Review: 'Retweet' takes a look at modern relationships

There is a huge debate on traditional vs modern love around us as many believe that the earlier one entails a prolonged courtship period whereas the latter is more about instant gratification. Technology and social media permeate life and relationships are no exception. Written and directed by Ankit Gor, Retweet, a sequel to his previous drama 'I Want To Tweet' (2014), hinges on the same.
The fourth show of the satirical Gujarati play was staged in Ahmedabad recently and showcases the ups and downs of relationships that begin or are impacted by the web of social media and dating applications.

The plot revolves around Tatsat who has not only assumed a different identity of Chinmay on a popular dating app in his bid to avoid a rebound after break up but is forced to introspect by his friend Shunya played by Ravi Gohil. He is dealing with his own demons along with being financially duped on the site and also getting dumped. He tries to help lovelorn Ek played by Ankit Gor and discovers truths and perspectives that he has been denying for a long time. Action seems forceful and unnecessary in some scenes in the first half but Ankit’s dramatic dialogue delivery imparts a much-needed change in the narrative.
A bean bag, a stool and a drawing board impart a minimalistic setting but have been used well in proving the point of how most youngsters try to be what they are not on social media. The drawing board from the first scene to the last with details of Chinmay’s weekly social media schedule and what he is going to share on each adds a humorous realistic twist to the play.
Dialogues like ‘It’s always the same story, says Imtiaz Ali’, ‘The parameter of love is jealousy’, ‘Long term relationship means it will at least last for a year in times of dwindling attention span’, ‘Text ma aa vaat nathi jo tone ma chhe’, leave you thinking.
A lot of potential in the use of sound and light remain untapped. The rap song written by Ankit is interesting in the play whose reference to Kabir Singh and Channa Mereya tell how these have become a massive cultural phenomenon with which a lot of people connect.
There is a surprise eleme nt to the plot where you can see your favourite D-town actress. Any guesses? Well, you will find that out once you watch the play. If you are nursing a broken heart, are confused about your present relationship or want to understand love from a modern youngster’s perspective, watch this.