A mismatched couple living in a city faces an existential threat after the government enacts a new law. In a remote village, a mob is trying to kill a narcissistic grandfather. People in mountain villages speak in whispers all year round, fearing that their words will cause an avalanche. At this year's Mahindra Excellence in Theater Awards (Meta), a mismatched couple, a terrifying mob, and frightened villagers form the protagonists of a play, many of which depict dystopian scenes of a society ruled by fear and control. It depicts a future.
Some of the 10 new works shortlisted for Mehta include 'Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta' by Marathi theater troupe Aasakta Karamanchi, Bhutangal by Kerala athlete Kaika Nadakavedi, and It includes works such as “Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta'' by the newly launched Mumbai Theater Company. The Gathered's debut play 'Avalanche' represents India
“Today, we see authoritarian governments everywhere in the world, and people are facing different kinds of imposition of rules,” said Mohit Takalkar, director of the Marathi play Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta. says.
“We need to stand up and say what we want to say. We dare to say what we want to say strongly enough,” says Marwadi/Hindi/Awadhi/Haryanvi Drama by Ujjaagar Drama Society, Jaipur, Rajasthan Takalkar, who directed 'Hunkalo', says. Minimalist set and Manganiyar folk songs. Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta, which like Hunkaro was part of the Kerala International Theater Festival held last month, stars popular Marathi actor Lalit Prabhakar and also stars non-Marathi speaking actor Mallika Singh Hanspal. He is appearing. “I wanted to create a contrast in the words,” Takalkar explains of casting Hanspal.
Malayalam drama 'Bhutangal' has bagged five nominations including Best Picture and Best Director for 'OT Shajahan', directed by Palakkad-based athlete Kaika Nadakavedi. It examines patriarchy through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy who witnesses authority and brutality. . Ariyal Ali, who was nominated for Best Set Design, says, “This play deals with how social issues affect children and, ultimately, future generations.'' The play, based on the 2022 Malayalam film Appan, premiered in Dubai last month and depicts a family and village burdened by an authoritarian patriarch. Matters come to a head when a mob gathers to murder the narcissistic grandfather.
Avalanche, a Hindustani drama directed by Gandharv Dewan, has been nominated in six categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, and stars Shardul Bhardwaj, Swaroopa Ghosh, Vikram Kochar, Anamika Tiwari and Raksha Goel. An ensemble cast has come together to explore how the survival of a mountain village fluctuates due to the fear of disaster. The avalanche causes residents to speak in whispers. Avalanche, translated by Dewan, Bhardwaj and Rajesh Nirmal from the Turkish play of the same name by Tanser Chusenoglu, is The Gathered's debut work, commissioned by last year's Serendipity Arts Festival. “This play has been translated into Hindustani from an English translation of the original Turkish play. It resonates with our times and challenges us artistically,” said the director of the National School of Drama in Delhi. says Dewan, an alumnus who starred in the Netflix series “The Railway.”
Mahindra's other candidates
