The goofy quirks of an urban Indian family

Theatre Review

: Cardamom 2: Falling Short
English /Hindi
Director:

Hasnain Shaikh

Cast: Zulfia Shaikh, Srinivas Naidu, Prachi Taneja, Pritisha Punukollu, Sangita Nambiar, Navoneil Bhattacharya, Mithesh Mahadevan, Hasnain Shaikh
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Duration: 110 mins
Rating: ***½

Plot:

Natak Nation

’s Cardamom 2: Falling Short is a sequel to Cardamom and takes off five years after the turbulent Kumar-Shankar wedding showcased in the first part. Penned by Hasnain Shaikh, this play sees the two families get together for the 30th wedding anniversary of Anil and Shreya Kumar, and there is a lot brewing behind the festivities. The twists and turns that new revelations bring, and the effect it has on familial and romantic relationships, unravel through the course of narrative.

Review: Cardamom 2: Falling Short is extremely pertinent to the

urban Indian

. The goofy, yet heart-warming sibling relationship portrayed by Mithesh Mahadevan-Hasnain Shaikh resonates with the audiences. The romantic narratives too strike a chord — be it in the older generation couple portrayed by Zulfia Shaikh-Srinivas Naidu and Navoneil Bhattacharya-Sangita Nambiar or the new age romance portrayed by Mithesh-Prachi Taneja and Hasnain-Pritisha Punukollu. The screenplay deftly retains relatability, and works well on its own, independent of its prequel. While the music does get a little loud at points, the praiseworthy acting, fitting stage design (Zulfia) and apt lighting (Raag Urs) converge to create an engaging production. The well-choreographed background sequences that unfold in tandem with the primary storyline deserve a special mention.
Final word: From dad jokes to witty one-liners and more, this play truly brings out the charm of the quintessential urban Indian family. Watch this with your nearest and dearest — you are sure to spot tales and characters closer home.