Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay

'Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay', translates to '(My) Chest is paining continuously' is a Marathi play which stars Ashok Saraf and Nivedita Saraf in the lead roles. The play is an experience that might let you have a stomach pain if not a chest pain. Although full of clichés and a banal story-line, the play is worth a watch for the mere panache of Ashok Saraf.

The story mainly involves Bhau Taishette, played by Ashok Saraf, a 50 odd year librarian who is always concerned and nagging about is health. His wife, played by real life spouse Nivedita Saraf is a naive house wife, unknown to the deceitful ways of the world. Bhau finds out his end is near and is troubled by the incessant fear of how his wife will survive after his death. The story takes a turn when Rajan Bhise, Nivedita's college time friend and one who has had amorous feelings for her in college comes to visit India. He stays with the family for some days giving Bhau the idea to unite the pair that couldn't be united in college.

The story revolves around the confusion that is created by Bhau's drunkard lawyer (played by Vinay Yedekar) about Bhau's affair with his assistant. The story is predictable every step of the way, but still manages to be hilarious due to excellent performances by Ashok Saraf, Nivedita Saraf and Rajan Bhise. Vinay Yedekar is brassy is always and tends to irritate with his repetitive appearances. Sanjay Mone does justice to his role although he only has two 10 minute cameos.

The play is worth watching once if you are a fan of Ashok Saraf. If you go in with the expectation of something novel, 'Sarkha Chatit Duktae' is not the play for you.

I give it two and a half stars.