Fultem Ful builds up gradually to a riveting climax

PIO ESTEVES

tiatr@herald-goa.com

Fultem Ful, a tiatr written and directed by Edmer Barreto and presented by Pilernechim Motiam, Pilerne, speaks about love, jealousy and forgiveness.

Shanaya (Bliss Fernandes) is madly in love with an orphaned Hindu youth Saish (Saish Daujekar). But Rodney (Rodney Fernandes) comes as a thorn in their path.

Rodney’s ‘chamcha’ Mandar (Zemario Philip) tries his best to poison Shanaya’s mind with regards to her Hindu lover. When convictions fail, physical assault results in Saish getting injured.

Shanaya’s brother Ryan (Edmer Barreto) and sister Pepsi (Meghan Fernandes) provide shelter to wounded Saish. Over a period of time, Shanaya too is attacked by unknown people inside the house.

Who is behind the gruesome assault? Who bears the brunt for the offence? Will the hard truth come to light and how? What is the punishment for the wrongdoer? The second half provides answers to all these queries.

‘Fultem Ful’ moves at a gradual scale, with twists and turns developing during the second half of the drama. Although a folly could have been avoided in the concluding scene with more stress on the costumes, the message of mercy and forgiveness within the members of the family is loud and clear.

‘Fultem Ful’ has all amateur and budding artistes on stage, displaying much talent in acting and singing. Bliss and Saish are comfortable in their lovers’ act. Edmer, Rodney, Freeda, Alisha, Ashwin and Kevin have extended good support to the main cast. Zemario excels in his negative role. But among all the characters, Megan as Pepsi is quite natural in her comic acts and dialogue delivery.

Songs wrapped up in the drama have issues related to mining, education, women empowerment, corruption, garbage, besides other themes. A solo by Alisha, duo by Kevin and Zemario, duet by Althea and Zamario and choral by Althea, Megan, Freeda and Anisha tops the list.

Vitorino Araujo and his band of boys provide good live music to all the songs. Set design by Anil Chari, besides the background music by Krishna needs to be applauded.