Salesman Ramlal is an ordinary story presented in an ordinary way. Even then, it appeals to one’s sensibility at times because after all the story of a loser somehow does gather some sympathy.
Ramlal is entangled in the web of financial debt, lack of skill and technological expertise, and humiliation. He adopts the escapist strategy and weaves a dream world in which he entraps his family. This hampers his child raising abilities severely and his children never really grow up. The play explores the relationship between a father and his eldest son; a typical relationship wherein the father believes his son to have a lot of potential but at the same time doesn’t endorse any of his actions.
The character of Ramlal, played by Satish Kaushik is conflicting and interesting! He is an egoistic, self centered and closed-minded individual who ever so often displays a boyish charm. He shows no respect to his wife’s opinions and thoughts but at the same time expresses fondness towards her. He is disloyal to her, but at the same time wishes to give her as much happiness as he possibly can. He is dedicated to his work, has spent his blood and sweat for the sake of the toy manufacturing company he works with. But in the process, over the years, he has failed to acquire any additional skills. With modern technological advances, he is now obsolete in the professional world. His ego prevents him to take up a job under his best friend Thadani and he spends his life in petty jealousy and comparison with others.
Satish Kaushik does a decent job. I think he would have been better in initial performances. He seems too well rehearsed to be natural any more. Most other actors are quite average…Ramlal’s kids in particular seem to have been picked up from the street, with no acting background. The eldest son’s childhood friend, Ramlal’s friend Thadani, and Ramlal’s elder brother are by far the most interesting characters. They make a dull play lively.
Overall, what this play lacks is something fresh. You will not see anything in this play that you have not seen or read about before. Even then, it could prove to be a reasonable outing on a lousy day when you’re stuck at home.
