The bond of matrimony is like any other
bond which takes a long time to mature. This has been the
tradition in our Indian culture. But, the time has changed and
so is the change in culture. Now, many young couples are on the
verge of pre-mature break ups. The reasons could be anything,
from attitude problems to ex-marital relations. In the past, for
any married woman to be friendly with other man, was seen with
suspicion; but today, young couples openly displaying their love
towards a long time old friend or a new friend has become
common. However, the misunderstandings or suspicion between
their relationship hasn't changed, if the limits are crossed.
Based upon this theme, a new Marathi play 'Nava Gadee Nave Rajya'
presents a young couple Rushi and Amruta who have spent just 4
months of their married life together. They are just back from
UK, where Rushi was posted for his office assignment. Problem
begin when an old friend of Amruta, walks in their house,
without prior notice. Himmatrao, who is also a foreign returned,
but with his base in a village speaks a typical Marathi from
Satara and is very free with Amruta, taking the liberty to
address her as 'Ammu'. Initially, not paying much attention to
this friend, because Rushi still considers his wife not mature
enough, being younger to him by eight years. But, when he finds
some more closeness between the two, he becomes restless.
Almost at this time, Rushi's old friend Ketaki joins his office
and taking the advantage of this situation, Rushi starts
inviting Ketaki to his house and starts going with her for
morning walks, only to teach a lesson to his wife, who does not
listen to his request of keeping away from Himmatrao. A time
comes, when they almost cross each other with their new
partners. But, it only limits to that, as writer Kshitij
Patwardhan and director director Sameer Vidwans have something
else in their minds for a happy ending.
'Nava Gadee Nave Rajya' does not offer anything different from
the traditional Marathi plays. Only difference is that it has
been presented by youngsters. The play does not have any twists
and turns in the screenplay and hence the same type of
misunderstandings are repeated again and again. Amruta is
supposed to be eight years younger to Rushi, but in this play
Umesh kamat does not look that older to her. They moreover look
the same age group. In the script, it is shown that Himmatrao ,
is an old friend of Amruta since school/ college days, which
means he is of her age group, but when Ketaki talks to him about
her senior, he tells her that he is his old friend. Obviously,
Ketaki is elder to Himmatrao, then how her senior could be his
old dear friend ?
The characters of Amruta and Himmatrao haven't been defined
clearly in this play, though both
Priya Bapat
and Hemant Dhome have given their best through their respective
roles. The director has tried to create humour through the
character of Himmatrao, who with his perfect timing for comedy
has managed his body language and dialogue delivery very well.
Prajakta Datar is fine
in that role of Ketaki, but Umesh in spite of giving a good
performance in parts, was found blank on at least three
occasions. Did he forget his lines? Is he too busy with other
commitments? Or was the disturbance of mobile caller tunes
distracting his attention? He is otherwise such a fine actor,
having watched him in that superb performance in 'Mann
Udhaan Varyache' before.
The play has received 8
nominations for the prestigious awards. Obviously, the
expectations go high. But, looking at the presentation, it is
felt that it should have been more sensational and entertaining.
From the technical side, there is good support from
Prasad Walawalkar and
Sheetal
Talpade, who have done a good job through the presentation
of set design and lighting respectively. The coffee shot set
with perfectly suited chairs and the last balcony scene in the
backdrop are well designed with perfect lighting. The background
music is just okay. The play fails to impress much, especially
after interval, when one expects a big twist. Surprisingly, when
the play claims to speak on behalf of young couples, you don't
find many youngsters turning up for this show. Otherwise, it is
a good play with an issue that has been sincerely dealt with a
solution.
by Ulhas Shirke © MMW
|
 |
| Nava Gadee... Nava Rajya |
| Presenter: |
Ekdant Creation |
| Production: |
CHandrakant Lohkar |
| Writer, |
Kshitij Patwardhan |
| Director: |
Sameer Vidwans |
| Set Design:: |
Prasad Walawalkar |
| Lights: |
Sheetal Talpade |
| Music: |
Hrushikesh
Kamerkar |
| Cast: |
Umesh Kamat,
Priya Bapat, Hemant Dhome, Prajakta
Datar |
|
|
