Anke Tappida Shankarlal: A review

Play: Anke Tappida Shankarlal ಅಂಕೆ ತಪ್ಪಿದ  ಶಂಕರ್ಲಾಲ್

Language: Kannada
Duration: ~100 minutes
Rating: Avoidable
Troup: Sanchaya


The title (mis)leads one to believe that the play might be light-hearted. This writer learnt, at his expense, that it was not meant to.

The plot is about the increasing goondaisation of public life in India. While, one cannot deny the message, the manner in which it was presented was rather unentertaining.
The huge cast of ATS, the unimpressively named characters (Mr. Mehta, Mr. Singh, Mr. Chowdhury) or the dialogues did little to hold the audience's attention. The plot rambled along for 100 minutes before ending as a Victory of Evil over Good. Comic relief was few and far between and when it was, it was unintended !

In our opinion the play is avoidable, unless you intended to catchup with a long-lost friend and ATS is an excuse :)!

Bengaluru English !

English in India varies significantly across regions. While much is made about the English that the Malayalee and Bengali speak, little is mentioned about the Bengaluru English that the Kannadiga speaks.

The Kannadiga English is unique. The manner in which the Bengaluru Kannadiga pronounces certain words can distinguishes him amongst most cosmopolitan crowds . Provided below is a sample list where the english word is accompanied by the word as pronounced in Bengaluru.

Principle-Prinicipal

Principal-Prinicipaal

College-Kaalej

Uncle-UnKal

Warm-Warum

Farm-Farum

Circle-Sarcal

Simple-Simpal

Now, Make Sentences !!

The Kannadiga lives life by principals that he learnt at kaalej under the tutorship of his prinicipaal. In winter, he likes to keep warum by eating hot potatoes grown by his unkal at his farum ! That was simpal.