Lampooning acts

Speaking more about the play,Shardul Saraf,writer-director of the play says, “To be honest the play was conceptualised over a period of time. What struck out to me while writing the play was the fact that we as citizens of the country have a very small memory span. I mean,today we were shaken by the Mumbai terror attacks,and tomorrow the most important cause to which our attention is drawn to,are the IPL matches. So through the play we have actually tried to entertain as well as to enter in the mentality of the common people.”

The play tells the story of Najimuddin Patil,who is bought to a newly opened Police Chowki,for loitering around in his neighbourhood. What follows then is a long chain of events,wherein the Chowki in-charge,receives an order from his superior stating that a false case pertaining to a terrorist needs to be prepared. “The story unwinds,when Najimuddin,who is bought to the chowki is framed on charges of terrorism,while he is unaware of it,as the cops are unable to find a suitable crook who can be framed for the false case,” says Saraf.

To add to the complexity of the story is the fact that Patil,who is a Muslim,feels that the cops are out to help him. Vikas Patil,who plays the role of Najimuddin Patil says,“There are a variety of interwoven stories. For instance when the reporter comes to interview Najimuddin she is under the assumption that he is the captured terrorist,while he doesn’t know that. Realisation only dawns upon him later that he has been framed,which he eventually takes to his heart.”

Saraf also says that the play is interspersed with the standard elements of a Marathi play namely,songs,the Marathi folks,strange personalities and the raw humour of the same. “The play was being directed as I wrote it. So there were times when the actors would just improvise and continue with the scenes,and I would eventually incorporate those elements,and the resultant output was a joint effort on the part of everyone,” he adds.

(The play will be staged today at Sudarshan Hall,7.30 pm onwards)