Kotnis Mass Theatre stages ‘Pratyakhyan’

Shankha Bhattacharyya

The play Pratyakhyan (Refusal), based on Rabindranath Tagore’s Karna-Kunti Sangbad, revolves around the ideological conflict between mother and son, which gives rise to a profound dilemma. Here, the strength of truth and righteousness succumbs to the weakness of affection. The mother comes forward to embrace her affection-deprived son, but Karna keeps himself forever deprived for the sake of others. Kunti tried to persuade Karna with her claim of motherhood, yet Karna remained unwavering in his principles and ideals. Neither fame in battle nor the desire for Kshatriya victory inspired him. Even values such as truth and loyalty in friendship failed to sway him. Karna appears solitary, desire less, and nihilistic – an embodiment of the radiant force of Kshatriya dharma.

On the evening of August 6, 2025, Kotnis Mass Theatre successfully staged Pratyakhyan at Tapan Theatre, with adaptation and direction by Bedanta Bandyopadhyay.

To be rejected is easy, but to reject is difficult. In the Mahabharata, Kunti’s son, the great donor Karna, proved his moral strength to be unshakable. In present times, one finds countless examples where even the slightest temptation diverts people from their principles, ideals, and values. Yet Karna, in response to his mother Kunti’s appeal, refused to abandon the Kauravas. He proved that no matter how wrong or unrighteous his side might be, he would not change it.

Through Pratyakhyan, Kotnis Mass Theatre has sought to convey that while changing camps may be easy, remaining steadfast in one’s principles and ideals is the truest form of integrity.

Pratyakhyan stood out as a production of taut teamwork. In the role of Karna, Bedanta Bandyopadhyay delivered an outstanding performance. His direction and acting beautifully brought to life the image of Karna – solitary, affection-denied, yet unyielding in his adherence to truth, righteousness, and ideals. He merged seamlessly into the character. In the role of Kunti, Bonhishikha Bandyopadhyay gave a performance equally compelling, creating a remarkable duo on stage. The character of Duryodhana, newly added by the director, was dignifiedly portrayed by Soujato Bandyopadhyay. In makeup and styling, Gaur Kole introduced refreshing innovations.

Under the skilled adaptation and direction of Bedanta Bandyopadhyay, Pratyakhyan, based on Rabindranath Tagore’s Karna-Kunti Sangbad, will remain marked as one of Kotnis Mass Theatre’s most enviable productions.