Tilismi Lota: A quick review of the comedy play
When? June-July 2018 (Premier shows at Sangeet
Natak Academy and Bharatendu Natya Academy, Lucknow).
What is it? A comedy play put up by a talented group of rising
theatre stars from Lucknow.
Genre? Sweet comedy, slight political satires
Sparkle Meter :-
(I'd have given them a 8/10, to be honest. But they earn an extra point for the huge risk taken to stage a comedy play in Awadhi and how!)
In a long, long
while comes a play which is scripted totally in the local, colloquial dialect. This
one is a local rendition of Awadhi. It is a neat, sweet comedy, packed with
musical notes, stellar performances and so much laughter that it will get you rolling
on the floor.
If ‘Gangs of
Wasseypur’ would ever be put up on stage as a comedy of errors, it would be
this, with each character of the play etching for the viewer an unforgettable
image.
Story Sketch
In a village
called Ruknapur, Punai and Machetu are best friends who want to become richer
the short-cut way. They’re both hopelessly useless, unhygienic and crass, yet
come across as sweet and kind human beings. Jugadhu Pradhan is a criminal from
the village, contesting election for the post of Pradhan. His power, not only muscle
but also filthy money, helps him tame the entire village out of fear. Machetu
mocks God night after night with satirical (and musical) prayers until one fine
night Lord Krishna himself appears before him to grant a wish. Machetu is blessed
with a ‘Tilismi Lota’ that would change his life forever after. What follows
next is how Punai and Machetu get back at Jugadhu Pradhan contesting against
him in the elections, how Machetu’s love story with Pradhan’s only daughter
grows, how Tilismi Lota changes his luck and how multiple plots get interwoven
in a common thread that leave them with a lesson they’ll remember a lifetime.
What Is Good About The Play?
1. Awadhi Language
Not often does one get to watch a play scripted totally in a local dialect,
like this one which is partially in Awadhi and partially in Allahabadi. Quite
often, the directors are sceptical running the risk of limited viewership or
the plot isn’t powerful enough to hold the play in local language for a wider
audience. Tilismi Lota, fortunately, is a blend of both elements. It’s a must
watch for every Uttar Pradeshi. And those who are ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ fans would
die for it.
2. Acting Prowess
Remarkable performances by the cast, especially, actors playing
Machetu, Punai and Jugadhu. They leave behind unforgettable characters that
stay with you for long.
3. Comedy Timing
None of the funny liners or sarcasms fall flat. Actors pick up
dialogues spot on and emphasise with just the right diction. Even the Bollywood
songs that have been choreographed have hilarious dance moves, particularly
typical ‘baraati dance’ that leave audience laughing with tears.
What Is
Not So Good About The Play?
1. Slangs and Cuss Words
Although used in undertones and in limited scope, there certainly are
portions in the play where local slangs and cuss words have been unapologetically
used. It does not hurt the ears though. You may want to be cautious with taking
little children along.
2. The Opening
The play does not have a powerful opening which misses making a connection
with the audience right away. It is with Jugadhu’s first appearance on stage that
a strong hook with the plot is established.
3. Poor promotion
Despite a powerful performance prepared with much hardwork and
diligence, not much has been done for the promotion of the play. Posters,
invites, banners and flyers are not eye-catching enough. The only promotion play
gets is by word of mouth. But then, I’m sure we understand how difficult it is
to build a brand with lack of sufficient resources for budding theatre artists,
don’t we?
Credits:-
Directed by : Tushar
Bajpeyi
Written by : Aashish Pandey
Cast :
Tushar Bajpeyi (Punai), Aashish
Pandey (Machetu)
Jugdhu (Abhishek Singh) with Bhavya Dwivedi, Ahman
Raza Khan, Anushka
Saxena, Altamash azmi, Ali Khan,
Naman Shukla
Tickets :-
Rs. 200 for adults and Rs. 100 for children (The one
which we watched had tickets sold out at these rates for a full house. However,
there are passes available for sponsored shows also).
The theatre troop may be contacted for a repeat
show of Tilismi Lota at 07906475223.
