Review : Karl Aaj Or Kal

Author: Cyrus Broacha
Publisher: Randomhouse Publications
Year: 2010
ISBN: 9788184000986
Rating:

Mention Cyrus Broacha and I instantly get reminded of his impeccable comic timing. I am a big fan of his shows and practically jumped at the opportunity to read his book Karl Aaj or Kal.

However, when I started to read the book, I felt very disappointed. The book would have been funny and enjoyable if it was a play or Cyrus’s monologue. However, in a book form, it was extremely confusing.

The story was haphazard, the names of the characters were sometimes mixed up and the ending didn’t make any sense.

It was a near-impossible task for me to actually finish reading this book. However, I persevered, hoping that as I turned each page, the magic of Cyrus Broacha would actually enthrall me. However, my effort was in vain.

The story of Karl and Kunal is simple. They are two boys – not good at academics, games or dance. However, after graduation, they find themselves joing Lee Stratsburg Academy and get spotted by a Hindi film directed and are casted in a film. There, famous actor Yusuf Khan takes them under his wings and together the trio act in several movies together, most notably the Munshi Franchise movies. Also, they are roped in for a commercial with Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati and also get to meet Bill Clinton.

Karl later falls in love with Sophia and is somewhat forced into marrying her. After marriage, he decides to join politics with politician Nilesh Kane. Together, the two of them start a new party called the Pyjama Party. If that wasn’t ridiculous enough, the symbol of the party is a “nada”.

The confusing plot, unnecessary use of drama and exaggeration at places makes this book a boring read. This book is not only for those who hate Cyrus Broacha’s kind of humour but also not for people who hate stories without a meaning.

As a fan of Cyrus Broacha, I was left feeling disappointed and even a little annoyed, when I finished this book. To confine his humour and repertoire to the pages of a book instead of letting it flourish and weave magic on stage or on camera is foolish.

People would be better off watching him than reading this book.