In today's world, any mention of an association with the police is viewed with suspicion. Even if it's just the name of a play, as in this case, and is as friendly a title as Hello Inspector, staged by Suyog at Balgandharva Rangmandir on January 13.If one expected a presentation that exposed the crevices in the functioning of the police force, that was not to be. Written by Chetan Datar and directed by Vijay Kenkre, the curtain opened to a charmingly-crafted set of a rich family's living room. An engagement is in progress, with cognac and affections much in evidence. The family of four, with the new son-in-law, is in a boisterous mood. But the euphoria is dented by an unexpected visitor, a police inspector. In his rather pushy manner, he announces that a girl died recently after consuming pesticide and he has every reason to believe that this family is involved in the tragedy.What follows is an excellent unravelling of the plot that traverses two acts, ripping off the masks donned by these family members, reducing them from high-society somebodies to the bare human beings that they are, with the same failings and attitudes. The sequences weave around each character, changing the mood to one of tension, suspicion, anger and frustration. The basic tendency of humans to defend themselves falls in line with the writer's intention of exposing the family's weaknesses. The falling apart of the family, their succumbing to the overpowering onslaught of the inspector, brings to fore the gullibility of even the indomitable.Bhakti Barve Inamdar (Vijaya Mohan Das) as the tough business woman and accomplished artist, is no-nonsensical and displays great style. Kenkre (Ram Mohan Das) as the father, though convincing, could have added more strength to his character. Kavita Lad (Radha) and Virendra Pradhan (Chandresh Sippy) play their parts well, especially Lad, who has a clear and strong voice. Sunil Barve (Mohak, the son), seems to fumble a bit with his character. The music and lights, along with the delightful sets, play their role effectively as the drama unfolds.Though Arun Nalavade, as Inspector Date, essays his role well, his aggressiveness seems out of place. Having come to the family fully cognisant of their involvement, he could have been forceful, yet tactful, coaxing the family into surrendering. His loud and demanding demeanour is disturbing.There are a few loose threads in the narrative. How can a well-educated and rich family so readily accept a visitor as an inspector, without checking his credentials? As the plot thickens, events also become a mite too predictable, thus diluting the mystery. But for these loopholes, the director has done a commendable job with a rather tricky plot.
