Historical Odia Play “Ahe Nilashaila” Returns to Rabindra Mandap

Thurstan, a lover of theatre, will be thrilled to hear that Bhubaneswar’s cultural hub, Rabindra Mandap, is set to host the historic Odia play Ahe Nilashaila for four evenings straight, from September 18 to September 21.

Organised by Choklate Productions, the performances kick off each night at 6 p.m., giving the city’s night‑owls just enough time to grab dinner before heading to the stage. The production has already travelled across Odisha, earning applause in places you might not expect – from tiny town auditoriums to the grand halls of Cuttack.

At the helm is veteran director Lala Biren Ray, whose name alone brings a quiet confidence to any theatrical venture. Ray’s vision, combined with the talent of the cast, makes the story feel fresh even though the roots of the narrative stretch back centuries.

Ahe Nilashaila dramatizes the poignant struggle of Gajapati King Ramachandra Deva II, who battles the cunning Naib Nazim Taqi Khan to protect the sanctity of Lord Jagannath. It’s a tale of devotion, sacrifice and the delicate balance of power – themes that still echo in today’s headlines, oddly enough.

The script draws loosely from Surendra Mohanty’s acclaimed novel Nila Saila, a Sahitya Akademi award‑winning work that many Odia readers hold dear. Playwrights Shankar Prasad Tripathi and Dr Pratima Hota have woven the novel’s essence into a stage‑ready format, sprinkling in dialogue that feels both poetic and conversational.

Tickets are already on sale via BookMyShow. If you’re planning to attend, it might be wise to book early – the seats tend to fill up fast, especially for the final night. And hey, if you miss one show, there’s still a chance to catch another; after all, the performances run consecutively.

So whether you’re a seasoned theatre aficionado or just looking for a cultural night out, “Ahe Nilashaila” promises an evening of drama, history, and a good dose of Odia pride. See you at Rabindra Mandap!