The original play, Pulijanmam, was written by N. Prabhakaran in 1987. The events portrayed are timeless, due to the powerful images and issues it raises, which was the compelling reason to stage this masterpiece again.

In the play, the protagonist Kari Gurukkal, a master of 18 martial arts, leaves his life and belongings behind to find a solution to the madness of the ruler and the anxiety of the people. The plot mainly deals with Kari’s internal conflicts and is relevant in the present socio-political scenario. The words by Pottan Theyyam, a folklore god, in the course of the play are relevant in today’s times -  "Insecurity of power leads to madness and anxiety". As Kari leaves for Puliyoor Kunnu to get the milk and skin of a tiger and thus heal the ruler, he is aware of his impending death.
 
Why has he embraced this fatal journey?
This very question is the propelling force behind the representation of Kari who questions the existing system which forces him to take up the journey. The folklore god - regionally known as, Theyyam, the Pottan, the Kurathi or the Gulikan - who obstructs Kari’s path on his journey up to Puliyoorkunnu, represents his self-criticism. He, himself is the one who questions, answers, debates and disagrees. It all ends where it started and goes on again. The circular formation and choreography of the play symbolizes and enhances this idea.
 
The form of the play largely depends upon the presentation of Theyyam, a unique ritual art performance of northern Kerala. Theyyam is about possessing oneself with the myth of God and communication to the devotees. The different elements of folk culture can be seen in the sets, costumes and music either overtly or in other symbolic ways.
 
In the original text, Vellachi, Kari’s wife, is frightened to see Kari as a tiger and runs away. But, in our play, Vellachi questions the hegemony of the upper caste and the madness of egos. In this patriarchal society, I believe women must raise their voices to challenge the status quo. We have also included 3 characters from Kari Gurukkal’s myth - namely Chothiyaar, Karimban and Viruthi - which adds power to the narrative of the play. The play tries to explore the question - what really happened to Kari after he decided to go up the hills of Puliyoormala?
 
-Bineesh K