Comedy times

Have been watching quite a few dramas of late, and it’s been a completely different kind of experience. And I am not talking about English plays, am referring to good old crazy Mohan and S.Ve Sekhar dramas. Enjoyed them thoroughly as they are a pleasant change from run of the mill movies. It was a surprise to know that the script for these plays have been written in the early eighties or late seventies. Mohan and Sekhar have adapted them to present day issues. The titles of the plays are also quite intriguing. “Mahabarathathil mangatha”(Rummy in Mahabharatha), meesayanalum manaivi (loosely translated as even if your wife has a moustache, she is still your wife). The plays are all total laugh riots. One can’t stop laughing once the play starts. And if you think there will be near empty halls, then you are sadly mistaken. Most of the plays are house full.

The best part about these plays is that there are no second chances in terms of retakes or editing. Most of the artists are extremely creative and innovative. There have been instances when the mikes have misbehaved, but such is their experience they have come up with excellent impromptu performances. One can clearly find out the inspirations for some of the more popular tamil film comedies in these plays. And mind you these plays are not the cheap variety where one guy kicks the other or some guy spewing cacophonic sounds. The comedy is clean and can be enjoyed with the entire family. I was surprised to find out that some of the plays have been staged a staggering 5000 times. So if you are not interested in watching India getting clobbered by Australia, then the place for you is either Vani Mahal or Naradagana sabha.