If there is one word that can describe this play, it's entertaining. Music is its soul and the dance helps create a surreal feel. Set design is minimal and the lighting is one of the best I have seen. But we have all seen the likes of 'Freaky Friday' and therefore, this story which is a replica of such movies, is nothing new or fresh.
It is a stylized play based on the Natyadharmi and the Lokdharmi shaili; both ancient classical art forms. These forms illustrate all the rasas and bhavas mentioned in the Natyashastra, written more than 2500 years ago by Bharat Muni. The story revolves around three characters namely Bhagwad who is the guru, his disciple Shandilya and Ajjukey Vasantsena, a princess.
One fine day when all three are together in a garden, Yumdoot arrives and mistakenly takes away Vasantsena's soul. Shandilya who was attracted to her, challenges his guru to show his prowess and return Vasantsena to life. Goaded by the disciple, Bhagwad takes up the challenge and enters Vasantsena's body. Meanwhile Yumdoot returns and not finding any other source, puts Vasantsena's soul in Bhagwad's body. What follows is a predictable string of comic exchanges and an even more predictable end.
But although the act between Shandilya and Bhagwad is predictable enough, it is still charming and will make you smile. The music, dance and even the dialogues to a certain extent hold the audience. Ankur Parekh was good as Shandilya. However, the Gujarati accent was a bummer at times. Hanif Patni was good as Bhagwad. But when he assumed the role of Vasantsena, he was a complete let down. Kamna Ranawat as Vasantsena could have done a lot better. Her antics made the audience frown rather than smile. The courtesans were fine. Raj Yadav's Ramlik accompanied Vasantsena as a true lover. Ishrat Sana Khan was over-the-top as Maata. Virendra Giri as Yumraaj and Mithilesh Maihar as Chitragupt were good too. Vijay singh as Yamdoot could have been better.
Although it's quite apparent that most of the dancers are not trained, they have done a fairly good job and the simple yet attractive dance movements were quite a 'Dekho'. A job well done by the choreographer Vaibhav Arekar. Music by Zafar Sanjari helps transports you to an older time and is fitting for the play. Lights by Abhishek Narayan complement the music and create a lovely ambience.
The story could definitely have done with some fine tuning and editing. Director Nadira Babbar makes use of the stage well and succeeds in creating a seamless harmony and a fine balance between the dialogues and the songs and dances. Costumes by Juhi Babbar were vibrant. All in all a complete entertainment package.
*Pooja Gautam is a business journalist who enjoys theatre.
