Tiatr: Undir Mogan Poddla
Cast: Anil, Antonette, Ulhas Tari, Caziton, Roma, Rosario, Creto, Selvy, Dorothy, Richard
Director: Roseferns
Band: Theo Alvares/Selwin (1st, 2nd trumpet), Fexon (bass), Arif (keyboard), Ivo (drums)
Story: Greed for those extra bucks prompts Milroy (Rosario de Benaulim), the local MLA, to get involved in malpractices with his staunch supporter Malap’pa (Anil Pednekar). But little does he realise that this non-Goan will overpower him, bringing doom to his career and family
Review: Day in and day out, Milroy and Malap’pa stay busy issuing licenses to illegal and fake companies, to restart their businesses in full swing. Milroy’s sister-in-law Ana (Roma), who lost her husband and her sight in an accident, serves as an eye opener to him. His brother Jaison (Ulhas Tari), who is an upright police inspector, also makes efforts to nail him for his misdeeds. But to no avail.
When Milroy’s wife Lizen (Antonette de Maina) delivers her first baby, a boy, he gets excited about becoming a father. But his joy is short-lived as the new born passes away due to a dose from a fake pharmaceutical company. Due to loss of her child, Lizen turns insane. What will be this influential man’s next step after suffering tragic losses?
On the other hand, after serving a long term in jail, Malap’pa’s notorious son Sairu Malap’pa (Caziton) returns, only to continue with his vicious activities with the support of his father. After being forced to resign as PI, Jaison decides to fight the forthcoming elections against his opponent, Malap’pa. What will be its outcome?
After tackling several family issues in past tiatrs, this time around, Roseferns, with his 83rd production, highlights migrant population and empowerment in Goa, with some political masala wrapped around it. Safeguarding the little that is left of Goa is the need of the hour, before Goans seize to be ‘niz Goykars’ in their home town, the director concludes.
The artistes have given their best in their respective characters, but amongst all, Anil’s portrayal as a non-Goan stands out. Creto in his character role excels. Roma is impressive as a visually impaired person.
Comedians Selvy, Richard and Dorothy team up as a trio for those comical moments on stage, but certain acts seem to drag with overacting, thus lacking some genuine comic interludes.
The director deserves a pat on his back for the innovative main stage set, besides raising the relevant issue of migrant overpopulation.
Songs rendered by Marcus Vaz, Xavier Gomes, Lawry, Rosario de Benaulim and Caziton are appealing to the ears. Although a political solo by Olga and a duet by Anil/Olga, a trio by Roma/Antonette/Olga and a quartet by Marcus/Roma/Antonette/Dorothy receive an encore, a duo went amiss in the potpourri of songs.
‘Undir Mogan Poddla’ entertains overall, but doesn’t have anything novel for the audience to carry home. Go for it for some relaxing moments, maybe after a hectic day at the workplace.
