Pranksters-Spanksters

The Maruthi theater group was buzzing with enthusiasm that evening, especially with their focus on the Ramayan. A particular highlight was the scene where Hanuman crosses the ocean in a single leap to find where Seetha was hidden by Ravana. With the summer holidays approaching, the troupe was busy preparing for the sequence where Hanuman destroys Ashokvan, the garden where Seetha was held captive by Ravana.

The young actress portraying Seetha performed admirably. In one key moment, she held a grass blade between herself and Ravana, symbolizing how the mighty ten-headed demon was no more significant than a blade of grass in her eyes. This subtle gesture, full of symbolic power, was meant to humble Ravana’s ego.

The director, concerned with the next few scenes involving the burning of Lanka, reminded the cast, “Lighting the Lanka buildings is only digital. We won’t show real fire—just make sure the curtain waves with the fan and project the image of fire on the buildings.”

After a scene with Ravana shouting and giving ultimatum to Seetha, who was desperately calling for Ram’s rescue, the actor playing Anjaneya, Ashok, reentered after a tea break. The director caught him loitering outside the studio and questioned, “Ashok, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be talking to Seetha, telling her you are capable of rescuing her?” Ashok responded, “Actually, Shamshad bhai, I’m on break because the baby Hanuman will be chanting Ram’s name, and when Seetha asks, I’ll be ready to go.” The director, irritated, complained to the writer, “Joseph! Look at this one’s cheek! He’s designing the scenes by himself.”

Joseph, who was referred to as Johnny, defended Ashok, saying, “Leave him alone, we had agreed to give some liberty with the dialogue delivery, considering the accent differences between southern and northern speakers.” Johnny said., “jaanee,” also meaning “dear one” in Hindustani, reflected their shared spirit in the play.

The call for the scene change was texted, accompanied by the sound of drums signaling the shift. Ashok soon returned to the stage as Hanuman. He reassured Seetha, telling her that he was the mighty monkey warrior Hanuman and that Ram would soon rescue her. To prove his words, Hanuman gave her a ring from Ram, saying, “O mother Seetha, here is the ring Ram gave, to show that He will rescue you soon. In fact, I could carry you on my shoulders right at this moment.”

Seetha, with a tone of concern, replied, “O mighty Hanuman, I understand you meant to give me hope, but I cannot be rescued without Ravana knowing. Tell Ram that if He cannot rescue me within two months, Ravana will kill me and feed me to the demonesses guarding me.” Hanuman took permission from Seetha as she gave him her chudaamani, a jewelry piece like a barrette, and returned to Ram with this message, urging him to act quickly.

During the Ashokvan scene, where Hanuman destroys the beautiful fruit-bearing trees followed by the burning of Lanka, the visuals were preserved with no damage due to the use of photo effects. However, the plot to ignite the curtain by some pranksters was foiled before it could be executed, rendering their attempt to create menace and chaos futile.