Stand-up shows on television and a comedy collective are popularizing the genre in the state
Stand-up shows on television and a comedy collective are popularizing the genre in the state
Move beyond mimicry and comedy skits. It’s time for a group of young stand-up comedians to roll on the floor with laughter. Cochin Comedy Project (CCP) show ‘Shobha Chirikkunil?’ (Shobha, aren’t you laughing?), a live ticketed show, is one of the performances that are taking place.
Malayalam probably has one of the oldest, traditional versions of stand-up comedy in any language, Chakyarkuthu. The artist had the right to make fun of everyone in the audience and neither the king nor the priest was spared. However, even though many forms of parody flourished in Kerala, the modern version of stand-up comedy never really caught on, as in metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. But, over the past two years, the style has found many practitioners and takers.
CCP, a group of stand-up comedians, has lined up several shows, the popularity of stand-up is mainly due to two television shows, fun once in a while amrita on tv Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri On Majhvil Manorama. People of all ages line up to do stand-up at these shows. In fact, members of the CCP have even performed at these shows before becoming part of the collective.
A recent example of stand-up going mainstream is a stand-up comedy competition organized by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) in connection with its 65th anniversary celebrations. It was open to both public and KSEB employees.
It has been only 10 years since stand-up comedy turned professional in the country. But, in Kerala, stand-up mimicry and comedy skits could not be put aside.
Shruti Pillai, Show Director, ‘Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri’ | photo credit: special arrangement
Deepak Mohan, founder of CCP, says: “When I found that there was scope to develop Malayalam stand-up, I thought of exploring this scene. I did a live ticketed show ‘The Irony Man’ in March 2021.” He was later joined by Sabreesh Narayanan and did his first show of ‘Shobha Chirikkunil’ in Kochi last November.
Other members of the CCP are John Joe, Anees M Latif, Mahadevan AR and Arjun Sajikumar. “We have demonstrated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. At each show, stand-up artists from those venues join us on stage. There are 13 others who work with us right now. We also do open mic shows in Kochi every week to test our content,” says Deepak.
stand-up on television
Stand-up show aired by Suriya Comedy Channel on small screen Imini balya naavu, In 2020, which had to be closed due to the outbreak of the pandemic. The show’s producer and coordinator BC Naufal says that the episode was shot in a cafe in Kochi. “Till then there has not been any stand-up show on Malayalam television. I was not keen to start it again because by then other channels had started their own shows,” he says.
Ramesh Pisharody, Guinness Pakru and Hari P Nair during the shooting of the show ‘Fun Upon a Time’ on Amrita TV. photo credit: special arrangement
On fun… The stand-up comic is produced by actor-director Ramesh Pisharodi. “One of the reasons why stand-up is not popular in Kerala is because the format only works with a small crowd and we comedians are used to performing for large audiences. It was the pandemic that created a scenario where we had to entertain a limited number of people,” says Ramesh.
The show is directed by Hari P Nair, who directed please smile, One of the earliest shows on Malayalam television (Asianet Plus, 2007) which had “elements of stand-up”. Ramesh was the creative consultant of the show. , please smile There were ‘comedy monoacts’. enjoying… It’s a continuation of my experiments with comedy material all these years,” says Hari, adding that the show featured more than 100 stand-up practitioners.
Shajimon Wazur in ‘Fun Upon a Time’ | photo credit: special arrangement
Oru Chiri…, which has both stand-up and skits, was also launched around the same time. “When the first phase had only video entries as the lockdown restrictions were in force, we conducted an open audition for new contestants last month. Around 90% of them opted to do stand-up,” says show director Shruti Pillai. Over 200 actors in the age group of three to over 80 have been a part of the show! “We had an episode with ‘chain stand-up’ where six of our top contestants performed together,” says Shruti. ,
ready for stage
Ramesh and Shruti admit that contestants often need help with content and presentation and hence undergo grooming sessions. “First of all, we had to make them understand that stand-up is not mimicry. We asked them to tell us stories full of humor. He also did test shoots to analyze his performance,” says Ramesh.
He says Malayalam stand-up cannot imitate other languages. “We have to adapt the content according to the audience. Also, there is a need to educate the audience about stand-up comedy in general,” says Ramesh.
Rajan Prabhu, 75, performing on ‘Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri’. photo credit: special arrangement
Actor-presenter Sabuman, one of the three judges Oru Chiri…, It is said that doing stand-up on television has its limits. “For example, they can’t use profanity to create humor, which can work in a live show. So the challenge is to create laughs with relatable content and clean humour. People from all walks of life – It was exciting to sit through presentations by kids, youth, housewives, daily wage workers, senior citizens. Despite the fact that the contestants have been groomed and molded for the format, one has to give them credit for their confidence,” Sabu says.
Mahadevan, who has participated in both the shows, says that he auditioned for it. enjoying… To get into the movies. “I knew very little about stand-up then. But after doing well Oru Chiri… And in live shows, I expect stand-up to be taken seriously,” says Mahadevan. John, who has gone viral with his antics, says he is having a great time as a stand-up comic. “Some contestants are in it for instant fame or cash prizes or to appear in films. People also send requests to my Instagram page to help me get on the show and some expect me to provide content! Still, I am excited by the reach of stand-up,” he says.
Stand-up comedy series on ‘Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri’ on Majhavil Manorama | photo credit: special arrangement
Many women are also in the fray. “Though it took years for women to mimicry, the stand-up scene is different,” says Ramesh. Graphic designer turned stand-up comic Anita Joshi says she decided to give it a try Oru Chiri… After watching some performances. “Now I am always on the lookout for content. My dream is to do a live show,” says Anita.
Anita Joshi | photo credit: special arrangement
Live shows are a different game altogether, say stand-up comics. Mahadevan says, “It gives me a different footing because you get instant feedback from the audience.” John says that there is a different atmosphere to engage the audience in the joke. “While certain words and usages are taboo on television, there is no such restriction in a live show. That’s why ‘Shobha Chirikkunil?’ Is for the over 15 age group!” he says.
Nisha Achuthan in ‘Fun Upon a Time’ | photo credit: special arrangement
Meanwhile, CCP is doing everything possible to promote stand-up. “There is not enough Malayalam stand-up content on YouTube and social media. It’s a live show experience that sells. So we are doing a show in Kochi on 23rd April to shoot the video. Once they click with the audience, we expect to do more live shows, podcasts and even specials by individual artistes,” says Deepak.