“Imaginary Invalid” is a play inspired by a French comedy penned by Moleire. The play has been directed and set in a South Indian family by Nakul Sangolli, and was showcased at Alliance Francaise by Cult Productions.
The protagonist Anthony, essayed by Praveen Kumar is a fairly rich and healthy person, who is convinced that he suffers from a host of life threatening diseases. In his pursuit to be around a doctor all the time, he plans to get his daughter married off into a family of doctors, much against her wishes.
However, a comedy of errors ensues, with characters like his young wife, who seems more concerned about her husband's wealth than his health, and a maid,
Arundhati, played beautifully by Upasana Rai who genuinely cares for the daughter. Anthony's younger brother, who leads a carefree existence arrives on the scene to convince Anthony about the many loopholes in his plan of marrying off the daughter.
A fairly simple plotline, it is executed very well by the lead characters, especially Anthony and Arundhati.
They play their parts well and help maintain audience interest in the play. Special mention must also be made of Sunil Prabhu, who essays the part of Anthony's prospective son-in-law, a doctor, who is a champion at learning the practices of the trade by rote, instead of upholding the principles of the Hippocrates oath.
His practiced monologues addressing each member of Anthony's family had the audience in splits of laughter. Rency Philip plays Margaret, Anthony's wife with an eager eye on the inheritance — a part she plays with élan, successfully bringing forth the shades of grey in her character.
Avinash Daniel also plays his part as the prospective groom's father; a scene where he shows a passing interest in Antony also drew the guffaws.
The only issue with an otherwise well executed play was the time factor — it dragged in some sequences.
The final sequence was too melodramatic for a comedy, though Arundhati does provide occasional relief with well-timed one liners.
The props, which resembled a setting of a normal south Indian household and the lights, were judiciously used and made viewing the play a fun experience.
