Subhedar Guest House, Marathi Play

Latest released suspense filled Marathi drama ‘Subhedar Guest House’  (सुभेदार गेस्ट हाऊस) is set against the backdrop of a murder, which takes place in Kolhapur. And, we notice a group of strangers arriving in a guest house at Panhala (the same rainy evening); which is just 30 kms away from Kolhapur.

So, we find the guest house ownersVinay ( Saurabh Gokhale) and Chitra ( Mrunmayee Gondalekar) welcoming their guests, one by one comprising of five different characters played by Angad Mhaskar, Vinita Date, Sana Kulkarni, Rohit Deshmukh and Anand Patil. Thereafter, we see the arrival of a Police officer Bhosale, played by Shantanu Moghe, at this venue.

When the Police Officer starts his investigation, he clearly indicates that all seven characters present in the guest house ( including the owners) will be questioned and they will have to prove themselves not guilty. On the same night, another murder takes place in the guest house and director Vijay Kenkre, calls for interval.

In the post interval stage, the audience becomes curious to know, who is the culprit?   And with few twists and turns, we find this play reaching at an interesting stage of climax; which suprises almost everyone.

The most interesting part of this play is its clever presentation, which is based on Agatha Christie’s popular original murder mystery play ‘The Mouse Trap’. Moreover, Sandesh Bendre’s wonderful set design, Sheetal Talpade’s superb light effects, Mangal Kenkre’s perfect costumes and Ajit Parab‘s suitable music, has helped to create that desired impact on the audience. However, without the superb performances of the artistes, it would not have been possible to hold the audience to their seats from start to finish.

Two characters, namely Inspector Bhosale (Shantanu Moghe) and Amit Desai( Angad Mhaskar) find enough scope to display their acting skills with the help of their rich voice and perfect body language respectively. ‘Subhedar Guest House’ is certainly a worth watch play for all those who love to watch plays with action filled murder mystery.

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Produced by Ajay Vichare, written by Niraj Shivaikar, directed by Vijay kenkre, new Marathi play ‘Don Vajun Bavis Minitanni (दोन  वाजुन बावीस मिनिटानी)’ offers a good horror comedy filled suspense drama, which revolves around a big house located at a hill station, Panchgani.

Ketan (Aniket Vishwasrao) and Ritika (Gautami Deshpande) after the birth of their baby move from Mumbai to this old house in Panchgani, as Ketan wants to settle down at a new quiet place with a bigger space. They buy this big house from an old lady. Ketan renovates this new house by changing many original things and leaves for Himachal Pradesh on an excursion trip, leaving behind Ritika and the baby. After his return, Ritika invites Ketan’s old friend Sonali (Rasika Sunil) a psychologist and her husband (Priyadarshan Jadhav) who is into house décor business.

When all four of them are together for drinks & dinner, Rutika reveals to her guests that their new house is haunted. Ketan rules out Rutika’s belief and tries to persuade all of them. But, Rutika suggests her guests to stay overnight and experience the strange happenings at a particular time, during midnight; i.e. at 2 hours 22 minutes. After a lot of persuasion Ketan also agrees and what they experience is seen in the last 20 minutes climax of this play.

But, from start till this climax begins, director Vijay Kenkre has given full justice to this suspense filled story of writer Shivaikar, by incorporating interesting happennings to keep the audience engaged in this suspense filled story. Every character is developed very well, offering them enough scope for their acting skills. But, the actor who generates more laughter through his simple dialogues, is Priyadarshan Jadhav. His has used the village dialect very well, maintaining a perfect timing, that too with ease, in every important situation.

Besides wonderful realistic performances coming from all the four characters, the technical team offers very good support. Suitable set designing by Shital Talpade and sound effects by experts engaged, makes this play more presentable. The digital clock openly visible on the front wall of the set, clearly indicates the time of happening of every important sequence in this suspense filled drama. In fact, the opening scene of this drama itself invites all the attention of the audience. Only shortcoming noticed was that the audience seated on the right corners of the auditorium were denied the sight of the staircase, which also plays an important role in this drama. Surely, the set designer will look into this aspect, during the next shows.

