Misf!t Studio Revives Theatre Scene with 'Blindspot Season 2' Premiere in Bengaluru
Bengaluru's acclaimed acting studio, Misf!t, is set to captivate audiences this weekend with the staging of its psychological thriller production, Blindspot Season 2. This theatrical venture marks another significant milestone for the studio, which has been navigating a transformative journey since the passing of its visionary founder, Ratan Thakore Grant, in 2020.
A Legacy Reimagined: From Founder's Vision to New Leadership
After a brief hiatus, Misf!t resumed its programming in 2022 with a series of play readings, acting classes, and intensive workshops. The studio's revival has been spearheaded by Vishal Nayer and Venkatesan Vaidhyanathan, two dedicated students of Ratan who have taken up the mantle to uphold their mentor's enduring philosophy. "We are committed to making theatre original and relevant, especially for younger audiences," explains Nayer, reflecting on the challenges of competing with today's dominant OTT platforms.
Ratan Thakore Grant firmly believed that anyone could become an actor with proper training, a conviction that led him to develop a distilled, intensive syllabus. Originally spanning two to three months, this curriculum was later refined into an even more efficient six-week workshop format. This approach ensures rigorous training without being overly time-consuming, a system that Nayer and Vaidhyanathan have preserved and continue to implement.
'Blindspot Season 2': An Updated Thriller with Fresh Perspectives
The upcoming production, Blindspot Season 2, is an enhanced version of its predecessor, following the intricate journey of psychiatrist Anika Sharma as she grapples with fragmented memories and becomes entangled in a gripping murder investigation. This iteration features a completely new cast of actors drawn from Misf!t's recent batches, alongside a revamped set of clues designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
"We wanted to build upon the foundation of the first season while introducing fresh elements that resonate with contemporary viewers," shares Vaidhyanathan, who balances his role at Misf!t with a career as a software engineer.
Preserving Core Values: Training, Feedback, and Community
Both Nayer and Vaidhyanathan first encountered Ratan in their early twenties, and their experiences have deeply influenced Misf!t's current operations. Vaidhyanathan recalls, "After completing my level one grading, I was immediately cast in a play. Ratan, whom we affectionately called 'Baba,' always stood up for performers if feedback wasn't constructive." This ethos is maintained through their unique grading week, where audiences provide constructive critiques after performances.
Since taking over, the duo's inaugural production was Connectelogues version 3, an actor-driven compilation of monologues woven into a cohesive narrative. Nayer reflects on the lessons learned from Ratan, stating, "We learned how to build something from the ground up. Restarting in 2020 felt like 2009 all over again, as everything we absorbed over 14-15 years came together in rebuilding Misf!t."
Expanding Horizons: Workshops, Sustainability, and Studio Space
In 2022, Nayer launched the Begin to Believe workshops, an initiative that deepened his understanding of mentorship. "Witnessing the growth of these actors is incredibly satisfying and has profoundly changed how I operate," he admits. Beyond artistic pursuits, the duo is focused on ensuring the venture's financial sustainability.
They have secured a rehearsal space in Koramangala, the very location where Ratan conducted his workshops from 2011 to 2016. "This is now the official Misf!t studio, hosting all our activities, including workshops, improv classes, and film screenings. We also rent it out to other theatre, dance, and yoga groups," Nayer adds, highlighting their commitment to fostering a vibrant creative community.
As Misf!t continues to evolve, Blindspot Season 2 stands as a testament to the studio's resilience and dedication to keeping the art of theatre alive and thrilling in Bengaluru.
