Bengaluru’s vibrant cultural tapestry is about to be enriched with the much-anticipated Marathi play “38 Krushna Villa”, already a theatrical sensation with a trail of awards and accolades to its name. The renowned Mitramandal organization is poised to host this creative masterpiece, featuring an enigmatic story steeped in psychological exploration and suspense.
Playwright Shweta Pendse, although unable to pinpoint the precise moment of inspiration, discloses that the seed for “38 Krushna Villa” was sown over a decade ago during her research on schizophrenia for a prior drama about a neurosurgeon battling the disorder. This deep dive into the human psyche fuelled the germination of the play’s central idea, whose details Pendse has skillfully kept shrouded in mystery. “Writers are rather cruel,” she suggests, “They can see drama in every situation.” Clearly protective of the suspense element crucial to the play’s impact, Pendse tantalizes potential audiences with the promise of a narrative immersed in human complexities and nuanced character portrayals.
The buzz surrounding the play is significantly amplified by the inclusion of two esteemed theatre performers, Shweta and Girish Oak, who embody the essence of the story through their roles. Sanjeev Keskar, a committee member and former president of Mitramandal, praised the play’s genre-bending blend of literature and thriller elements that has struck a chord with theatregoers across Maharashtra, culminating in a staggering 200 performances.
As Keskar highlights, the 201st production of “38 Krushna Villa” marks its Bengaluru debut, a milestone for both the play itself and Mitramandal. The organization, celebrating 40 years of socio-cultural influence, boasts a network exceeding 5,000 members from Marathi-speaking families spread across Bengaluru’s suburban mosaic. Founded by none other than the parents of cricket icon Rahul Dravid, Pushpa and Sharad Dravid, Mitramandal has evolved from a platform for familial get-togethers to an epicenter of social and cultural dynamism, further invigorated by Bengaluru’s IT revolution and the subsequent influx of Maharashtrians.
The success of “38 Krushna Villa” is not merely anecdotal; it has manifested in the form of coveted awards, including the “Zee Natya Gaurav” of 2023 for best drama, best director, best actor for Girish, best music, and best lights (the latter by Shital Talpade). Additionally, the play received the “Majha Puraskar” awarded by ABP Majha channel for best writer to Shweta Pendse and another best actor accolade for Girish Oak.
Keskar sheds light on the logistic challenges faced when transporting theatrical productions to Bengaluru from Maharashtra, noting the ambition of Mitramandal to champion locally-staged dramas that leverage their in-house talent in acting and direction. The community thus eagerly anticipates theatrical endeavors like “38 Krushna Villa” that enable the vibrant local arts scene to thrive.
The eagerly awaited performance of “38 Krushna Villa” will enthuse audiences at the New Horizon Engineering College Auditorium on February 4, with a 10am curtain rise. As excitement builds, patrons are encouraged to secure their seats early by procuring tickets on BookMyShow, ensuring they witness firsthand what promises to be a riveting blend of literature, drama, and the raw intricacies of human emotions – a true testament to the power of Marathi theatre.
