The main theme of the play is from the epic Mahabharatand depicts the circumstances under which Arjunais put to accept Subhadraas his wife.
Bharatalilais otherwise known as Dwarinatabecause of the main character Dwari,who not acts as an
interpreter of the play for the audience but also acts as the middle man in the exchange of affairs and wordy duel that takes place between Arjuna and Subhadra.
These three are the main characters in the play beside the Sakhis who fill in the sequences of relief with their dance numbers as well as to appear in very minor roles if needed during the play.
A lot of question answer sequences mark the test of the merit and calibre of the artists because beside the main theme, plenty of similies and extracts from Shastras and works of other authorities are quoted or recited, punched with dances, songs and witty
humor.
Bharatalila is very popular for the element of humor which brings roars of laughter from the audience time to time. A single performance lasts about 3 to 4 hours but in case of a competition between two or more parties, the show continues for several nights Bharatilila needs a central stage with spectators all sound.