Lawry Travasso’s winter release, Chiklantim Fulam, carries a good storyline with various events unfolding in every scene, and thus, focusing on the atrocities against women in society.
ABOUT THE TIATR
The story is about a corrupt politician Franco (Anil Pednekar), his spouse Melba (Roma), who is devout and stays away from all the wrongdoings of her husband. Their only son Skyler (Franky Gonsalves) is a spoiled child due to support and overprotection from his father.
Skyler gets involved with Shirley (Antonet de Maina), a doctor by profession. They have been in love for quite some time, and soon Shirley finds herself pregnant.
To avoid humiliation in society, Skyler provides an easy and quick solution to his fiancée. He tells her to abort the child and is willing to help her financially. However, she refuses to take such a drastic step and decides to fight the injustice towards her.
On the other hand, there’s Rioma (Rioma), who comes from a poor family. She is involved with Rylan (Vilber), who is known to have the habit of flirting with girls.
Despite being aware of Rylan’s involvement with another girl, Rioma insists that he marry her.
What follows next in the lives of these hapless victims is worth the watch in the second half of the drama. Will Shirley be able to fight alone and obtain justice? After Rylan walks away, will Rioma find the strength to face the rejection with courage?
BEHIND THE SCENES
Chiklantlim Fulam is a good presentation, but there’s too much violence in the form of rape by father and son, and the concluding scene, wherein the tongue of the offender is tortured to teach the culprit a lesson.
Drawing inspiration from the gruesome murder of a junior doctor in Delhi recently, Lawry Travasso has highlighted the mayhem prevalent in today’s world, where culprits often go unpunished or get off lightly.
Anil Pednekar delivers a convincing performance as a corrupt politician. Franky Gonsalves and Vilber are portrayed as villains. Roma does justice to her sober role.
Antonet de Maina and Rioma are projected as victims of rape. Rosy Alvares makes brief entries as mauxi, but she carries words of wisdom under her sleeve.
In the comic acts, there’s comedian Richard along with Myron and Samica entertaining the audience with laughter pills.
In the category of songs, there’s Peter de Arambol for the opening song, followed by another solo later. There are also a couple of solos from Lawry Travasso and Rosy Alvares; besides songs from Lawry and Rosy; Saby de Divar, Myron and Antonet de Maina.
One song by Rosy, Rioma, Antonet de Maina and Roma focuses on the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, while another song by Rioma and Myron, is a befitting tribute to their departed fathers.
A political solo by Saby de Divar receives an encore. The live band offstage – consisting of Nolvert (trumpet), Jeslyn (second trumpet), Eliora (bass), Norman (keyboard), Jaison (drums) – have provided good music, besides background music by Norman.
The stage sets have been done by Anthony de Ambaji, with lighting by Inacio.