Ordhi Bhakri

A story of selfless love
by J P Pereira (Navhind Times)

Thirty years back, Prem Kumar, the showman of the Konkani stage had written and directed the ‘tiatr’ titled ‘Ordhi Bhakri’. The same play has now been presented under the direction of Anil Kumar. After watching the show, one feels, that full justice has been done to this beautiful play.Produced by Candido Araujo, this tale of love, treachery and forgiveness depicts the selfless and undemanding love of Jose towards Paul, the son of the couple who had adopted him.

Jose is a poor farmer, married to Rosa and struggling to make both ends meet. He sends Paul to Mumbai to graduate into an engineer but Paul enjoys his life at Jose’s cost, falls in love with Nora all the time lying to her, that his brother is a rich businessman settled in Canada. The two get married and Jose is not even invited. On learning of his foster brother’s marriage, Jose lands in Mumbai, is insulted by Paul and sent back. When Nora learns of the happenings, from her sister Vera, she decides on a plan.

Watch what she does to put things right, in this absorbing entertainer that keeps the viewer engrossed till the end.
The presentation is a treat to the eyes and ears. The simple but thought provoking script from Prem Kumar, without those complex words, conveys the right message to the audience. The direction is sleek, the sets simple with good light effects and all the actors dress code is just appropriate.

The well chosen cast has Angela as Rosa. Her dialogue delivery with the right amount of emotion and her act is perfect. Fine performances come from Evon as Nora and Fatima as Vera. Anthony San as Jose and Anil Kumar as the rich landlord, perform wonderfully. So does Mathew with his subdued performance as the loving and understanding brother of Nora. Godwin as Paul acts well in the livelier parts but tends to overplay during the tragic parts. Micheal provides the comic relief, doing a fine job supported by a newcomer and Maria as Kamala, in a great performance of a Marathi speaking fisherwoman.

Josinho, Norman, Xavier and others provide some good music specially during the acts. The pick of the songs are two solos, a tribute to the late Dr. Jack de Sequeira by Xavier Almeida (great voice and singing) and a tribute to the late Ulhas Buyao by Anthony San. There are some nice songs by Joaquim Cabral, Socorro de Sta cruz, Godwin S Lemos, a trio from Fatima, Anil and Tony and a couple of other songs.

Although the story takes place 30 years back, the play never seems outdated. A perfect entertainer, do see it with the whole family. Highly recommended. !!!








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