Aajji Bai Jorat Natak Review
Rating: 
️️️1/2
Plot: Addressing the highly relatable subject of increasing screen time of kids, it is a story of Akshar being schooled by Dashing Granny for the same.
Director and Writer – Kshitij Patwardhan
Music – Saurabh Bhalerao
Set Design and Lights – Pradeep Mulye
Costumes – Kalyani Kulkarni Gugale
Artists – Nirrmite Saawaant, Abhinay Berde, Pushkar Shrotri, Jaywant Wadkar, Mugdha Godbole, Sukanya Gurav, Siddhesh Pujare, Gauri Shevade
Read more Marathi Film and Natak reviews here.
Aajji Bai Jorat Natak Review
Review:
Bal Natya, which literally means Natak for Kids, once a very celebrated format lost its essence in the recent times. “Aajji Bai Jorat” tying up with the AI technology looks at reviving this world once again. Written and Directed by Kshitij Patwardhan, the play is a classic lesson for kids who are addicted to screens.
The play starts with an announcement in the voice of legendary Laxmikant Berde recreated through AI. An animated video screen introduces us to Akshar (Abhinay Berde) who is lost in completing a game’s quest while sitting in the toilet of his school. He manages to beat the highest level amongst everyone in the school. Everyone around him starts getting jealous and he also has to face a 15 day suspension for the same.
The curtain opens to Akshar casually wasting time from one screen to another in his bedroom. He has a habit of talking only in gaming slangs which is quite funny and interesting to listen to. Prachi (Mugdha Godbole) Akshar’s mother, is continuously trying to get Akshar out of his room. All her techniques fail in front of the changing devices that Akshar has. Be it mobile phone, tv, iPad or laptop.
Then comes a divine intervention in the form of a dashing Granny (Nirrmite Saawaant). Will she be able to help Akshar get out of this screen time cycle or will technology take over completely is what the play is all about.
The first act starts with so much energy and amazing comic timing. But the second act takes a philosophical turn as it starts preaching about the importance of mother tongue and slowly drifts away from the central plot line that is AI or technology.
Abhinay Berde’s natak debut is marvelous and his charm takes over the stage beautifully. All words would fall short for the comedy queen Nirrmite. She aces her part yet again. Pushkar Shrotri who plays a mysterious character (can’t reveal) does his job well but sometimes falls short of being convincing. Other actors also do a good job keeping the play alive at all times.
Kshitij Patwardhan’s direction is superb and would be a treat for all the kids. He manages to generate illustrious attention and anticipation amongst kids through every scene. The audience interaction especially a few questions for the kids during the live play work wonders. Use of different elements like UV, animated videos during blackouts and energetic dance moves add a different dimension to the play.
Although his writing feels preachy when it comes to Mother tongue’s importance in the second half. The music is catchy and I could see some kids dancing in the passage during the play. Set design is quite detailed and keeps changing according to the story lessons of Granny. This is also a treat for the kids. Light design is quite interesting.
All in all, Aajji Bai Jorat is quite a spectacle for the kids but if you are a parent accompanying the children you might get a little bored as the comedy gets repetitive. But that is what kids love and the play is, of course, for the kids!