All in all, ‘Don Vajun Bavis Minitanni’ is a good entertainer for all those who love to watch suspense and horror filled plays. Dialogues are well written and go very well with every situation. Thanks to the makers for presenting this wonderful plot live on stage. And this shows the progress of our Marathi drama presenters , making good use of latest technology .

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Known for his suspense filled films Sir Alfred Hitchcock was popular as “the Master of Suspense” during 40s and 50s in Hollywood. One of his films of 1954 was ‘Dial M for Murder’,  when he experimented to create an impact of a murder mystery. Now, on Marathi stage, we find an adaptation of this film’s subject in the latest Marathi play ‘A Perfect Murder’ which almost goes on the lines of Hitchcock pattern.

So, instead of an ex-English professional tennis player we find the lead actor playing an ex cricketer Niranjan (Pushkar Shrotri) married to a socialite wealthy lady Meera(Shweta Pendse) who has had an affair with a crime-fiction writer (Abhijit kelkar). One day Niranjan discovers his wife’s affair and decides to murder her for revenge and to grab her property . He prepares a plan and involves an old acquaintance from his college days, (Subodh Pande) . Being aware of the secrets of this old friend, he traps him into the plan of murdering Meera.

How he faces trouble and how he tries to mislead the investigation by special police officer (Satish Rajwade) has been systematically presented in the second half of this mystery filled play by director Vijay Kenkre. Though the beginning scene of the play generates a lot of interest , it does take some time to pick up . However, towards the end of first half and the entire second half keeps the audience engaged to this mystery filled subject. One expected some more interesting happenings in the first part and writer Neeraj Shiwaikar should have worked more harder . Nevertheless, his efforts are noteworthy.

Another plus point of this play are the fine performances of lead artistes but the finest among them is Pushkar Shrotri who has ample scope to display his acting skills with suitable dialogues to his share. Background music and light effects are impressive. Certainly a worth watch play for all those who love mystery filled subjects.

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From experimental plays to TV serial and now while playing the central character in the new Marathi commercial play ‘Ananyaa‘ , Rutuja Bagwe has shown tremendous progress. Her brilliant performance in ‘Ananyaa‘ has invited the attention of all and that makes her stand tall in her acting field. Rutuja has found a lifetime role in this play, at this young age. Produced by Suyog and directed by Pratap Phad, this Marathi play literally holds you to your seat from start till end.

The story of this play revolves around a young girl Ananyaa ( Rutuja Bagwe) who lives a happy life with her father Avinash Deshmukh ( Pramod Pawar), brother Dhananjay ( Vishal More)and close friend in the neighborhood Priyanka( Anagha Bhagare). She is a Gold medalist in M.Com and is preparing for her C.A. exams. In the meanwhile, her marriage is also finalized on receiving a proposal from a youngster Shekhar Sarpotdar (Ajinkya Nanavare) belonging to a well to do family . At this stage, unfortunate incident takes place in her life . But, after experiencing the worst, she fights back with the help of her close friend Priyanka( Anagha Bhagare) to inspire one and all, while regaining her self confidence .

Very cleverly director Pratap Phad has tried to generate interest in every scene involving Ananyaa and Rutuja Bagwe has literally put in her heart into this lead character, through her brilliant performance. She has literally worked hard , which is clearly noticed through her body language and flexibility. Rutuja finds good support from Anagha Bhagare who stands firmly behind her, when she faces crisis in her life. In the roles of father, brother and would be husband, Pramod Pawar, Vishal More and Ajinkya Nanaware, respectively; have provided very good support. But, Siddharth Bodke as Jay Dixit steals the show with his wonderful performance, in the later half of the play. He has not only succeeded in bringing some humor but also makes the play more interesting towards the end.

