The Tamil play Mazhaiyil Or Iravu celebrates the hidden strengths of women

Mazhaiyil Or Iravu (One rainy night) is the title of Theatrix Stage Crafters’ play directed by S. Anand. The title suggests a thriller. While it wasn’t one in the strictest sense of the term, the story did involve some sleuthing by the hero and heroine.

There is no murder or violent crime on the night when Anupama (Malini Devi) and Abhinav (Girish Venkat) are caught in the rain and are forced to take shelter in the house of author Agni (S. Anand). When Anupama discovers that the person who has given them refuge is the one who once wrote under the pseudonym of Agni, she is delighted, for she happens to be a fan of the feminist themes in his stories. Sadly, Agni stopped writing years ago, and he explains the reason for that. His wife, Akila, eloped with her lover and died. He was shattered by the betrayal and her death, and he stopped writing. Anupama wants to reawaken the lost spark of creativity in him. But a strange unease grips her. Agni’s words seem harmless on the surface, but hint at an amorous intent beneath.