Almost everyone in India knows Nathuram Godse, as an asassin of Mahatma Gandhi. He has always been described as a Hindu fanatic and at many places as a lunatic, who killed Father of the nation.
Although a book on his views had already been published, it was daring act by Prashant Dalvi to write a play, bringing to audience the thougts of Nathuram Godse.
The play was released many years ago and was immdeiatedly welcomed by agitations and demands to ban it. After a protracted courtroom drama and very commonly seen political commenting the play resumed its regular shows, to packed houses.
Even after a long period, the play runs to large audiences.
Coming to the play itself, it opens with Nathuram Godse on stage, speaking to audience about the need of the story. He explains in philosophical terms, why he looks young even after 50+ years and takes audience to flashback.
The story is essentially that of a strong Hindu character, who considers Savarkar as his mentor and how goes on to shoot Mahatma Gandhi.
The play basically is founded on strong script providing Godse’s justification of killing of Mahatma Gandhi. It also points out views of Godse abouth politics of the times. Hence, normal backdrops, props, stage craft are nothing to write about.
The major values come from the script, long and powerful dialogue delievery of Godse and wonderful characterisation and acting of Inspector Sheikh.
Incidentally, Inspector Sheikh is in charge of the police station, where Godse was held captive and sees Godse as a human being with strong character.
What I found noticeable in the play is that while tryg to justify Godse’s thinkig (which is probably natural, when Godse is the central character), script is full of respect to Mahatma Gandhi.
At no point of time does it insult Gandhiji or tries to belittle his contribution towards Indian freedom struggle.
Any one with open mind must see this play ( I heard trnslation in English is also available.), if he/she is interested in seeing other side of the coin (with open mind)!