The technical department of the play need a special mention, for creating a realistic atmosphere on stage. Thanks to Sudesh Bendre for suitable set design for every occasion. Light effects by Bhushan Desai were simply superb , with good support coming from effective background music from Samir Saptiskar. However, at few places it clearly had the bollywood music influence. All in all ‘Ananyaa‘ is a truly inspiring play and is a must watch for all.

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There is always good response to Marathi plays which offer suspense filled plots. The latest offering by writer Suresh Jayram is ‘Shadayantra‘, which is directed by Arun Nalawade. The play deals with an interesting plot, where we find a rich young couple Vikas and Shubhada Inamdar( Suchit Jadhav and Siya Patil) having some differences over their construction business. Actually, Vikas runs the family business of Shubhada’s father, after his death, as Shubhada’s brother is more keen on becoming a music director. Shubhada does not like the unethical deals of Vikas and always opposes him.

When Shubhada’s brother comes to know about Vikas’s dealings, he questions him and asks for important contract papers of a controversial deal. But, Vikas murders him the same night, when Shubhada is away with her friend and the servant Asha also away from home. Vikas manages to show this murder as suicide, due to frustration. Soon, Vikas also plans the murder of Shubhada, with the help of his girl friend. But, on the same night Vikas himself is found murdered and his body found in swimming pool of their bungalow. With this happening, Just at the stroke of interval, arrives a Smart and intelligent Police Inspector Manohar Nagarkar( Ramesh Bhatkar), who has a good record of solving many murder cases.

The later half of this drama is all about investigation and unfolding the suspense step by step. Besides the couple and the inspector, there are many other important characters in this drama, in the form of Asha the full time servant in the house, Divekar( Sudesh Mhashilkar) the most trusted and an old employee of Inamdar’s construction company, A lady family friend who is a regular visitor to Inamdar’s house, Suchit’s Girlfriend Leena, an experienced advocate of Inamdar family and few others. Director Arun Nalawade has skillfully handled the proceedings of this gripping plot, holding the suspense till the end.

Good performances by all these important characters, makes ‘Shadayantra‘ play more presentable. Ramesh Bhatkar in the role of investigating Police Inspector steals the show, with his stylish dialogue delivery and well suited body language, at every important occasion. Even otherwise, in the past he has always been at his best, playing such roles of Police Officer. Both Siya Patil and Suchit Jadhav are very natural . Siya has given some best emotion filled scenes, while Sudesh Mhashilkar in the role of Divekar has brought some humour through his notable performance.

Lights by Rajan Tamhane, set design by Prakash Mayekar, costumes by Poornima Oak are some of the plus points of this play. There are few happenings in this play, which fail to convince. But, all in all, ‘Shadayantra‘ has a good suspense filled plot, supported by equally good performances by the artistes.

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Lifestyle ailments are on the rise in India and diabetes is one of them. This so called lifestyle ailment is on the rise day by day with more than 62 million diabetic individuals currently diagnosed with this disease in our country. No wonder, some people call India as the diabetes capital of the world. Perhaps, looking at these figures, writer Vidyasagar Adhyapak thought of a good script for a Marathi drama and that’s how new Marathi play ‘Sakhar Khallela Manus‘ came on the stage. Even otherwise, our Marathi playwrights have always come up with ‘out of the world’ subjects in the past and this timely this play, is one of them.

‘Sakhar Khallela Manus’ presents Vilas Deshpande ( Prashant Damle ) as an Insurance Company Manager, who leaves his secured insurance company job and joins a private insurance company, only for good money. But, in the race of achieving monthly targets, he is always under stress and takes to heavy drinking and smoking during weekly parties. This results in detection of type 2 diabetes, with rise in sugar level in the blood. His wife Madhavi (Shubhangi Gokhale) becomes more stricter about his diet. His only daughter Rucha ( Rucha Apte) asks her boyfriend Omkar ( Sankarshan Karhade) who is a doctor, to visit her house and do the counseling part. But, some misunderstandings disturb Mr. Vilas more.
How, Mr. Vilas manages his diabetes and the fun filled interactions between Vilas and Madhavi, similarly between Vilas – Omkar and Vilas- Rucha have been skillfully presented by director Chandrakant Kulkarni. He has exploited the best out of the lead pair Prashant Damle and Shubhangi Gokhale through all those humour filled situations, throughout the play.

