National Theatre Festival brings Bollywood brilliance to Paradip stage.
Bollywood veteran Yashpal Sharma took center stage at Jayadev Sadan as the 23rd National Theatre Festival, popularly known as Canfest-2026, entered its fourth high-octane evening. Organized by the renowned cultural group Canmass, the Port Township of Paradip transformed into a hub of dramatic excellence. The featured production, Koi Bat Chale, was presented by Delhi’s "Theatre Wala" in association with Ventom Network, delivering a refreshing blend of humor and heart under the direction of Ramji Bali.
Romantic Comedy Grabs Spotlight
Narrative focus shifts to Kanhiya Lal Bansi Prasad, a 35-year-old school drama teacher navigating the humorous complexities of late-blooming bachelorhood. Bansi’s quest for a life partner leads him to a marriage bureau, where a chance encounter with a woman named Supriya changes his trajectory. Smitten by her grace and a distinct mole on her left cheek, Bansi finds himself rejecting every candidate presented by the bureau owner, Pyare Lal, who fails to match the specific image burned into the teacher's memory.
Cultural Significance in Odisha
Paradip has evolved into a vital nerve center for theatrical arts in Eastern India, with Canfest serving as a bridge between regional talent and National School of Drama-caliber performers. This festival consistently draws elite troupes from across the country, reinforcing Odisha's reputation as a patron of diverse linguistic arts.
Spellbinding Performances
Audiences remained glued to their seats as the play explored Bansi’s nervous attempts to express his feelings to Supriya. The chemistry between the leads and the witty dialogue sparked frequent laughter, showcasing the timeless appeal of well-executed Hindi satire. Every artist contributed to a seamless flow that kept the Jayadev Sadan hall packed until the final curtain call.
