Chintamani Padya Natakam

About Chintamani Padya Natakam-

• This play was written in 1920 by playwright Kallakuri Narayana Rao, who was also a social reformer. 
• His honorific name is “Mahakavi”. 
• His other famous plays were Varavikrayam, Madhuseva, Chitrabhyudayam and Padmavyuham.
• The play is about Chintamani, a courtesan and a devotee of Lord Krishna, who finds salvation by singing bhajans. 
• She is courted by Subbi Shetty, a businessman from the Arya Vysya community, who loses his wealth and family due to his attraction to Chintamani.
• The original play had a social message, but over the years, it has been modified purely for entertainment.
• The play is exhibited across the state, mainly in rural areas, during festivals and fairs.
• The play has undergone many changes over the decades, and to make it more entertaining and funny, crude and vulgar language is used in many places, drawing the ire of the community.
• The decision to ban this play came months after the head of the Arya Vysya Mahasabha submitted a petition seeking a ban on the play, saying it portrays them in a negative light.
• Much of the play sees central character Subbi Shetty made fun of, especially for losing all his wealth to his vices.