Quite interestingly named, Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta is an Indian adaptation of an English play, which does not shy away from taking a jibe at the political rut that our nation has fallen into.

Plot:
A typical slightly mismatched couple, Aditya and Feroza’s relationship is put to test when the government enforces a new law that forbids all citizens from speaking more than 140 words per day.

Rating:

Team:
Original English Play: Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons
Original Playwright: Sam Steiner
Marathi Adaptation: Niranjan Pedanekar
Design & Direction: Mohit Takalkar
Cast: Lalit Prabhakar, Mallika Singh Hanspal

Review:
In a world where words are limited, love is put to the test. Aditya (Lalit Prabhakar) and Feroza (Mallika Singh), are a mismatched couple. He’s an idealistic musician, she’s a sensible lawyer. He thinks she’s too careerist, she thinks he’s just insecure because she earns more than him. But they love each other, in their own way. Then, the government passes a new law: from now on, everyone is limited to speaking 140 words per day. The so-called “Muskatdaabi / Antah: Shanti Law” threatens the basis of their relationship. Can they find a way to communicate their love in a world where words are scarce? Or will the Muskatdaabi Law tear them apart?

The structure of the play is set up in a non-linear way with the pre-Muskatdaabi and post- Muskatdaabi scenes playing in tandem like a symphony. The cute on-screen couple of Lalit and Mallika has a sizzling chemistry. Both manage to play the ‘opposites and yet together’ rom com routine quite well and of course with it the real, honest and sometimes a raging voice to each other’s patronising.

Over time Niranjan Pedanekar has truly become an auteur in adapting plays of foreign language in Marathi, which are culturally rooted, down to the very last detail and dialogue. This one’s no different. The Central Vista reference worked like magic.

Mohit Takalkar’s direction is really sharp and at times abstract. His use of abstractions from time to time really makes you delve deeper into the world. These abstract metaphors or expressions come in when the couple doesn’t use words but such elements to invigorate each other. The use of silence as the couple struggles to find the same wavelength post- Muskatdaabi is beautifully crafted.

The set is very minimal with a beautiful cloud hanging at the top, again as an abstract expressionist element. The lights and music become an important part of the storyline itself when the Muskatdaabi Law comes into force. With no interval and a lot to take in, I suggest you go in with a fresh mindset. It will definitely leave you short of words. (Pun intended)

All in all, Mohit Takalkar’s “Ghanta….” is a much-needed liberating satire adapted wittily to the Indian roots by Niranjan Pedanekar. Bottom line of the play being, ‘If forced to limit words, the liberating souls will find other ways to express.’

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