Good support also comes from youngsters Sankarshan Karhade and Rucha Apte . However, it is Prashant Damle who steals the show, with his non stop comedy. His presence in the play from start to finish, has made this play more lively and entertaining. All his scenes with Shubhangi Gokhale receive good appreciation from the audience. Prashant not only receives a rousing welcome from his fans at his entry, but also receives ‘Once More’ applaud for his song in the last scene, which indicates his popularity, as a stage actor.

Pradeep Mulye‘s set design is good with good support coming from music director Ashok Patki. All in all, ‘Sakhar Khallela Manus‘ is a wonderful black sugar coated adult comedy, which should not be missed by Marathi drama lovers.

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Mukta Barve‘s gripping Marathi play ‘Code Mantra‘ has already played 100 shows in just six month’s time, ever since it was launched in June 2016. Incidentally, besides playing the lead role of a military law expert, Mukta Barve is also producer of ‘Code Mantra’, along with other co producers. This play being very close to her heart, you find the finest presentation on Marathi stage, with wonderful performances coming from her and her co stars like Ajay Purkar, Umesh Jagtap, Kaustubh Diwan and many others totaling about 40. The play has special significance, as it is set on the backdrop of an unusual happening in Maratha regiment of Indian Army.

On the first day of this new year, this play was performed at Borivali’s Prabodhankar Thackeray Auditorium and drew a full house, which obviously boosted the morale of the entire team of ‘Code Mantra’. We are all aware about the acting skills of talented Mukta Barve ; but it was nice to see the best from another talented actor Ajay Purkar, whom TV home viewers only recognize as a character actor. Through this play, Ajay plays the lead character of Col. Prataprao Nimbalkar a responsible and powerful Army Officer of Indian Army. Obviously, when both these important characters come face to face on the stage, we find the exchange of fire through words, which have been cleverly captured by the director Rajesh Joshi a well Known director of Gujarathi plays and TV serials and making his debut in Marathi through this play.

‘Code Mantra‘, which has a good subject, has been cleverly presented by the director, to hold the audience to their seats. Through this play, the audience come to know about different ranks of Indian Army and their functions. But, what captures the audience is the presentation of the script. The post interval session is more gripping and filled with suspense, as we notice many interesting happenings. All in all, the cast and technical support team display an excellent team work. Besides wonderful performances by all the artistes, the superb background music, excellent lighting and above all, the captivating realistic set design make ‘Code Mantra’ a worth watch. Don’t miss it.

Rating: ★★★★

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Somebody has rightly said, “A successful marriage is falling in love with your life partner again and again.” We all know that a good married life, is based on perfect understanding between the couple. However, in today’s stressful life, the young married couples are facing a tough situation, especially when each one needs space for self. This generally happens with working couples, living independently and without having a child. New Marathi play ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy‘ gives a timely message to such stressed married couples, for solving their issues in a harmonious way.

Written by Mihir Rajda and directed by Advait Dadarkar, this play presents the story of a young working couple Akshay and Pranoti Pradhan , who are both over-occupied with their respective work commitments, with no time even for their honeymoon. Both have differences over petty issues; but Pranoti feels that the reason for her stress is the annoying habits of her husband. They keep blaming each other. But, Chintan, a close Gujarathi friend of Akshay, always tries to keep them together. One day, they plan their delayed honeymoon; but their trip is required to be cancelled due to some gynecological problem faced by Pranoti. What happens further, is very intelligently presented through the crisp dialogues written by Mihir Rajda and efficient direction of Advait Dadarkar.

