Preneeta Sharma
Directed by Sanjay Sood and written by Pankaj Soni Natyanukriti’s most recent production, “Zahar” (Poison), explored the poisonous depths of remorse and hatred. The two-character piece, which was performed at the Gaiety Theatre, examined how human resentment corrodes the spirit and how even the darkest souls might be saved by repentance.
The play tries to keep the audience’s interest with just two performers on stage but atlast fails.
The narrative centers on a wealthy but troubled businessman (played by Abhay Thakur) who goes to a crazy pharmacist (played by Sanjay Sood) to get poison for his spouse. But in a dramatic turn of events, he himself succumbs to his own poison, only to come to understand the true value of life and love in his final moments. Later on, the chemist admits that he never sold actual poison but instead worked to purge the man of his anger.
Despite having a strong premise, the production was poorly executed. As the eccentric chemist, Sanjay Sood first made an impression with his commanding stage presence and distinct Punjabi accent while serving as both director and performer. But as the performance went on, his last language delivery failed and his accent vanished, weakening the dramatic climax. Although Abhay Thakur’s portrayal of the tortured spouse successfully conveyed the man’s inner struggle, his voice was frequently inaudible when looking away from the audience, which detracted from the intensity of pivotal moments.
The play seemed to go on longer than it needed to at one hour and twenty minutes. Even while encouraging music tried to break the monotony, some parts lingered, which diminished the effect of an otherwise powerful message. Its emotional impact and psychological strain might have been enhanced by a more precise edit.
Though it struggles to keep its dramatic hold, “Zahar” is successful in prompting reflection. It could have evolved from a decent play into a genuinely compelling psychological experience with better pacing and more reliable performances.
