Written and Directed : Kulwinder Bakshish Singh Cast : Noyrika Bhatheja, Sanjana Deshmukh, Vineeta M Joshee
KARN Review
The heroism and pathos of Karn's character from the Mahabharat has inspired many films (Kalyug, Rajneeti), plays (Andha Yug), and television series (Suryaputra Karna). The reinvention of this plot from the epic lures many a creators. For this is the story of an underdog, valiant yet vilified, a champion without recognition, charitable and cheated upon" Karn is a prince without a crown and a superhero whose cape has been snatched away. This play is a modern adaptation of the timeless plot. For starters, all the characters are essayed by three female performers as they enact, dance and fight. They are dressed in black body suits with colorfully braided hair.
The play opens at the battlefield where Karn is fighting with his chariot wheel and Arjun pulls his bow and shoots a deathly arrow at him. Rising from dead, Karn begins to narrate his intriguing life story. From his playful days in childhood with his brother Shon, his mother Radha forbidding him to venture anywhere close to the river Ganga and then his father Adhirath, the charioteer introducing him to the royal portals of Hastinapur. The narrative depicts his embitterment at being outcast because of his 'lowly' antecedents. He faces nepotism, favouritism and bullying at the hands of the rank holders like the royal guru, Dronacharya.
When Duryodhan absolves him of all the infamy by anointing him the king of Ang province, Karn pledges his lifelong allegiance to him. Karn also finds solace in being a charitable donor. But he is plagued by misfortune, as his guru Parshuram curses him, his beloved brother Shon is killed in the battle, he is stripped of his divine armour and earrings by deceit and finally queen mother Kunti reveals that she is his birth mother. Even Krishna fails to negotiate with him as he remains steadfastly devoted to his friend, Duryodhana till the end.
This story is broadly known to all of us, but the play also focuses on the lesser known character of Shon, Karn's younger brother, which is a revelation.
The narrative is a blend of modern and classical format of storytelling. It weaves in martial folk dances" Manipuri Chhau and Kalaripayattu. The most appealing aspect of the play is its spontaneity and innovative presentation. From the make-up, costumes to props, it's a visually enticing spectacle. The three actors - Noyrika Bhatheja, Sanjana Deshmukh and Vineeta Joshee change their characters, costumes and mannerisms with chameleonsque accuracy and grace. It is a treat to watch Noyrika transform into Krishna with his soothing yet commanding aura. Vineeta excels herself in the title role. The writer director Kulwinder Bakshish Singh brings in the charm and chaos of Mahabharat efficiently. The play soars through its choreography, minimalistic props" Karna's wheel is just a cutout bandaged in duct tape!
The dialogue and delivery of the story is so overpowering that it will keep you glued to your seats.
It helps to have the basic knowledge of Mahabharat to understand the subtleties therein. Otherwise too, it's a mesmerizing, sensorial presentation. Now awaiting the next chapters of the trilogy" Madhav and Mahadev.
Deepa Karmalkar (A senior journalist, features writer and reviewer who is now a keen yoga trainer.)
