When Marx Returned to Kolkata
Marxian dialectics require two contradictory social or economic phenomena that influence each other. This leads to their development and negation, but that is not the end. The negation creates a new situation that develops and needs negation again. And so it goes on through time.
It is quite satisfying, therefore, in a dialectical way, to witness Karl Marx land in contemporary Kolkata in Swapnasandhani's latest play, Marx in Kolkata. Persistent rumours about his death have compelled the founding father of communism to make a comeback. Kolkata is a coincidence, but that his reputation is also at stake in the capital of the Indian state that was ruled by a democratically elected communist party for 34 years is telling.
It is a little sad to see a man of Marx's stature trying to prove that he is alive. Self-justification, however, can also be the opportunity of self-searching, and in Kolkata – formerly Calcutta – Marx launches himself into deep introspection as he walks into that perfect example of the new world order: a food court. Here at this site of mass consumption (in more than one sense), where workers are treated as modern-day slaves, Marx begins to talk about himself and his life.
Jayant Kripalani as Marx and Srijit Mukherji as Mephistopheles in ''Marx in Kolkata'. Photo: Sandip Kumar
Marx in Kolkata is inspired by American historian Howard Zinn's 1999 play, Marx in Soho, which had Marx landing in Soho in contemporary New York instead of the locality in London. Swapnasandhani's play is directed and adapted by Koushik Sen, who keeps it primarily in English, but also uses Bengali and Hindi.
Marx speaks especially of his life at his home in Soho, a London neighbourhood, where the German materialist philosopher had eventually taken refuge after being forced to leave his homeland for his radical journalism.
In his Soho home, Marx wrote much of Das Kapital in the 1850s. Marx recounts how he wrote, despite everything, in the small Dean Street house in London, surrounded by garbage and squalor outside and crushed by poverty. He was intensely wary of what would happen to his legacy: he was not a Marxist, he asserts, unlike those who would use his ideas for power and profit.
Marx and his wife Jenny von Westphalen, a theatre critic and an extraordinary person, saw the death of three of their children in their Soho home. Jenny kept making frequent trips to the pawn shop. Yet their home, with the three daughters who had survived, was full of laughter and joy because love and the hope for a better world held it together, as did Jenny's hard work.
Class struggle may be the first contradiction in the Marxian scheme of things, but his writings were possible because of Jenny's labours at home. The admission makes the play a feminist critique of Marx's works.
Sen makes two significant departures from the original in his adaptation. In Zinn's play, Marx is the only character. In Sen's adaptation Marx, played by Jayant Kripalani, gets a supporting cast: Jenny, Marx's and Jenny's remarkable precocious daughter Eleanor, a brutal manager and groups of actors, at the food court or at a meeting.
Jayant Kripalani as Marx and Srijit Mukherji as Mephistopheles in ''Marx in Kolkata'. Photo: Sandip Kumar
The second departure is spectacular. To the ironic echoes of the opening lines of The Communist Manifesto that Marx had written with Friedrich Engels before Das Kapital: 'A spectre is haunting Europe – the spectre of communism', what could have been a trap door opens at the end of the first half of the play, and through the door rises Mephistopheles himself, replete with a wanton creature wriggling at his feet.
Two of god's greatest adversaries are meeting in Kolkata. History and myth confront each other. But which is which? Mephisto, represented in literature and art memorably through the ages, is played in Marx in Kolkata by Srijit Mukherji, the film director, and looks more real than ever. He rules the world with money and power. His tools are death and destruction. Mephisto is late capitalism and neo-Fascism, grotesque and lurid, funny and seductive, and looks very, very familiar.
With Marx, Mephisto is up to his old trick. He tries to get Marx to sign a contact to sell his soul. What follows is interesting. Dialectics have infinite possibilities.
Marx in Kolkata, which has held two shows so far in the city to an enthusiastic response, raises the very relevant question about Marx's absence, or presence, now. Kripalani, as Marx, carries the weight of the play robustly on his shoulders. The veteran actor brings to life an icon, with humour and sensitivity. His portrayal has Marx looking at a world that has displaced him with a vulnerability that is moving. It is quite evident, though, that Marx is still full of life. I am dead and I am not, Marx reminds. That's dialectics for you.
