Theatre review: One On One Part 2

Play:One On One Part 2
Directors: Rahul da Cunha, Rajit Kapur, Nadir Khan, Sumeet Vyas and others
Duration: 140 minutes
Cast: Anu Menon, Rajit Kapur, Neil Bhoopalam and others
Language: English/Hindi
Rating: 3
One On One, a series of 10 monologues, which received critical acclaim and was thoroughly liked by audiences in the past, has now returned with a sequel by the same name.Comprising nine short acts, these are put together by some of the most renowned writers and directors in Indi theatre and star actors Rajit Kapur, Zafar Karachiwala, Anu Menon, Neil Bhoopalam, Hussain Dalal, Sumeet Vyas, Shikha Talsania, Vrajesh Hirjee and Gopal Datt.
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The stories in this compilation range from funny, macabre, tender to poignant. The show opens with a brilliant solo act by Anu Menon; it’s about a woman, who tries hard to be the perfect wife, mother and daughter-in-law but still believes she is a disappointment in all her avatars. It makes you laugh and also raises your expectations of the acts to follow. Along with this story, Shikha Talsania’s dulhania, Gopal Datt’s TC Rasbihari and Sumeet Vyas’ filmi monologues are easily the most enjoyable of the lot, perhaps because they all have more humorous elements to them. The rest of the acts oscillate between serious, emotional, tender and even tedious. These are the ones that are subjective and you may or may not find them engaging.
With the likes of Rajit Kapur performing, the acting is top-notch; a special mention to Shikha Talsania, Sumeet Vyas and Gopal Datt.
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It’s laudable that the writers have explored radically different themes and emotions with each story. From bureaucracy and marriage to real estate scams and Bollywood, many contemporary issues of ‘incredible India’ have been addressed. But the biggest plus is the coming together of so many talented artistes — it’s rare. Though lengthy and slow in parts, this is a collaboration of talent that shouldn’t be missed.