Into 19th century, Kathakali already had already matured as an art form. Plays abounded and often focused on developing specific situations in a plot rather than an entire narrative with emphasis on a single bhava or rasa. Both Lavanasuravadham and Kuchelavrutham are classic examples of this trend. Both plays while holding integral narratives have highly emotional encounters as their focal points.
In Lavanasuravadham (penned by Amritha Shasthrikal), the protagonists Kusha and Lava unwittingly yet successfully challenge their uncles Shatrughna and Lakshmana followed by their father Rama and then his devoted monkey warrior Hanuman. The latter they tie up for amusement and carries to their mother Sita. A highly poignant meeting between Sita and Hanuman (who has been a saviour and dear friend to her) follows, much loved for its beautiful music and emotional content.