Mukherji, who was a stage actor before he became a well-known film director, is the perfect counterpoint as Mephisto to Kripalani. Mukherji's Mephisto is flamboyant, flashy, amusing, trippy, younger and blood-thirsty. Mephisto is now Mammon on steroids, and Mukherji, as this sweet-talking shape-shifting monster, holds the attention of both Marx and the audience steadily.
Ditipriya Sarkar as Jenny and Shaili Bhattacharjee as Eleanor are competent. Mrinmoy Chakraborty is well cast as a nasty, screaming manager.
Marx in Kolkata is a romp asking a serious question. It is good to see such a burst of energy on the Kolkata stage. The play moves at a good pace, is spectacular and uses lots of movement and more than one language, which may help it to connect with younger audiences. The music, sound and sets add to the liveliness. Special mention must be made of the use of G.D. Birla Sabhaghar, including the use of the revolving stage and the entrance from below.
One wonders, though, if it was necessary for Mephisto to travel across space and time and meet Marx, that too in Kolkata. 'But who other than Marx?' asks Mukherji in an off-stage interview. Capitalism and its cronies would like to finish Marx off for ever.
What if, however, instead of entering the grand design of Mephistophelian myth and overarching themes, Marx had walked out from the food court into a Kolkata street and looked around? How about finding out some facts about the city? What would he have to say about the ratio of his own statues to the number of cafés in Kolkata now? What is the number of seats that the communist party named after him, which had ruled Bengal, won in the last Lok Sabha elections? What is the percentage increase in the number of temples constructed under large trees in streets in the last five years? If religion is the opium of the masses, what about the classes?
A spectre is haunting Bengal, and it is not of communism. Maybe Marx could have taken a closer look?
God lies in the detail, goes the idiom. The devil lies in the detail, is its other version.
Chandrima S. Bhattacharya lives in Kolkata.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Indian businessman gifts a custom pink Rolls-Royce to his 1-year-old daughter. Internet says, ‘We are not impressed'
In a world where over-the-top gestures are increasingly the norm on social media, Indian businessman Satish Sanpal may have just redefined extravagance. Celebrating Father's Day in Dubai , Sanpal stunned the internet by gifting his one-year-old daughter, Isabella, a custom-built pink Rolls-Royce—complete with monogrammed interiors, a personalized note, and a 'Congratulations, Isabella' nameplate. The video, originally posted on Instagram , features the founder of ANAX Developments arriving at the luxury showroom with his wife Tabinda and toddler in tow. What follows is a scene straight out of a luxury lifestyle reel: pink balloons, music, dancing, and a glittering car unveiled for a child who, quite literally, can't even drive it for another 17 years. But this wasn't Isabella's first brush with grandeur. In February, her first birthday party was a jaw-dropping spectacle held at Atlantis The Royal, one of Dubai's most opulent hotels. The venue was transformed into a winter wonderland with artificial snow, icy chandeliers, and white trees, all topped off with appearances by Bollywood stars like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Atif Aslam, and Nora Fatehi. Isabella made her entrance in a princess carriage wearing a ball gown that might've made Cinderella blush. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The UK's Best-Selling Relief Shoe Has Just Been Named The 2025 Test Winner. Daily Buzz Report Undo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Dubai | لوڤن دبي (@lovindubai) A Dubai dad moment; or a viral misfire? While the Instagram caption praised Sanpal's lavish gesture as the ultimate 'Dubai Dad' moment, not everyone on the internet was swooning. Comments ranged from sarcastic to critical. One user noted, 'Must be a really nice feeling when you get gifted something so special, knowing you cannot use it for the next 17 years.' Another quipped, 'It's a tacky and flashy display of wealth and just proves that money does not buy class.' Others pointed out the absurdity of giving a toddler a high-end car when 'small kids are the happiest with empty containers and boxes.' Given the flashy nature of Instagram post, a commentor wrote, "Another show off, we are not impressed sorry." You Might Also Like: Chennai IT company employees get surprise Creta SUVs as gifts as it marks 10th anniversary Luxury or lunacy? While gifting luxury cars isn't unheard of in the world of billionaires and Instagram influencers, the gesture has sparked broader conversations around parenting, wealth display, and whether such ostentatious acts make meaningful memories or just eye-rolls. In a country like India, where millions of children grow up without basic amenities, such gestures inevitably invite scrutiny—especially when shared online with cinematic flair. While Sanpal might see it as a father's way of showing boundless love, the jury of the internet seems divided between awe and exhaustion. For now, baby Isabella has a Rolls-Royce she can't drive, a designer wardrobe she'll outgrow in months, and a social media footprint most adults would envy. As for the rest of us? We're still debating whether this was a parenting flex or just another tone-deaf showcase in the age of viral opulence. You Might Also Like: Did Zerodha's Nithin Kamath gift 'BMWs, Audis, Mercedes' to top employees as bonuses?
