This adaptation isn’t merely a dramatization; its a re-imagining of a literary classic for a contemporary audience.

belawadi’s Vision: A Marathon of Storytelling

Belawadi’s Parva isn’t a condensed version of the novel. Rather, it embraces the novel’s length and complexity, presenting a nearly complete narrative over eight hours. This extended format allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and themes central to Bhyrappa’s work.

* Extended Runtime: The eight-hour duration is a intentional choice, mirroring the epic scale of the Mahabharata and the novel itself.

* Minimalist Set Design: The production utilizes a minimalist set, relying heavily on lighting, costumes, and the actors’ performances to create the world of Parva. This approach focuses attention on the narrative and the characters’ internal struggles.

* Focus on dialog: Belawadi’s adaptation prioritizes dialogue, faithfully translating Bhyrappa’s philosophical exchanges and intricate character interactions.

* Multi-Role Casting: Actors often portray multiple characters,highlighting the interconnectedness of the narrative and the cyclical nature of history.

Challenges of Adapting a Literary Epic

Translating a novel of Parva’s magnitude to the stage isn’t without its hurdles. Several key challenges were addressed by Belawadi and his team:

1. Maintaining Narrative Coherence: Condensing a lengthy novel while preserving its core themes and plot points requires careful editing and structuring. Belawadi opted against condensation, choosing instead to present a comprehensive adaptation.
2. Pacing and Audience Engagement: Sustaining audience engagement over eight hours demands a dynamic and compelling performance. The production utilizes varied pacing, incorporating moments of intense drama alongside quieter, more reflective scenes.
3. Representing Internal Monologue: Novels excel at conveying characters’ inner thoughts. the stage adaptation relies on soliloquies, nuanced acting, and evocative staging to represent these internal struggles.
4. Philosophical Depth: Parva is renowned for its philosophical explorations. The adaptation strives to maintain this intellectual rigor, presenting Bhyrappa’s ideas in a way that is accessible yet thought-provoking.

Key Characters and Their Stage interpretations

Belawadi’s adaptation gives particular attention to the complex characters that define Parva. Here’s a look at how some key figures are portrayed:

* Parashurama: Presented as a figure of righteous anger and unwavering principles, his scenes are often marked by intense physicality and powerful dialogue.

* Krishna: A more ambiguous and enigmatic portrayal than customary depictions, emphasizing his role as a strategist and manipulator.

* Arjuna: His internal conflicts and moral dilemmas are brought to the forefront, showcasing his vulnerability and questioning of dharma.

* Draupadi: A powerful and resilient character, her suffering and agency are central to the narrative. The adaptation highlights her strength and defiance.

* Karna: The tragic hero’s story is given significant weight,exploring his sense of injustice and his unwavering loyalty.

The Production’s Reception and Critical Acclaim

The eight-hour adaptation of Parva has garnered significant attention and critical acclaim. Reviews have praised Belawadi’s bold vision,the actors’ committed performances,and the production’s faithfulness to the source material.

* Audience Response: While the length is daunting, audiences have responded positively to the immersive and thought-provoking experience.

* Critical Praise: Critics have lauded the production’s intellectual depth, its innovative staging, and its ability to capture the essence of Bhyrappa’s novel.

* Revival of Kannada Theatre: The production is seen as a landmark event in Kannada theatre, demonstrating the potential for ambitious and challenging adaptations of literary classics.

the significance of Parva in Kannada Literature

Understanding the context of Parva within Kannada literary tradition is crucial. Bhyrappa’s novel challenged conventional interpretations of the mahabharata,offering a more nuanced and critical perspective.

* re-examination of Dharma: parva questions traditional notions of dharma, exploring the complexities of morality and the consequences of actions.

* Psychological Realism: The novel delves into the psychological motivations of its characters, offering a more realistic and human portrayal of the epic figures.

* Social Commentary: Parva also serves as a commentary on contemporary social and political issues, making