Theatre review: A fun family fare

Director: Pramod Shiggaon
Cast: Sundar, Laxmi Chandrashekar, Shilpa Rudrappa, Sowmya Gangatkar, Ramakrishna Kannarapadi
Language: Kannada
Duration: 90 mins
Rating: ***
Plot: Kriyative Theatre’s Aadaddella Olithe...?, inspired by a story written by T Sunandamma, is a feel-good comedy about a husband and wife, Kasheepathi and Bhagu, whose hilarious antics are in no way deterred by how aged they are.They are energetic, full of opinion and very much like any quintessential couple — quibbling about trivial everyday matters, yet always finding time for romance. The play looks at how their life is altered when the prospect of meeting their children, Ananthu and Ila, and their respective spouses, the feisty Mangala and the overenthusiastic Frenchman Pierre, come into the picture. Both Kasheepathi and Bhagu are determined to flaunt their positions as domineering in-laws, but fate has something else in store.
Review: There is so much to be liked about this play. Sundar, who is also the play’s scriptwriter, deftly juggles four roles — the father Kasheepathi, the son Ananthu, a pop singer, and a Sardarji. The role that he truly excels in, is as Kasheepathi. Laxmi Chandrashekar, veteran theatre actor that she is, shines as the vivacious Bhagu. Shilpa Rudrappa plays both Chameli, a maid servant and Ila, and it’s her performance as Chameli that stands out. Sowmya Gangatkar is convincing as Mangala. The energy brought in by Ramakrishna Kannarapadi, who plays Pierre is infectious. It is interesting to note that Ramakrishna was also the play’s makeup man. The set designs too warrant special mention — they are simple, creative and well-executed. The way Muddanna Rattehalli has used lights to create the effect of train travel is ingenious. The relatability of the comedy connects seamlessly with the audience. The songs by Gajanana Naik, though catchy, are a little too many in number. While the comic timing of all the actors is admirable, none of them can match the stage presence of the characters Kasheepathi and Bhagu. Had such a presence been sustained by the other characters, the play would have been even better than it already is.
Final word: Aadaddella Olithe...?, which has completed more than 80 shows, makes for a fun family outing. Despite a few minor lapses, the play’s entertainment factor is intact. You can keep your worries aside, laugh out loud, and walk out of the hall with a smile on your face. And in this world that is replete with stress and chaos, laughter is indeed the best medicine.