This Karanth-Karnad play leaves everyone spellbound, once again

Director: BV Karanth
Playwright: Girish Karnad
Cast: TS Nagabharana, Yadhuraj, Shrunga BV, Pannaga Bharana, Ananya Bhat, Brunda Vikram, Vasuki Vaibhav, Bharath Naik, Rohith, Darshan, Sagar, Ravi, Dhanwin, Pavan, Madhuri Seshadri, Pooja Bharithaya, Rakshita Bhaskar, Prateeksha
Genre: Fantasy drama
Duration: 120 mins
Rating: ****

Plot:

Devadatta

and

Kapila

are close friends with contrasting personalities. While Devadatta is academically inclined and often gets love-struck, Kapila is a simple-minded person known for his brawn and bravado. When Devadatta is besotted with the charming Padmini, Kapila helps them get together, despite being drawn to her himself. The affection between the three overlaps, and a surreal encounter alters their equations forever.
Review: Hayavadana, penned by the late Girish Karnad, has seen multiple adaptations since its initial publication in the 1970s. But this adaptation by the Benaka theatre group follows the original script closely, with only a few additional witty remarks that are pertinent to the world today. The 486th performance did not move away from what the late thespian, BV Karanth, directed and composed for. The music is lovely and the singers beautifully sing the tracks. All the actors deliver what their roles demand — be it the protagonists or the supporting cast. Child artistes Kuval and Kshithi are exceptional as the dolls. While the length seems a bit drawn, there is not one dull moment in the play and the audiences stay fully engrossed till the end.
Final word: This play is a true testament to why the Karanth-Karnad combo worked so well. Despite the fourth generation of actors taking the stage for this production, the charm has, in no way lessened over the years.

Poor * Average * * Good * * * Very Good * * * * Outstanding * * * * *