Kolkata: Presented by Dhakuria Jitendra Smriti Chakro Group Theatre, ‘Nyay Anyay’ is a masterful adaptation of Agatha Christie’s ‘Witness for the Prosecution’, transformed for the Bengali stage by Satyaki Sarkar and brought to life under the deft direction and editing of Binayak Bandyopadhyay.
With a compelling narrative, taut performances, and unexpected twists, the play grabbed the theatre lovers by the collar and didn’t let them go at Tapan Theatre in Kolkata on May 16.
Set in a dramatic courtroom, the play revolves around Gauri Shankar Talukder (Babu Dutta Roy), a veteran barrister making a comeback after illness, who is entrusted with the defense of Loknath Mitra (Arush Dutt) — a handsome young man accused of the brutal murder of a wealthy, unmarried woman, Maitreyee Mukherjee.
From the word go, the play wastes no time in diving into the heart of the mystery. The case appears open-and-shut as Janaki Mukherjee (Susmita Mukherjee), the governess, paints a picture that points the finger squarely at Loknath. She claims to have seen him with Maitreyee on the evening of the murder, having wine and music — only for the scene to turn into a bloodbath after she briefly left.
To make matters worse, she accuses Loknath of eyeing Maitreyee’s property worth ₹22 crore.
The tension builds like a pressure cooker.
But just when the audience thinks they have all the pieces of the puzzle, the tables turn dramatically. Loknath’s supposed wife Romita (Nandini), who was expected to testify in his favor, throws a wrench in the works by denying any romantic relationship or marriage. Her betrayal stuns not only Loknath but also the entire courtroom.
One could hear a pin drop as Barrister Talukder, usually sharp as a tack, is left speechless and baffled.
Babu Dutta Roy shines in his role, portraying the seasoned lawyer with gravitas and restraint. His silent moments speak volumes, capturing the helplessness of a man who suddenly finds the ground shifting beneath his feet.
Arush Dutt’s portrayal of Loknath is equally riveting — a mix of vulnerability and desperation that makes the audience question: is he a scapegoat or a sly manipulator
Supporting performances, especially from Susmita Mukherjee as Janaki and Nandini as Romita, are pitch-perfect. They breathe life into their characters, adding layers of complexity and emotion. Sankar Ghosh’s character Rohit Basu and other cast members like Tapas Haldar (Kartik), Sanjay Dey (Mihir Choudhury), Pikon Ghosh (Inspector Sarkhel), Subrata Mazumdar (Judge), Kanti Haldar (Doctor), Mukunda Ganguly (Muhuri), Rujana(Gita), Namita Chakraborty (Basudha), Nandini (Romita), Sushmita Mukherjee (Janoki) and Rimi Ganguly (Mauri) help keep the narrative flowing without a hitch.
The behind-the-scenes team deserves a round of applause. Swapan Banerjee’s music adds an eerie undertone without overpowering, Bablu Sarkar’s lighting design artfully underscores mood shifts, and Samir Ghosh’s makeup work is both believable and theatrical. Avijit Naskar’s set design effectively transforms the stage into a gripping courtroom without over complication.
‘Nyay Anyay’ is a reminder that truth is often stranger than fiction, and justice isn’t always black and white.
With its mix of suspense, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, the play is a rollercoaster ride — a true whodunit that keeps the audience guessing till the final bow.In short, the production is a feather in the cap for Dhakuria Jitendra Smriti Chakro Group Theater.
For those who have a penchant for courtroom thrillers with twists that hit you like a bolt from the blue, this is not to be missed. If the group comes with another show, go see it — and be prepared to have your jaw on the floor!
