Sshhhhh…. Ghabraycha Nahi is a thrilling Marathi theatrical experience produced by Badaam Raja Productions as a tribute to the legendary writer Ratnakar Matkari. Directed by the veteran Vijay Kenkre, the play brings to life two of Matkari’s iconic mysterious stories : Pavasatla Pahuna (The Guest in the Rain) and Jevnaval (The Feast).

Rather than a traditional drama, it utilizes a unique format of dramatic recitations, blending high-intensity acting with atmospheric lighting and sound to immerse the audience in suspense and psychological tension. The production features a stellar three-member cast: Dr. Girish Oak, Pushkar Shrotri, and Dr. Shweta Pendse. The first story explores the unease of a family hosting a mysterious stranger during a storm, while the second delves into a macabre tale of hunger and rituals.

Writer

Ratnakar Matkari is a master craftsman of Marathi literature. He worked with remarkable strength and versatility across multiple forms of writing, including short stories, novels, plays, and prose. However, it was his mystery and horror writing that earned him special recognition and lasting acclaim.

Ratnakar Matkari was also awarded the National Film Award for his contribution to screenplay writing.

Director 

Vijay Kenkre is one of the most prolific directors in Marathi and Indian theatre, having directed over 100 productions, a feat unmatched in the field. His father, Damu Kenkre, was also an eminent theatre director.

Vijay Kenkre has directed numerous productions across both experimental and mainstream (Lokmanya) theatre traditions. Today, he is the only director in Marathi theatre whose maximum number of plays are simultaneously running.

From Shakespeare to contemporary young playwrights, he has directed a wide range of classic and modern plays. He has also contributed extensively as an examiner, teacher, and lecturer at various theatre training institutes. A passionate reader and connoisseur of visual arts, Vijay Kenkre has also acted in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film “Dashavatar.” Additionally, he is the author of the book “Tyanchi Natake” (Their Plays).

Director’s Note

Ratnakar Matkari has always been an incredibly popular writer for my generation, and I have long been a fan of the mystery and horror stories he masterfully crafted. This production is an experiment in staging two of his compelling narratives: Pavsatla Pahuna (The Guest in the Rain), which weaves mystery with romance, and Jevnaval (The Feast), which combines suspense with a sense of cruelty. While a “guest” is the common thread in both, they are worlds apart in their essence.

Translating these to the stage presented a fascinating challenge. We designed the actors’ movements and the staging in distinct ways to reflect the unique soul of each story. I was particularly keen on delivering a larger than life theatrical experience, as that scale is integral to the impact of Matkari’s work. In this play, our ensemble of three actors skillfully transition from being storytellers to their characters. Furthermore, the set, lights, music, and costume design are characters of this theatrical experience, working together to make the atmosphere even darker and more intense than on the page. My goal is to ensure that while the medium changes, the haunting experience of Matkari’s world remains unforgettable.

Group

Badaam Raja Productions is a prominent Mumbai-based entertainment company that has made a significant impact on the Marathi theatre circuit. Dedicated to delivering high-quality and innovative performances, the production house has successfully staged several critically acclaimed plays, including A Perfect Murder, Patra Patri, and Khara Khara Saang.

The company is known for its professional approach and its ability to attract top-tier talent from the Marathi industry. To date, Badaam Raja Productions has successfully completed an approximate total of 800 to 1,000 shows across its various titles, performing in major hubs like Mumbai and Pune as well as touring internationally to reach the global Marathi diaspora. Under the leadership of its creative team, the production house continues to be a driving force in contemporary commercial theatre, blending suspense, comedy, and literary adaptations for modern audiences.