Shikayla Gelo Ek Natak Review:
Rating:
Plot:
An Ideal Teacher Award recipient is tasked with teaching a naughty, unpolished boy and helping him clear the 10th Standard Exam. The teacher works this out unusually as he decides to switch his own behavioural patterns with that of the boy.
Team:
Director and Writer:- Advait Dadarkar
Music:- Ashok Patki
Set Design:- Pradeep Mule
Lights:- Kishor Ingle
Cast:- Prashant Damle, Hrishikesh Shelar, Sunil Inamdar, Anagha Bhagare, Chinmay Mahurkar and Samruddhi Moharir
Shikayla Gelo Ek Natak Review:
Based on a story by a celebrated writer and narrator of humorous stories, Dattaram Mirasdar, Shikayla Gelo Ek is a Marathi play that delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. Penned and Directed by Advait Dadarkar, the play takes a modern twist as it mixes up current social trends within the setup.
The narrative centres on Mahesh Sane (Prashant Damle), an upright and honest resident of Pune’s Sadashiv Peth, recently honoured with the Adarsh Teacher Award. His life takes an unexpected turn when an MLA from Kolhapur entrusts him with tutoring his mischievous son, Shyam Sundar (Hrishikesh Shelar), who has repeatedly failed his 10th-grade examinations. Encouraged by his daughter Vidya(Anagha Bhagare), Mahesh agrees, leading to a series of events that challenge his ideals and principles.
As soon as Mahesh takes up the task, Shyam shows no interest in agreeing to any of his demands. Then, Mahesh comes up with an offer of give and take. Mahesh asks Shyam to be friends first, to which Shyam instantly agrees. Both of them start to teach each other, right from eating tobacco to reading history chapters, the trade takes shape. This unusual way takes form when Mahesh dedicatedly starts taking up one bad habit after another from Shyam. But will Mahesh’s dedication towards his art of teaching bear fruit or will Shyam’s uncouth behavior take the better of Mahesh is how the play moves along.
The first act is bang on with loads of laughter-inducing gags spread evenly. Advait Dadarkar’s direction is both insightful and nuanced, effectively highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. The slapstick comedy works well in the first half. The script is well-crafted, balancing humour and drama to explore themes of tradition, modernity, and personal transformation. The production design complements the storyline with thoughtful set pieces and lighting that enhance the overall viewing experience. The music is really in line with Damle’s act as he suddenly breaks into singing from time to time. The theme of people feeling the need to find love late in their lives is something which struck a chord with me.
The second act takes the emotional route bringing in themes of personal desires colliding with professional aspirations and responsibilities. It gets overwhelming after a point and you may even shed a tear or two. Prashant Damle’s portrayal of Mahesh Sane is particularly noteworthy, bringing depth and authenticity to the character’s internal struggles. Some of his monologues in the second act send shivers down the body. The supporting cast delivers commendable performances, each contributing to the play’s dynamic and engaging narrative. It also tries hard to have a modern take on comedy but the writing still feels outdated and not much in line with the youth.
The play’s ability to resonate with viewers lies in its relatable characters and the universal themes it addresses, making it a profound parable of self-reflection. In conclusion, “Shikayla Gelo Ek” is a compelling play that offers a thoughtful exploration of societal norms and personal integrity. With strong performances and adept direction, it provides both entertainment and reflection. Oldies might go gaga but the youngsters have a plausible chance of getting bored.