There are only three main characters in this play, but you don’t feel bored at any moment, as the interaction among them, keeps the audience engaged and entertained. Wonderful performances of both Umesh Kamat and Spruha Joshi are well supported by the small role of Chintan, played by Mihir Rajda himself.

Proper light effects by Amogh Phadke, apt background music by Sai-Piyush and perfect costumes designed by Chaitrali Dongre make this play more presentable.

No wonder, ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy‘ has won various awards at the recently concluded Maharashtra State awards. A must see play for all drama lovers.

Rating: ★★★★

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Suyog Drama Production company is now 30 years old. Having started with the hit Marathi play ‘Moruchi Mavshi’, this group founded by  Mr. Sudhir Bhat & Mr. Gopal Algeri, has till now produced about 85 plays, including some remarkable  plays like  ‘Vyakti Ani Valli’ , ‘Sundar mi Honar’,  ‘Lekure Udanda Zali’, ‘Gandhi Viruddha Gandhi’,  ‘Ti Fularani’ , ‘Eka Lagnachi Goshta’ , ‘Shree Tashi Sau’, ‘Nakalat Sare Ghadale’  besides many more popular plays. Now, Suyog’ have presented their latest play ‘Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin’, with  veteran artistes  like Vikram Gokhale, Reema Lagoo & Jayant Savarkar.

The story of this play revolves around an elderly  couple, Arun Nagarkar ( Vikram Gokhale) and his wife Vandu( Reema Lagoo) who have completed 35 years of their married life. While Arun is still busy managing his business, his wife, plays the role of a typical housewife. Their son has just migrated to Singapore,  along with his wife and little son, on a job assignment.  But, their daughter ( Bageshree Joshirao ), who is married and living in the same city, keeps on visiting her parents regularly , to make them happy.

One day, Arun tells his daughter that he wants to surprise his wife, by announcing retirement from his business, so as to give  full time to his wife. But, as he is about to disclose his plan , his wife gives him a shock, by telling him that she has already completed a course of  Professional Priest, to keep herself  busy, by Offering  her service to others, by performing religious ceremonies. It is from this point onwards, the play turns into a humor filled emotional drama, presenting  the common  misunderstandings between husband and wife.  The entry of  another senior citizen Sudhir Medhekar, living in the neighborhood, adds spice into this well orchestrated  plot.

Both Vikram Gokhale and Reema Lagoo have displayed maturity of acting through their notable performances. Vikram Gokhale’s s  apt  body language and Reem’s subdued  style of  dialogue delivery, are  learning lessons for the budding actors. Good support also comes Jayant Savarkar, in those two important scenes in this play.  Bageshree Joshirao has limited scope in this play, but she has played her part with ease. The play is a treat for all age groups, especially for those, who enjoy decent humor.  The play is a treat for all age groups, especially for  those, who enjoy decent humor.   It also carries message for all married couples, saying that, husbands should give time to their wives, even while working.  And, not wait till retirement. Even wives should disclose their grievances to the husbands, then and there, which would help clearing all misunderstandings between them.  Impressive  Set design, with proper lighting and suitable background music, makes this play more presentable.

Rating:

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The play not only presents  the argument between  the two women; but, also has few moments, to surprise the audience.  In this play,  the character of writer exists only through his voice in the background. As the story had limited content, there  was enough scope for the director to use  audio visual display, to show  some flashback moments, as noticed now days in many popular plays. But, that was not noticed  in this play.

There was enough scope  to show the character of celebrity writer to appear in the last scene;  but once again, that did not happen. Therefore, in the entire play you only find these two women, proving their point, to defend  themselves   . Nevertheless, both Aditi Sarangdhar and Asha Shelar ( Janhavi’s mother in popular TV serial ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi) have displayed their potential as versatile actresses, through their impulsiveness,  in different scenes, throughout the play.

Wonderful set design by Pradeep Muley , costumes designed by Geeta Godbole add  luster,  to this emotion filled play. It is a sincere effort by both the actresses, to make this women oriented play , presentable.

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