Smoke & Mirrors the Hindi-language drama performed at UNSW Sydney’s Science Theatre on July 5, 2025, served up a captivating blend of mystery, emotion, and theatrical finesse.
Directed by the accomplished Vipul Vyas and written by Rekha Rajvanshi, the production had it all—gripping storytelling that kept the audience on edge, biting their nails as they waited in anticipation for the for the next unexpected twist and turn in the tale.
The brilliant cast comprising of Jyotsna Sharma, Rupal Shah, Brinda Pandya, Hemal Joshi, Jwalant Patel, and Vipul Vyas himself, brought depth and authenticity to their roles, enhancing the play’s emotional resonance.
Without giving away too much of the plot because Vipul is planning for more repeat shows on popular demand, the Bollywood movie-length drama addresses the complex topic of Locked-in Syndrome. Locked-in Syndrome is a rare neurological condition where a person remains fully conscious and mentally alert but is completely paralysed, unable to move or speak, except for limited eye movements or blinking.
Based on incidents from real life, the drama intertwined elements of love, loss, suspense, mental health, betrayal including doses of discussion on gender roles and domestic violence
Jyotsna Sharma, a theatre director in her own right, stepped away from the director’s chair to portray the woman with Locked-in Syndrome. Her transformation—from a wheelchair-bound figure to a cold-hearted character—was truly compelling. Vipul Vyas, both director and lead actor as the Professor husband, delivered a powerful performance, seamlessly navigating a spectrum of emotions: love, empathy, hatred, and eventual compromise. They were strongly supported by Rupal Shah, who played the indispensable kaamwali bai—a character many Australian Indians might miss. Her humorous lines brought a welcome touch of levity to the drama. Hemal Joshi, as the Professor’s friend, provided the glue that held the ensemble together with a quietly effective supporting role.
As the tables turned again and again, the audience was swept up in a gripping rollercoaster ride of twists and turns.
The stage lighting and sound design elevated the drama, intensifying every moment and drawing the audience deeper into the performance.
Smoke & Mirrors stands out as a compelling addition to Sydney’s theatrical landscape, offering a poignant exploration of human emotions through the lens of Hindi drama.
Vipul Vyas has played his trump card with Smoke & Mirrors.
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