Happyly Married Review

In this play, Divya (Suhasi Goradia Dhami) and Aman (Anand Goradia), who've been married for five years, start feeling the marital itch, because of their lackluster routine. In an attempt to get back the spark in their relationship, Divya consults a psychiatrist (Nasirr Khan), who, after secretly studying Aman's symptoms, infers that he has a 'suppressed libido' and hence lacks self-confidence. So, to save the marriage, she will have to push her husband into having an affair with her best friend and neighbour, Sheela. Because of Divya's strange and suspicious behaviour, Aman too finds himself in a similar dilemma and consults the same psychiatrist. This results in confusion and some hilarious situations that lends humour to the play.

A bizarre storyline; but does it stay true to its comic roots? Unfortunately, no. The play, directed by veteran director Dinkar Jain, whose Gujarati drama Dear Father has been hugely commended, isn't able to duplicate the same magic this time. From the beginning, you wonder what convinces the protagonists to go to extreme lengths (like question their spouse's behaviour and opt for psychiatric treatment!). So looking for logic isn't the way to approach this story.

The first half is without many golden moments but the second half is saved, thanks to the hilarious seducing scenes between Aman and Sheela. Suhasi Goradia, popularly known for her roles in television soaps, makes a confident stage debut, while Kavitta Rathod, Anand Goradia and Nasirr Khan are comfortable in their roles, mouthing the silliest dialogues with ease. In spite of good performances from the cast, because there are very few witty lines, the play lacks where writing is concerned. Don't expect to get too many laughs from this one.