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A miser, missing cash & mounting chaos fuel this lively stage comedy

Kanjoos
(Comedy)
★★★
Cast: Prabhu Apparaju , Shreya Narod, Vashista, Krishna, Nitin, Vaishnavi
Director: Sriram Vader
Duration: 80 min
Language: Hindi


Review

Adapted by Mannu Singh Rawat, Kanjoos is a Hindi retelling of L’Avare (The Miser), one of 17th-century French playwright Molière ’s most celebrated and widely performed works.

The play follows Mirza Shekhawat Baig, a man whose obsession with wealth outweighs his concern for family, setting off a chain of conflicts within his household.
As Mirza attempts to control his children’s futures for financial gain, tensions rise, eventually spiralling into chaos when his hidden stash of money goes missing. The narrative leans into its inherent absurdity, using exaggerated situations and sharp character interactions to deliver consistent humour. Despite its origins in another era, the themes of greed, control and strained family dynamics remain relatable and sharply observed.

The set design is slightly elaborate but complements the staging well, adding to the scale without distracting from the performances. The direction keeps the pacing slightly fast, which works in favour of the play’s tone, allowing the physical comedy to come through effectively.

The ensemble cast performs with ease, bringing a natural rhythm to the production. Each actor inhabits their role convincingly, making the characters feel familiar and grounded. Prabhu stands out as Mirza, effectively capturing the character’s stubbornness and fixation on money. Krishna, as Nambu, commands attention with his comic timing and expressive body language. Even within a large cast, every performer finds their moment, ensuring the play remains engaging throughout.

Should you watch it?
For its humour, strong performances and enduring relevance, Kanjoos makes for an engaging watch.