HYDERABAD: All work and no play makes Hyderabad a dull city! But who says we don’t have a play? We are about to watch one, and in fact it is for the first time that Tollywood stars will be on stage-all for the cause of theatre.
When we talk of theatre- we think very elite and intellectual or we look at the sad story of yet another art-form’s lost glory. But this promises to be innovative, contemporary and fun, yet a serious move to bring in a Broadway-style play to Telugu.
‘Cine Bhasmasura’ has been making exciting conversation currency in both tinsel town and art-lover groups. Theatre has its grammar right and cinema has its glamour. Now what could be better than film-stars endorsing theatre? One may wonder if a classic medium like theatre needs any boost, but unlike Bengali and Marathi ones, Telugu plays has been restricted to a few age-old groups performing traditional plays in conventional form. Or we see young aspirants putting something together in small groups. But this is really big!
“When I first got this idea to cast film actors, many were apprehensive that they may not find it attractive enough. To my surprise everyone I met welcomed this idea and applauded Kartaal Productions for conceiving it. It has been humbling to see the dedication our actors have shown in coming for the long sessions,” says Seema Azharuddin, producer and the brain-wave behind this mammoth effort.
The play itself happens in a light-hearted setting to suit the day and age. The stars featuring in it include senior actor Naresh, Kota Sankar Rao who plays the lead, MLA-Actor Babu Mohan, anchor Suma Kanakala, Ravi Verma, Sanjeev, eminent dancer Sarala kumari and of course thespian Tanikella Bharani. Veteran theatre director Udaya Bhanu who has scripted and is directing the play has had his hands full for over a month trying to get the performers together to rehearse. He is not just excited about this play but more so the prospects of Telugu theater after this .
From eminent music director MM Keeravani to poet Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry everyone is eagerly waiting for the show on Nov 21, 22-2015, that will perhaps change the game for Telugu theater- a much neglected segment of art. Even actor Balakrishna appreciates the initiative and fondly recalls the Late NTR who used theatrical mannerisms in many of his roles and even had scenes showcasing theatre!
“Theatre is undoubtedly the greatest form of expression. It has taken me three decades to even think of something like this. But this surely begins the revival of Telugu theatre - Broadway style “ smiles Seema!