Indian families often harbor a wealth of humour: dark comedy to cope with tragedy (trust Farah Khan, it helps!), slapstick from the family dufus, or clever puns from the erudite members. And yet, family humour is treated like khandaani zevar-kept hidden from the gaze of 'outsiders' to protect the safe space.
However, the play STAND UP MR. KHURANA brings the humour of a dysfunctional family to center stage!
This poignant and humorous play explores the life of Mr. Khurana, a middle-aged man navigating the complexities of modern society.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai's glitz and glamour, the play delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams, while keeping the father-daughter relationship at the forefront.
Also watch Interview with the Cast of STAND UP Mr. KHURANA
As Mr. Khurana grapples with personal and career challenges, he finds himself in a tricky situation when his estranged daughter from Ludhiana comes to live with him and his live-in partner.
The comical yet revealing situations highlight the absurdities of modern life and lay bare the fragilities of human relationships. STAND UP MR. KHURANA combines the right mix of emotions, pathos, and humoir to captivate the audience over its two-hour run.
Mahesh Thakur's portrayal of the father showcases a beautiful character arc, transforming from a has-been celebrity who has unwittingly abandoned his family to a responsible, emotional father making a significant comeback. Much of the weight of this production rests on the petite shoulders of actress Priyal Gor, who performs with admirable chutzpah and finesse. Rajesh Balwani's flawless performance as a profit-hungry celebrity manager complements Tanu Vidyarthi's stupendous portrayal of Kavita, expertly balancing comedy and drama.
Writing a family play often poses the challenge of avoiding a generic feel. However, Bhakti Rathod's narrative (inspired by Neil Simon) and storyline deserve loud applause. She creates a beautiful symphony of human emotions, combining a delectable style of comedy that is genuinely funny and completely crass-free without trying too hard.
All in all, the play is a must-watch for family audiences and an absolute paisa-vasool. It's also a great way to spend a weekend.
In summary, Peppy Tales Films STAND UP MR. KHURANA, jointly produced by Sachin Parikh, Geetali Khare and Harsh Vardhan Dawar, offers a blend of wit and heartfelt moments, delivering a beautiful message: one can have a fulfilling second act, no matter how challenging the first act may be.
The play provides a cathartic conclusion for countless contemporary individuals who long for their younger selves' aspirations, conveying that a change in attitude can alleviate struggles.
This production promises to engage audiences with its relatable characters and insightful commentary on societal norms, with dollops of humour thrown in for added effect!
*Divyani has worked as a journalist for The Quint, where she was also among the Founding Team members. While there, she also hosted and produced a podcast and fronted several standups. She's also worked for The Times of India group. She's now a theatre and film actor.
