KHIDKI Play Review

Tarun Agarwal	Host-A-Performance \| Schedule

Direction : Vikas Bahari Writer : Vikas Bahari Cast : Jatin Sarna and Priyanka Sharma

KHIDKI Review

If there is one thing that stands out in the play, it Jatin Sarna's performance. KHIDKI requires him to display all the shades of emotions, alongside dialogues that are so carefully crafted that any faltering would get seen through. Indeed, KHIDKI proves that this actor can perform exactly what is written on the page.

Fittingly, it is an original play that gives him the opportunity to showcase such a performance. If the play were to be an adaptation or interpretation of a famous work from the past, I guess, the tendency with such a witty script would have been to offer it to a star, and he would have taken it. KHIDKI is a welcome break from the safe old adaptations.

It is the story of a writer who lives in his room alone. Several episodes in the play showcase the life of a writer in all reality. The anxiety of paying the rent and talking to the landlord. Bending before a client so that the bills can be paid. The search for a story to tell. The writer is presented in a contemporary manner -- he isn't struggling to make ends meet. More importantly, it shows an episode where he gets every guess right about the girl who comes to live next door and she is shocked at the revelation. However unrealistic it may seem, so many great writers have been able to foretell situations. So, full marks for taking this risk in the plot.

The play is also punctuated with interesting techniques. For example, his dreams are shown as being interspersed with speeches by today's politicians. It elicits uproarious laughter from the audience.

The love story aspect of the play is also smoothly conducted. A girl who he has observed from the window for many months, now becomes his next door neighbour. Their interactions begin with her asking for some sugar to make tea at night. Slowly, they come close to each other. There are those moments where the characters fear that they have blown it. All in all, it captures the different phases of love. Priyanka Sharma plays the role extremely well. There is hardly a moment where she is unconvincing.

Vikas Bahari, the writer and director, proves himself to be a cut above the rest. A writer who has a command over the various techniques of writing. An adept director who can get actors to perform very well.

(Tarun Agarwal is the author of Hope Factory: Business Ideas For Everyone, and has directed a short film, Honesty Weds Dishonesty)

KHIDKI (Directed by Vikas Bahari) Play Schedule(s)

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