Natrang

Guna grows up with a deep, lifelong love for Tamasha, the vibrant folk theatre of Maharashtra. This art form becomes a guiding heartbeat for him, shaping his dreams and identity. His devotion sets the stage for everything that follows.

When his job disappears, Guna partners with his mentor Pandoba to start a small theatre company. They face the daunting task of building a troupe from scratch and finding ways to draw audiences. This marks the transition from personal passion to organized pursuit.

Pandoba finds Naina, daughter of his former lover Yamunabai, and offers her a place in the troupe on one condition: include a Nachya. Naina agrees, recognizing the artistic opportunity and the need to push the show forward. The inclusion of a male-performed, effeminate role becomes central to the troupe's identity.

With no easy support from family, Guna volunteers to play the Nachya, embracing a demanding craft for the art's sake. He trains hard, letting his dedication drive the troupe's evolving performances. This decision cements his personal sacrifice for Tamasha.

The performances take off, attracting audiences and steadily earning attention beyond the initial village circle. Guna's commitment and Naina's presence help the show gain momentum. The troupe begins to establish a reputation.

Two local politicians see the troupe's popularity as a tool for their own power, initiating a political struggle that threatens the group's freedom to perform. The conflict introduces new dangers and pressures on everyone involved. The art becomes entangled with local politics.

Guna's father dies in the village as his wife and son endure harassment from angry neighbors. Personal grief compounds the siege around the theatre, testing the troupe's resilience. The home front sours while the stage becomes a beacon for the community.

Violence escalates as rival gangs attack the theatre and set it on fire, threatening to extinguish the troupe's progress. The fire leaves scars on the building and on the people who work there. Yet the fire also forges a renewed resolve to persevere.

Guna is unfairly branded as a eunuch and subjected to brutal assault, reinforcing the social stigma surrounding his art. He endures the abuse with quiet determination, refusing to abandon the performances. The incident deepens the community's empathy for his struggle.

Despite family rejection and discouragement from some friends, Naina remains at Guna's side as the show endures and grows. Their partnership becomes a symbol of resilience and artistic grit. The troupe slowly finds renewed purpose.

It is implied that Guna and Naina marry as the troupe expands its reach, gaining national and international acclaim. Their performances spread far beyond the village, elevating Tamasha to a wider audience. The legend of the troupe begins to take shape.

The story closes with an older Gunvantrao Kagalkar stepping onto a major awards ceremony stage to accept a lifetime achievement award. He is celebrated as a living legend of the stage, a testament to decades of artistry and resilience. The film ends on a note of lasting legacy.