Theare review: Aamne Saamne

Directed and written by: Niraj ShirvaikarCast: Madhura Deshpande, Leena Bhagvat,

Rohan Gujar

and

Mangesh Kadam

Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Language: Marathi
Rating: 3/5

The way in which a play opens speaks a lot about what to follow. It also sets the mood of a play, and for

Aamne Saamne

the first scene works wonders. The play revolves around two families, staying opposite each other in the same building.
The play opens with Neelima (Leena Bhagwat) interacting with the audience. Neelima and Anant (Mangesh Kadam) have completed 38 years of marriage and own two apartments in a building. They decide to rent out the other apartment on the same floor to a newly married couple, Sahil Purohit (Rohan Gujar), a writer, and
Sameera Patkar (Madhura Deshpande), a working professional. The narration tells the story of the new couple’s relationship and the ups and downs in it.
Soon, Anant learns that Sahil and Sameera are not married but are live-in partners. He confronts Sahil about it and that’s when the mood for the second act is set. In the second half, Sahil speaks about Anant and Neelima’s relationship and how their relation, despite being married, goes through its share of ups and downs, just like that of his and Sameera’s.

The play doesn’t take sides and presents the good and bad of both types of relationships. In the first act, the story of Sahil and Sameera is told by Neelima and Anant, while in the second act Sahil and Sameera tell the story of the elder couple. The format of presentation is interesting as director Niraj Shirvaikar explores both stories running parallel to each other. The narration eliminates the issue of connecting one scene to another. The technique is reminiscent of how the screenplay of a movie unfolds and the director uses it effortlessly here for a play.
Though the subject seems very serious, it is presented in a light-hearted way with a dash of humour. The punches and performances from all actors keep the viewers roaring with laughter. While Leena and Mangesh, who are masters of their craft, are brilliant, youngsters Rohan and Madhura perform at par with the more experienced actors. Aamne Saamne is a play that keep you laughing and put a smile on your face for quite a while after it ends.