This famous folk play was written by Vasant Sabnis and especially for Dada Kondke, the famous Marathi actor. It was designed for urban viewers while keeping the rural punches intact. The play follows the format of a Tamasha.
The story is that of a king and his scheming prime minister. Following the death of the administrative head - the kotwal, the Prime Minister promptly fills the coveted post with his inept and undeserving brother-in-law. As per the hierarchy, the present Havaldar ought to have been promoted to that post. The wronged Havaldar along with his sweetheart Mainavati plan to frame the new Kotwal.
Mainavati works her charms on the Kotwal and then beseeches him to fulfill her numerous wishes (hence the name, Vichha Majhi Poori Kara). She orders him to bring her the king's ring, chain and finally the king's four-poster bed (chhapri palang) - which he does.
The play brings out the political undercurrents of nepotism. Its slapstick comedy and wit has had a lasting appeal. Digambar Naik of PHU BAI PHU fame essays the role of Havaldar, which shot Dada Kondke into the limelight. Rajni Deshbhratar is a skilled dancer and plays the role of Mainavati. Arun Hornekar plays the kotwal.
