A city's theatre scene is a convincing reflection of its culture – both varied and vivacious. Even though many feel live theatre is still foreign to many natives in Delhi, there has been a significant spurt in the number of people suggesting that it isn’t dead, but still very much alive and breathing. And Kingdom of Dreams (KOD), which presently runs three musical shows, has helped theatre in Delhi-NCR thrive much better than the rest of the cities.
‘Jhumroo, Jhoomo, Nacho Gao’, a theatrical based on the music of the legendary Kishore Kumar, which was launched in 2012, continues to captivate the audience with its peppy music, special effects, and the engaging tale of a simpleton who falls for a girl. But the new season that kicked off from February 26 also introduced a significant change – actor Anshuman Jha replaced Gaurav Gera as the male lead Bholenath Tripathi aka Bhola.
Whether you have watched the previous season or not, whether you are familiar with its story or not, you won’t find it difficult to fully appreciate ‘Jhumroo’.
The squeaky-clean show with an interesting storyline is a lot similar to Kishore Kumar’s popular film ‘Padosan’. However, it is still relevant because it talks about the anxious attempts that an unworldly-wise Bhola (Anshuman) make after he sets his heart on the cheerful and gorgeous Meena (Chhavi) and woo her relentlessly. Much like the iconic film, the female protagonist is intensely interested in music and completely amazed by a popular reality TV contestant! Like a true Kishore Kumar fan, Bhola too does the expected things that admirers do for their idols. He dreams of him, puts up his poster in his room and even tries to sing. One fine day, Kishore’s soul enters his body and helps him achieve his goal – win Meena’s love by outperforming her favourite India’s Super Singer show contestant.
The show excels as a love story, and Anshuman successfully infuses hilarity and heart into the relationship he shares with majority of the characters. There are several gems in the show, such as Bhola turning a serious official meeting into absolute chaos. Or his funny run-ins with reality TV show judge Anoop Das. How can you not laugh and admire bhola when he stalks Meena mid-air to the popular 80s number ‘Tera peecha na chodunga soniye’.
Anshuman is convincing as Bhola. After seeing him in films like ‘Love Sex Aur Dhokha’, ‘X-Past Is Present’ and ‘Chauranga’, Anshuman shows a completely different side through the show. His apprehensions, his inhibitions and his endeavors to win love – every bit is indicative of his acting prowess. We love him as he croons, grooves and acts with confidence and effortlessness. He escapes the typical tropes of playing a gullible character.
Actor Chhavi plays her part as a partially-arrogant colleague of Bhola really well. Her mannerisms and approach go well with her character.
Even though the rest of the cast fill out smaller roles, they still appear important in taking the story forward. The show’s director Vikranth Pawar is successful at drawing genuine performances from his dedicated cast. Anoop (Devendra Bisht) conveys love, aggression and hidden revenge through his body language. It is with him that we understand the shift of the tone from gentle humor to aggressive sarcasm.
While Ashley Lobo and Pankaj Guglani have done a great job in making Anshuman and Chhavi execute the steps really well, their dance troupe still have an edge. Vikranth has also done a commendable job in making every sequence look flawless. Darshan V Jariwala’s dialogues are both relatable and hard-hitting.
The viewers may not be allowed to get up during the show, but they don't mind flouting the rule to sing and sway to Kishore Kumar songs - ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Pag Ghungroo’, ‘Saamne Ye Kaun Aaya’, ‘Mere Saamnewali Khidki’, ‘Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si’, ‘Hawa Ke Saath Saath’ and ‘Jahaan Teri Ye Nazar Hai’. So yes, music – is the soul of the show. High on melody, right songs have been picked to emphasise the mood and lyrics, and of course the emotions.
Since the viewers are allowed to participate and express their views on the reality TV show contest, winning their support isn't that all that tough.
At a time when films - offering drama, music, entertainment and action – are setting the cash registers ringing at the Box Office, a live musical show like ‘Jhumroo’ can bring many stage lovers back to the theaters.
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