A tense battle of egos and deception, brought to life by Kumud Mishra and Sumeet Vyas, says SAKSHI PRIYA
The stage is set. Two men sit across from each other, exchanging words laced with tension, wit and something more sinister. A simple conversation or so it seems. But beneath the surface, a battle begins, one that will twist and turn until the final moment.
What happens when two men, bound by love for the same woman, sit down for a “civil” conversation? Is it really a conversation or something far more dangerous?
This is the world of Saanp Seedhi, a Hindi adaptation of Anthony Shaffer’s Sleuth, directed by Shubhrajyoti Barat. A play that lures you in with wit and charm, only to trap you in a web of deception and mind games.
A Battle of Wits
Anil Wadhwa (Kumud Mishra), a retired filmmaker, knows his wife has been unfaithful. Instead of reacting with anger or heartbreak, he does something unexpected — he extends an invitation. His guest? Mayank Tiwari (Sumeet Vyas), the young architect who has replaced him in his wife’s heart.
It starts as a polite conversation, but with every passing moment, the tension thickens. Anil’s words are smooth, his demeanor calm, but there’s something unsettling beneath it all. Mayank, seemingly confident, soon finds himself navigating a game he never signed up for. But is he truly the victim or is he playing his own game? This is a war of intellect and power. The stakes are not just emotional, they are life-altering.
Powerhouse Performances
Kumud Mishra is magnetic. His portrayal of Anil Wadhwa is layered, one moment charming, the next menacing. He makes you laugh, then leaves you on edge, never letting you settle. Sumeet Vyas as Mayank brings the perfect mix of ambition and vulnerability, making it impossible to predict his next move.
Their chemistry is electric. Every pause, every glance, every shift in tone carries weight. It’s a duel of words, but the silence between them speaks just as loudly.
An Indian Twist on a Classic Thriller
Originally set in an English country house, Sleuth has been reimagined in Goa. Akarsh Khurana’s adaptation adds an Indian pulse to the narrative, working in themes of masculinity, pride, and status. The setting, a lavish yet isolating home, becomes a character itself, trapping these men in a battle they can’t walk away from.Shubhrajyoti Barat, making his directorial debut at Aadyam Theatre, ensures that every detail heightens the suspense. The lighting, set design, and music all work together to pull the audience deeper into the psychological game.
Who is Really in Control?
Just when you think you’ve figured out the dynamics, the story shifts. Who is the manipulator and who is the pawn? Who holds the power, and who is about to lose everything? The humour, sharp and dark, cuts through the tension just long enough before it builds again. The mind games are relentless, making the audience question everything they thought they knew.
Bringing Stories
Aadyam Theatre’s seventh season continues to push boundaries.Their commitment to bringing bold, gripping stories to the Indian stage shines through in Saanp Seedhi.
Final Thoughts
As the final scene plays out and the stage fades to black, the questions stays. What did we just witness, a conversation, a game or something far more dangerous? Saanp Seedhi entertains, challenges and stays with you long after you leave the theatre.
Information sheet
Event: Aadyam Theatre presents Saanp Seedhi | Delhi
Genre: Theatre | Psychological Thriller
Dates & Timings: March 30 – 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Venue: Kamani Auditorium, Delhi
Directed by: Shubhrajyoti Barat
Adapted by: Akarsh Khurana
Cast: Kumud Mishra & Sumeet Vyas
Inspired by: Sleuth by Anthony Shaff
