Of Legs, Laloo & Kaantaben ... Review on The Graduate - Drama & Theatre / Plays

''Aao na, aao na ...''

Alright. Just because I sing 'Aao Na' to a guy does not mean that you start quivering a la Kaantaben. I was just requesting (read as ragging) my friend to accompany me for a play.

''A play?! Are you nuts?''

''No, I'm Raj.''

''That's lame ... listen man, why on earth do you want to undertake a one-hour trip to Marine Lines for a freaking play?''

It's his habit, using gerunds as adjectives, that is. Freaking, damning and dot dot dot you know what-ing.

''You see, there is this girl I know called ABC (name withheld to protect my own safety). She has a scene in this play where she lifts her leg to seduce Aditya Hitkari.''

''So you want to travel all the way for a girl?''

''Naah. Only for her legs.''

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I need to complain to Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav. My Churchgate local was 4 minutes late. Usually, I never care about time for I am always late myself. But then, there is something about legs that makes me jump like Shah Rukh Khan in excitement. A bumpy train ride and a walk along Marine Drive later, I found myself seated in the too-posh-for-my-taste Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA.

Oops, in my obsession for her legs, I forgot to mention that I was about to witness The Graduate - a play produced by Aditya Hitkari and Divya Palat. Divya Palat also direct this play which is based on the film of the same name. The cast comprises of Aditya Hitkari, Zeenat Aman and Raageshwari Loomba.

Remakes from one medium to the other rarely recreate the magic. The Graduate is no classic, but it is surely a very enjoyable watch. Aditya Hitkari plays the role of a young, maverick who has just finished his graduation. He has a roaring affair with his seductive aunt, Mrs Robinson, played by Zeenat Aman, and later finds himself in a quandary as he finds himself falling in love with Mrs Robinson's daughter, played by Raageshwari.

The manner in which the movie has been compressed into a shorter, fast-paced version is commendable. There is not a single instance when one feels that there is a glitch in continuity and the interest is maintained throughout. The seduction scenes are perfectly done - not even a wee bit vulgar, the scenes are actually quite humourous as they show the youth's nervous excitement. The humour is subtle, and refreshing. Especially hilarious is the way the protagonist reacts to the demands of the hi-socialite brouhaha that surrounds him.

Raageshwari's entry increases the mush quotient of the play. However, that's not to say that the humour dies down. Some scenes which are particularly funny are the ones in which Aditya tries to convince Raageshwari that they must get married. Mr Robinson's scenes too are particularly witty.

The play is a musical, with the group of Conchorde crooning lines between different sequences. The voices of the group are fresh and vibrant, but the constant barrage of singing can get a little monotonous. A unique feature in the play is the fact that the sets, which are tastefully done, are moved automatically, rather than the usual manual ones.

Aditya Hitkari excels. Be it his contempt for the pretentious high society, or his apprehension at being seduced by Mrs Robinson, or his transition as he falls in love, Hitkari acts competently.

Zeenat Aman makes a stupendous comeback as she looks gorgeous, and extremely convincing as the old seductress. She has most of the punchlines and proves that she had a good sense of comic timing.

Raageshwari Loomba is not required to do much, she does whatever her role demands of her.

The support cast is excellent - the fellow who plays Mr Robinson, particularly, is brilliant.

All in all, The Graduate is a light-hearted entertainer. Give it a try instead of the same old movies. Although it won't play at the NCPA again, it will be performed next month at St. Andrews, Bandra. However, those who savour only serious plays can give it a miss and instead watch the brilliant 'Ji, Jaisi Aapki Marzi'. Why brilliant, did you ask? Well, that's for another review ...

Final Rating: +1/2

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If comments were education, I wish I was atleast a graduate ... er, I don't know what exactly that meant ... comment anyway!