Aditya Birla Group's theatre initiative, Aadyam, has officially started its fourth season with the premiere of The Company Theatre's play, Detective Nau-Do-Gyarah last Saturday, June 30. Directed and designed by Atul Kumar and written by Pallav Singh and Niketan Sharma, this play is a 90-minute gangster comedy that's filled with comedic moments in a noir setting.
Shekhar Kumar, a psychiatrist from Khandala, in a visit to Royal Opera House in Mumbai, comes across a beautiful young woman and becomes entangled in a matter of national security when a murder occurs and he's labeled a killer. With the mission thrust upon him and in an attempt to clear his name, he has to attempt to dodge enemies, charm femme fatales, and ultimately, save the country.
Even though Detective Nau-Do-Gyarah is entrenched in a noir narrative with a charming lead, the costumes primarily consisting of long coats, jazz music, dangerous women, and gangsters with a penchant of giving self-aggrandizing speeches, the play is a comedy at heart. Every single aspect of the play from the set design to the dialogues are creatively used with the single purpose of evoking laughter, and it does it well. You might go in expecting a classic murder mystery, but you will be surprised by the unexpected jokes with some meta moments along the way. Even without an interval, the play is a breeze to watch, with movement throughout that even includes chase sequences.
The cast of Neil Bhoopalam, Sanket Kandam, Abir Abrar, Srishthi Shrivastava, Gagan Dev Riar, Roshan Shetty, Niketan Sharma, Sukant Goel, Mrinmayee Godbole, Rachel D'souza, Mallika Singh, and Anna Ador, play an impressive number of characters throughout the play.
The music has to be given a special note because it consists of original compositions played by a live band that's onstage. Musicians Harsh Karangale, Kaizad Gherda, James Miranda, Vishal Singh, and Anish Ghanekar must be applauded for setting the mood with their jazz tunes.
The plot at times can get a bit difficult to follow at times but it doesn't detract from enjoying the interactions between the characters. In the end, it will all become clear, so even if you do get a little confused in a few scenes, it will finally be worth it.
This is the play for you if you want to laugh while seeing a marvelous production. Detective Nau-Do-Gyarah is an impeccably crafted play that has hilarious dialogues, memorable characters, and great performances. Plus, the creative execution of the scenes will be unlike anything you have seen before.