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Mughal-E-Azam Play Review – Majestic & Exhilarating
The theatre world in India has been abuzz ever since the news of the play adaptation of K. Asif‘s classic Mughal-E-Azam has come out. The play which is in a Broadway-style musical format created ripples and fueled curiosity & discussion, especially since the original film was a monumental epic and taking on the mantle of enacting it on stage would be a daunting task . I was privileged to catch the premiere show and I must say that the pre-emptive adjective of spectacular in the advertising campaign was more than lived up to. The following brief impressions was my takeaway, I am not writing a full-fledged review as theatre really has not been my regular diet of entertainment, but I am writing from an audience point of view and am sure that this play will widen the net of the theatre-going audience, doing a great service to the art of theatre, which in India needs more attention and patronage.
Grand Sets – the sets bring to life the bygone Mughal era, a mix of actual sets and front plus back projections. One is left open-mouthed at the sheer grandeur of the sets. Mellifluous recreation of Naushad’s melodies – The music has been very aptly adapted while at the same time retaining the richness and classical melody of the original work.
Outstanding Performances – All-round accomplished performances make this a winner to watch. Special mention of Priyanka Barve who essays the role of Anarkali & had the audiences spellbound with her acting, singing and dance.
Melodious Singing – All the artistes have done a tremendous job in bringing to life the immortal melodies. Jab Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kiya and the Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat Azmakar(the Muqabla song between Anarkali & Bahar) deserves a special mention & have been beautifully rendered by the respective artistes.
Punchy Dialogues – The dramatic quotient of the play is enhanced manifold by the powerful & at times profound dialogues. Masterful Direction – Feroz Abbas Khan proves yet again that he is a master storyteller and that when it comes to regaling the audience, he is a director par excellence. His meticulous attention to detail adds a layer of perfection to the staging, all departments working seamlessly together to enact the epic drama.
Amazing Lighting Effects – The lighting enhances the production and takes it to another level altogether. A perfect amalgamation of live performances seamlessly merged with digital technology.
Lavish Production Values – A production of this magnitude deserves a treatment befitting its scale and grandeur. Towards that end it succeeds. The props and accessories deployed succeed in creating the right depth and feel on stage. State of the art CGI deployed makes the viewing experience a pleasure.
Scintillating Choreography – Graceful and rhtymic choreography is a key factor in any musical, all the more so in this kind of a format and must say it passes the test with flying colours. The choreography is both classical yet contemporary. Exquisite Costumes – The costumes have been extremely well put together and the use of appropriate fabrics and selection of colours add to the aesthetics of the play. My hands are still hurting from all the clapping during the show. Deservedly, the play received a standing ovation at the conclusion. The play is not just a play but an experience to be savoured and cherished. Takes you back to the Mughal era and you become a part of the epic journey of the main protagonists. A majestic and exhilarating experience. Go and fall in love with Mughal-E-Azam all over again. K Asif’s timeless epic has been recreated for the stage magnificently.
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