Natrang 2010

Gunvantrao Kagalkar, known as Guna, is a poor village labourer who nurtures a deep, enduring love for Tamasha, the vibrant folk theatre that’s a heartbeat of Maharashtra.

When his job disappears, he teams up with his friend and mentor Pandoba to start a small theatre company. To give the project a chance to thrive, Guna believes the troupe must have a female dancer. Pandoba finds Naina, the daughter of his former lover Yamunabai, who is willing to join on one condition: the show must include a “Nachya”—a man who performs in an intentionally effeminate way.

With no easy support from his family, Guna takes on the challenging role himself, driven by an unyielding passion for the art. His dedication helps the performances take off, and the troupe’s work quickly attracts audiences and attention.

But success soon pulls the production into a political power struggle between two local politicians who want to ride its popularity for their own ends. Meanwhile, tragedy strikes at home: Guna’s father dies in the village, and his wife and son endure harassment from angry neighbors. Violence escalates as rival gangs attack the theatre and torch the venue. Guna is unfairly branded as a eunuch and subjected to brutal assault, yet he remains determined to continue.

Despite the rejection of his family and the discouragement of some friends, Guna presses on, kept company by Naina as the show endures and grows. It is implied that Guna and Naina marry, and that their performances gain national and international acclaim, spreading the reach and reputation of their troupe far beyond their village.

The story closes with an older Gunvantrao Kagalkar, celebrated as a living legend of the stage, stepping onto a major awards ceremony stage to accept a lifetime achievement award.