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Kuberaa Roars Into Theatres: 6 Reasons Why This Film Is A Must-Watch THIS Weekend
photoDetails english 2919725 With a stellar cast, daring direction, and cinematic finesse, Kuberaa is not just another big-ticket release; it's a cinematic event. Updated:Jun 21, 2025, 08:41 PM IST Kuberaa 1 / 8 Directed by the ever-inventive Sekhar Kammula and starring powerhouses like Nagarjuna, Dhanush, and Rashmika Mandanna, the film has been making serious waves for all the right reasons. If you're still on the fence about watching it, here are 7 compelling reasons to experience Kuberaa this weekend: Nagarjuna in a Bold, Career-Defining Role 2 / 8 Stepping far outside his comfort zone, Nagarjuna delivers a powerful, brooding performance that could redefine his career. His portrayal of a morally ambiguous character is nuanced, layered, and magnetic, proving once again that age is no barrier to reinvention. Dhanush's Career-Best Performance 3 / 8 Dhanush brings depth, ferocity, and remarkable subtlety to a role that plays perfectly to his strengths. It's a performance that lingers, one that critics and fans are already calling his best yet. Rashmika Mandanna in a Fierce, Author-Backed Role 4 / 8 In a role that's fierce, unglamorous, and emotionally demanding, Rashmika proves her mettle with a performance that is both grounded and gut-punching. She holds her own with grace and grit alongside two titans of Indian cinema. Sekhar Kammula's Bold New Cinematic Language 5 / 8 Known for his slice-of-life storytelling, Kammula reinvents himself with a gritty, genre-defying film. His blend of non-linear narrative, visual poetry, and political undertones makes Kuberaa a fresh and compelling watch. Haunting Visuals & Unforgettable Soundtrack 6 / 8 DSP's music adds texture and emotion, while Niketh Bommireddy's cinematography transforms each frame into visual poetry. The technical finesse enhances the immersive storytelling without ever overwhelming it. Pan-India Appeal 7 / 8 Releasing in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, Kuberaa connects across cultures with its emotionally rich storytelling. The themes of power, justice, and redemption hit home universally, making it resonate with diverse audiences. Kuberaa Release 8 / 8 Kuberaa is now playing in cinemas worldwide, offering audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience across languages and regions.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Murali Vijay dating Australian legend's daughter? Viral pic sparks rumours, her name is...
In this collection of pictures we shall take a look at the viral pic which sparked dating rumours between Indian cricketer Murali Vijay and Australian legend's daughter. Let's dive in. Former Indian cricket team player Murali Vijay is once again in the news. A picture of Vijay is going viral on social media, in which he is seen eating food with the daughter of a legendary Australian cricket player. In the photo going viral on social media, it is being claimed that Murali Vijay is with Grace Hayden, daughter of former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden. Murali Vijay's viral photo with Grace Hayden has created a stir on social media. As soon as the photo of these two surfaced, the news of their relationship has intensified. However, neither Murali Vijay nor Grace Hayden has confirmed anything about this relationship nor has anything been said by either of them in the media. Murali Vijay has retired from all formats of cricket two years ago in January 2023. Murali Vijay was in the news once before when news of his relationship with former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik's ex-wife Nikita broke out. Nikita and Dinesh Karthik got married in 2007, but they got divorced in 2012, just a few years after their marriage. Nikita married Murali Vijay in 2012 itself. It has been about 13 years since they got married and Nikita has uploaded many photos with her husband Murali Vijay on her social media handles. There has been no reaction from Vijay's wife Nikita Vijay even after his photo with Grace Hayden went viral. Matthew Hayden's daughter, Grace Hayden is a cricket presenter. She often hosts events in IPL and other cricket leagues.
