In ASAMBHAV we see the work of a highly imaginative writer and director. Comedy is what works in mainstream theatre these days and this play is full of it. In fact, in some parts, it is a rather refined comedy with quotations being twisted and turned and thrown at all the characters and mostly at the audience. You almost think it is a comedy when suddenly there is horror! I would not recommend this play to the faint-hearted.
When the play begins, you think that this is one of the done to death murder mysteries. Think, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (also called 10 Little Indians) by Agatha Christie. The highly acclaimed play THE MOUSETRAP, again by Agatha Christie, is also somewhat similar. The writer cleverly starts ASAMBHAV with this premise leading you to believe that you will have corpses falling in each room. But suddenly, there is a change of scene and you are baffled and entertained by the turn of events. It is an entirely different play. When you are about to reach the Interval, you have a cliff-hanger sort of movement where a great mystery is revealed. What a treat! You have enjoyed half the cocktail thus far.
The second act takes a more philosophical twist with the characters exposing their emotions, ambitions, and weaknesses. Turn by turn, each character reveals his or her past. One scene really shows off the combined skills of writing, direction and the brilliant timing of the actors. Each couple is playing an indoor game and the dialogue shared between one couple is continued by the other couple and so it goes back and forth. What is easily possible in cinema has been cleverly achieved here by four excellent actors. Finally, we come towards the end with more thrills and the ultimate solving of the mystery. You truly have had a fine cocktail!
Janardan Lavangare is competent as the hotel owner, whereas Rasika Dhamankar as his wife is a real treat to watch. Each of her entry and exits are thrilling. The rest of the cast too play their parts competently. However, still better performances would have taken the play to an even more consummate level. One of the other highlights of the play, are old Hindi songs that are fairly well-chosen and are played at very appropriate times in the course of the play. Lavangare has a strong grasp of the grammar of drama and uses it to good effect. Here is a fine instance of good writing coupled with good direction. This is a must watch play for its sheer multi-sensorial (horror, comedy, thrills, music - with a dash of philosophy) entertainment value.
*Gurudutt Kamath likes to share his experience of watching plays. He is a journalist, translator and writer. Amongst various positions held, he was Features Editor with the monthly magazine Savvy and Sub-editor at Amar Chitra Katha. He has also worked as a Technical Write and Translator.
