In the world of theatre while a central story can strike gold, a carefully curated collection of vignettes is worthy of at least a silver. Three-सम is one such play, presenting three fascinating short stories.
The first, titled Hero and written by Nikhil Sachan, revolves around a man named Tipu Sir, who has worked as a sidekick in films for decades yet still awaits his "big break"—the moment when he can romance the heroine or fight the goons. The story is narrated from the perspective of a bystander, who spots Tipu at a tea stall and becomes captivated by his tales. As the story unfolds, we learn how the sidekick, pushed to the periphery of the big screen, has claimed center stage at the tea stall with his dramatic storytelling. This short story explores the fascination with cinema among ordinary Indians and offers a sharp commentary on the power imbalance between the hero and the supporting actors in filmmaking.
Performed brilliantly by Ishan Chaturvedi, the actor takes the audience on a cinematic journey—complete with iconic Bachchan dialogues—delving into the emotional depth of broken dreams and aspirations shared by millions who move to Mumbai hoping to make it in the film industry.
The second story, Suhaagraat, is also written by Nikhil Sachan. It focuses on a young woman named Devika, who is sitting on her bed awaiting her newlywed husband—but this is her second suhaagraat. The narrative reveals that her first marriage was left unconsummated due to deep incompatibilities between her and her first husband, which came to light on their wedding night. Their argument casts a shadow over the entire night, and their future together is shattered. As Devika navigates the rough contours of her destiny and finds herself preparing for a second suhaagraat, she is forced to confront the societal norms that women in India are often subjected to. Performed with grace and poignancy by the talented Gurleen Kaur, this story, while slow-paced, has a way of pulling the viewer in. It's a must-watch for any woman who has ever questioned her place within the patriarchal family structure.
The third story returns us to the glitzy world of Bollywood, this time through the eyes of a young aspiring actor waiting for his big break in a casting director's office. Titled Munnabhai ka Circuit and written by Sharad Tripathi, this tale examines cinema through the perspective of the supporting actor—someone who is central to the narrative but never quite gets to play the lead.
The actor reflects on the struggles of "average" men who face a series of rejections—whether in love, in exams, or in their careers. Often typecast by casting directors, they are relegated to roles as the hero's friend rather than the hero himself. However, the story also explores how even these so-called sidekicks may have played central roles in their own lives—fighting courageously for what they believed in, or for a woman they loved, or striving to succeed against all odds.
That's the beauty of this short story: it elevates our ordinary existence, stretching it onto a 16mm screen, even if only for a few minutes.
The actor portraying the role, Mohit Nehra, possesses all the qualities of a leading man yet brings a special charm and relatability to the role of the sidekick.
At a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes, Three-सम takes us through three engaging stories, each rich with depth and emotion. However, the second story feels somewhat disconnected from the other two, lacking a clear thematic link. As a result, its inclusion feels a bit forced, shifting the focus away from the cinematic world built by the first and third stories. That said, Suhaagraat is an important narrative in its own right, with a strong feminist message that deserves recognition.
Apart from this minor structural issue, the play is an enjoyable watch. While there are slower moments, particularly during the transitions between stories, these are more than compensated for by the excellent subject matter, the nuanced performances, and the music, which serves as a beautiful backdrop to the tales.
In conclusion, Three-सम is a compelling play that showcases a kaleidoscope of hopes and dreams. With a title like that, it certainly delivers as a striking theatrical exploration of three distinct stories.
*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.
