Mrichchhakatika is a very well known Sanskrit drama from 2nd century AD. This narrates a social story instead of routine mythological story from India. It is a story of merchant who will fall in love with a courtesan. But the same courtesan will be liked by King's brother-in-law "Samsthaanaka". He is also referred to as Shakaara - because of his Stuttering problem with the alphabet "Sha" he was commonly known as Shakaara.
In this solo dance drama - Shakaar is the main character. It is portrayed as a villain who wishes to forcibly take over a woman - Vasanthasena. Shakaara will be obsessed with Vasanthasena. He goes to drastic extent of killing her for his love, since he came to know she was in love with another man - Charudatta. He also tries to frame Charudatta as a murderer of Vasanthasena. But ultimately, Vasanthasena will be saved by Buddhist monk and appears in front of execution chamber to prove Shakaara wrong.
Best thing about this presentation is Guru Pulikeshi's amazing ability to speak, act and dance at the same time, narrating the story of Mrichchhakatika and role of Shakaara.
Original concept and choreography is by Guru Prasanna Kasthuri.