Mumbai, March 2 (NationPress) Renowned actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar is gearing up to take the stage in a play called “Animal”, which he claims is inspired by his personal experiences in the film industry.

Animal explores the gradual and often unnoticed decline of the human spirit in the relentless chase for ambition. The story revolves around Dattu, portrayed by Mahesh, a young man hailing from a small town near Pandharpur, Maharashtra, who arrives in Mumbai in pursuit of fame.

What starts as a hopeful belief in the city and self-confidence slowly transforms into a struggle for existence. Dattu, alone on stage, engages with the city, imaginary audiences, and his own troubled conscience, as his performance intertwines with confession.

“Dattu is not a hero,” Mahesh remarks.

“He is an ordinary young man from humble beginnings who comes to Mumbai with a suitcase full of dreams and an empty stomach. I have encountered countless individuals like him. Some ascend to stardom; the majority fade into obscurity.”

He further explained, “What captivated me was his innocence and the way the city gradually strips it away. Dattu doesn’t transform into a beast overnight. It’s a slow process. Each compromise, humiliation, and rejection chips away at him.”

Animal finally arrives on stage after nearly nine years of discussions and preparations. In this production, Mahesh assumes the dual roles of director and actor, contributing to the play's urgency and emotional depth.

In Mahesh’s own words, “Dattu addresses Mumbai as if it were a lover, while the city responds as if it were a judge.”

On his creative approach, he elaborated, “I didn’t want to showcase iconic landmarks like Marine Drive or skyline visuals. I aimed for the city to be felt through sound and pressure—train announcements, audition rooms, the casual call of ‘Next!’, and closing doors. We crafted a sense of emptiness on stage, reflecting what the city often provides: space, but no true belonging.”

Mahesh collaborates with esteemed theatre producer Ashvin Gidwani for Animal, under the banner of AGP World.

Reflecting on their partnership, Gidwani stated, “Mahesh Manjrekar is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant creative talents in Indian theatre, a multi-faceted director, writer, and performer. His discipline in Marathi theatre brings an authenticity and rigor that is unmatched.”

“Beyond professionalism, our friendship spans over twenty years. The trust and respect we share are the true ingredients of our success every time.”

Animal is scheduled to premiere on March 7 at the Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.