A scene from the play Roudhiram Pazhagu. | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
Before the play of Komal Theatres Roudhiram Pazhagu Initially, Dharini Komal (story and direction) announced that it was based on the Nirbhaya rape case, which shook the country a few years ago. But it turned out that it was not based on the crime but a narration of the exact events of the case. Only Nirbhaya’s name was changed to Deepika. The crux of an idea stemming from a real incident is understandable. But the reproduction of what happened could have been done better. However, Dharini should be applauded for adding a few extras like the reactions of politicians.
While opposition leaders want to take advantage of this tragedy, the ruling party wants to divert people’s attention from the case. The ruling party decides to fabricate stories in the media about Deepika’s immorality. The media sensationalizes the case, adding interesting but completely false details while reporting the case.
a feeble attempt
Roudhiram Pazhagu There is a line by poet Bharati. The poet says, learn to get angry. Proper anger is necessary. Parents who lose a child in such circumstances will naturally break down. But anger against the criminals will soon surface. There is not much anger in the play. A weak attempt to justify the title came at the end, when society was asked to be vocal in its protest. The play would have perhaps been more credible if it had talked about women learning self-defense techniques or changing laws to ensure that juveniles do not escape proper punishment.
Lawyer Sangeetha’s arguments in court were like sermons about how women can no longer be taken for granted, etc. Anu Kannan as the victim’s mother portrayed her emotional devastation very vividly. But she also didn’t show anger. There was a kind of calmness in the play, which felt completely out of place.
