Chakravyuh – Nitish Bharadwaj Returns as Krishna

Returning to the bustling city of Delhi, The Films and Theatre Society presents their highly acclaimed production, “Chakravyuh,” graced by the presence of Nitish Bharadwaj, the indelible embodiment of Lord Krishna from B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharata, captivating audiences with his unforgettable portrayal.

This spellbinding spectacle has already graced the stage nearly a hundred times, captivating audiences in diverse corners of our nation. It has also earned its rightful place in esteemed festivals, basking in the limelight of well-deserved recognition.

This play unfolds the narrative of the momentous thirteenth day in the grand tapestry of the Mahabharata’s great battle. It transcends the mere essence of “Chakravyuh” as a war-craft, ascending to the realm of profound philosophy. Delving into the intricacies of Abhimanyu’s demise within the labyrinthine formation, it unveils a multitude of inquiries, myths, ideologies, and convictions spanning diverse planes of existence. Crafted in the ethereal verses, this opus serves as a conduit between epochs, deftly interweaving history and the present while tethering them to timeless concepts of “Karma” and “Dharma”. Atul Satya Koushik, renowned across India for his original theatrical creations and mesmerizing visual tapestries, has sculpted and helmed this production in a transformative avatar.

Enchanting the audience, the play unfolds the Mahabharata saga through Krishna’s omniscient gaze. The divine Krishna emerges, dissolving all doubts, myths, and misunderstandings that entangle the ensemble. Bestowing upon them the eternal wisdom of Karma, he unveils a profound truth: none can escape their respective Chakravyuhs, for life itself is naught but an intricate maze. Our duty lies in combatting the Chakravyuh, and liberation from its confines is the outcome of our Karma, beyond our mortal dominion.

Atul Satya Koushik, Writer, and Director says, “Indian history has always intrigued me and I have always tried to interpret the history in a manner that gives a new meaning to the episodes that have been told to us a myriad of times before. The mere idea of a sixteen-year-old young fighter, who bears on his shoulder the name and legacy of the most acclaimed archer of all times, fighting alone with seven of the greatest warriors who ever fought on this earth undoubtedly gave me goosebumps. But I wanted to bring out more from this story. I have tried to tell, through Krishna, why to mourn the fact that “Abhimanyu” could not make his way out of the “Chakravyuh” when no one else has ever been able to do so. This whole life is a “Chakravyuh”, those seven warriors were seven evils within us and we all are “Abhimanyu” who have to fight them throughout our lives.”
Actor Nitish Bharadwaj says, “Delhi audience has always been very critical yet loving and it is a joy indeed to return to Delhi and perform for them after Covid. I believe that with whatever the world has seen during these difficult years of the pandemic, the words and message of Lord Krishna in this play will connect all the more with the audience. I look forward to my Delhi show.”

Written and directed by: Atul Satya Koushik
Play Date & Time: 18th June 2023 (Sunday) – 07:00 pm

There are two shows – one at 4:00 pm and one at 7:00 pm

Play Venue: Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House, Delhi
Entry: By tickets only
Tickets: Rs. 600 to 3,000/- available online on bookmyshow.com. Also available at the counter on show day, subject to availability. Call 9873579796 for queries.