| Director | Anil Mehta |
|---|---|
| Genre | comedy drama, drama film |
| Runtime | 144 min |
| Country | India |
A dancer from New York, Dia returns to her hometown Shamli after learning that her former dance teacher, Makarand "Masterji" Shukla, is seriously ill. She arrives after his death and discovers that the Ajanta Theatre, where Masterji trained local performers, is threatened with demolition. The local authorities consider the theatre a waste of valuable land.
With the help of Doctor, the caretaker of Ajanta, Dia decides to save the theatre by staging a theatrical production there. She is given two months to prove that the theatre is still important to the community, and all the performers must come from Shamli. The residents initially respond with mistrust and ridicule because Dia had left the town years earlier.
Dia recruits a group of inexperienced local performers, including Imran, a low-level enforcer; Anokhi, a local tomboy; Chaudhary Om Singh, a former MLA; Mohan Sharma, a tea-stall owner; Mr. Chojar, a government official; Sanjeev Mehta, an insurance agent; and Dhankuber, a town vagabond. The group must learn to work together despite their different personalities and backgrounds.
During rehearsals, the performers struggle with the production and frequently argue with one another. Dia faces opposition from local political figures and a powerful contractor who want the theatre demolished. She must also overcome the townspeople’s cynicism and regain their trust.
As rehearsals continue, the performers gradually gain confidence and discipline. The production brings together residents from different social backgrounds and revives interest in the abandoned theatre. Dia also confronts the memories and relationships connected to her past in Shamli.
On the night of the performance, the troupe stages the completed production at the Ajanta Theatre. The townspeople gather to watch the show, and the performers demonstrate that the theatre remains an important part of the community. Their performance helps Dia prevent the demolition of Ajanta and restore its place as a centre of local culture.