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Marathi theatre is a treasure trove of cultural and social narratives, brought to life by talented playwrights and actors. This September, Zee Theatre presents a selection of captivating Marathi teleplays that delve into the heart of Marathi culture, addressing a range of themes from feudalism to crime, aging, and the classics, all infused with the vibrancy of Marathi literary traditions. These plays are a testament to the enduring legacy of Marathi theatre.
Agnipankh: Challenging Feudalism in Post-Independence India
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Written by Eklavya Sakpal, “Agnipankh” is a period drama set in the newly independent India, where the winds of social change threaten to upend the feudalistic zamindari system. At the center of this narrative is Durgeshwari, a fiercely strong matriarch known as ‘Baisaab.’
The play not only questions the patriarchy deeply entrenched in feudal empires but also portrays Baisaab as an unloved wife, a protective mother, and a woman grappling with historic shifts in power dynamics. Will she adapt to the changing times or remain steadfast in her ways?
Directed by Ganesh Yadav, “Agnipankh” features an ensemble cast led by Mita Vashisht as Baisaab, along with Dinkar Gawande, Gulki Joshi, Prabhat Sharma, Satyajeet Dubey, Satyajit Sharma, Sheetal Singh, and Somesh Agarwal. Catch this compelling drama on Dish TV & D2H Rangmanch Active and Airtel Theatre on September 23rd.
Vaastav: The Gritty Tale of Crime and Family
Inspired by Mahesh Manjrekar’s iconic 1999 film starring Sanjay Dutt, “Vaastav” is a gritty teleplay that unravels the struggles of a lower-middle-class family in Mumbai. It revolves around Raghu, an unemployed young man who is pushed into a life of crime when dignity becomes an unattainable luxury. As he ascends in Mumbai’s underworld, Raghu’s moral compass blurs, and he descends into darkness. The play explores the consequences of his choices on his family and whether he can ever reclaim his innocence and normalcy.
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Directed by Ganesh Yadav, “Vaastav” is set to captivate audiences on Dish TV & D2H Rangmanch Active and Airtel Theatre on September 24th.
Natsamrat: The Shakespearean Gravitas of Marathi Theatre
“Natsamrat,” penned by the renowned VV Shirwadkar (Kusumagraj), carries the weight of Shakespearean gravitas akin to “King Lear.” It tells the story of Ganpat Ramchandra Belwalkar, an acting stalwart who attains the pinnacle of success but must confront failure, heartbreak, betrayal from his children, and ignominy.
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Yet, his enduring love for the theatre keeps him from leaving the stage as he revisits golden memories of the past. Portrayed by the esteemed Mohan Joshi in this Zee Theatre teleplay, the role of Ganpat Ramchandra Belwalkar is every Marathi actor’s dream. Directed by Hrushikesh Joshi, the play also features Rohini Hattangadi, Shweta Mehendale, Sushil Inamdar, and Bhakti Desai in pivotal roles.
Hamlet: The Timeless Tragedy with a Marathi Twist
Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy, “Hamlet,” transcends the fatal flaw of indecision. It delves into themes of love, loss, grief, the pursuit of power, and the weight of guilt, all of which define and reshape human destinies. In this Marathi adaptation, Sumeet Raghavan takes on the enigmatic role of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, torn between avenging his father’s murder and grappling with moral dilemmas.
The play also explores Hamlet’s unexpressed love for Ophelia, his animosity toward his uncle, and his complex relationship with his mother. With stellar performances by Tushar Dalvi, Sunil Tawade, and Mugdha Godbole, this adaptation, directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni, promises to breathe fresh life into a timeless classic.
As you immerse yourself in these teleplays, you’ll not only experience the rich tapestry of Marathi culture but also witness the enduring power of storytelling through the lens of Marathi theatre. Each play offers a unique perspective on life, society, and the human condition, making them essential viewing for theatre enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate Marathi theatre’s vibrant traditions this September with Zee Theatre.
