This is a Bengali/English movie on homosexuality. The plot moves around a gay filmmaker Abhiroop, shooting a documentary film on a homosexual actor Chapal Bhaduri, a theater artist of sixties who used to play female roles on stage.
The movie generates a special interest among regular movie-goers, for having Rituparno Ghose, a noted Bengali filmmaker, playing the role of Abhiroop, a gay filmmaker in the movie. Rituparno himself is believed to be a homosexual person. He has brilliantly portrayed the character to the perfection with his natural acting. He has also contributed to the script and direction which has been quite prominent in the film. Though the movie has been credited to Kaushik Ganguly as it's director, but it bears the typical Rituparno signature all over it.
The screen play is brilliant. It has rightly captured the sensitivity of the topics. It nicely describes the emotions involved in a relationship between Abhiroop (Rituparno) and Basu (assistant to Abhiroop), a bisexual with a wife who turned out be pregnant, at the later part of the film.
In the movie, we see Abhiroop shooting Chapal Bhaduri's life story. Initially Chapal was uncomfortable for a tell-all about his private life and the men in his life, though Abhiroop was particularly interested in that. There is another movie within the movie where the characters (Abhiroop, Basu and others) enact the relationship between Chapal and his lover.
The movie highlights the similarities and differences between the relationship of Chapal and that of Abhiroop at two different times (60s and present). There is a deep understanding between Abiroop and Chapal as they share similar situation in their own lives. The movie shows the outlook of the society towards a gay relationship.
The highlight of the movie is undoubtedly the brilliant acting by Rituparno Ghosh. Art direction and makeup has been good. Cinematography could have been better had there been some use of long shots. The screenplay has been good.
Almost all the dialogs of the movie are in English (though they claim it as a Bengali movie) which clearly targets urban and non-Bengali (international?) audiences. Still the flavor is very much of a regional film. A good overall experience.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Dark Side of the Truth
By hosting the mega event, World Cup Soccer 2010, South Africa is getting worlds attention now. The “South Africa vs Mexico” opening match of the soccer world cup 2010 had been witnessed by people across the globe, over their television sets. For the millions of people it has been the first experience to witness South African soccer, the festivity and enthusiasm of sports lovers of that country around the event; and of course, the first experience of hearing the deafening buzz of thousands of “Vuvuzela” horns blowing incessantly inside the stadium.
As they say, the first impression is a lasting one. So, people are going to look into it from every possible angle, and will try to discover South Africa through this experience, on their own way.
As I enjoy knowing about people and culture, so I took this as an opportunity to know about South African people. One thing drew my attention about the playing eleven who represented South African soccer team on the opening match of the World cup soccer 2010. There I didn’t notice any Caucasian person (who represents about 11% of the population of South Africa) in the side. This surprises me, as the European countries, with their superb display of excellence in this game over the decades, have been a major contributor to popularize this game all over the world. Is the Caucasian section of the South African population not interested in soccer at all? Why there is not a single one of them who are talented enough to get a spot in the final eleven of the opening match, while their country itself hosting the game. Because I believe that “talent” should be the ONLY criteria for any selection, in any field, in any place in the world.
As they say, the first impression is a lasting one. So, people are going to look into it from every possible angle, and will try to discover South Africa through this experience, on their own way.
As I enjoy knowing about people and culture, so I took this as an opportunity to know about South African people. One thing drew my attention about the playing eleven who represented South African soccer team on the opening match of the World cup soccer 2010. There I didn’t notice any Caucasian person (who represents about 11% of the population of South Africa) in the side. This surprises me, as the European countries, with their superb display of excellence in this game over the decades, have been a major contributor to popularize this game all over the world. Is the Caucasian section of the South African population not interested in soccer at all? Why there is not a single one of them who are talented enough to get a spot in the final eleven of the opening match, while their country itself hosting the game. Because I believe that “talent” should be the ONLY criteria for any selection, in any field, in any place in the world.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sadistic Joy
I started my day with an ugly surprise, thanks to the Bengali news paper "Ananda Bazar" that I had been subscribing for years. On the front page of their today's edition, they've printed a picture of a victim who was traveling on a train that came under terrorist attack last night.
The picture was showing the upper half of a dead human body entangled in debris. Another picture was showing a severed human hand with rings on the fingers. As India has been suffering from terrorism for so many years, this type of incidents are no more new. But the ugliness of the way it has been portrayed on a newspaper is unprecedented.
In our families a newspaper has a wide range of readers including young kids who would invariably grab it first thing in the morning, to mimic the older members of the house. Such a gruesome picture on the front page is bad enough to traumatize those young minds.
When I compare this with another newspaper that I subscribe to (Times Of India, English daily), I see broken rail cars showing enormity of the accident; but no ravaged human body. This is an appropriate representation of the fact, without challenging people's taste.
The newspapers editors should show appropriate maturity and responsibility for their profession, which was absent today in the case of Ananda Bazar.
As a responsible citizen and a regular reader, I feel strong urge to register my objection towards this kind of tastelessness.
I'll stop reading that newspaper if they don't stop showing insensitivity towards people and society.
NB: “Ananda Bazar” is a Bengali phrase; it means “Market of joy”
The picture was showing the upper half of a dead human body entangled in debris. Another picture was showing a severed human hand with rings on the fingers. As India has been suffering from terrorism for so many years, this type of incidents are no more new. But the ugliness of the way it has been portrayed on a newspaper is unprecedented.
In our families a newspaper has a wide range of readers including young kids who would invariably grab it first thing in the morning, to mimic the older members of the house. Such a gruesome picture on the front page is bad enough to traumatize those young minds.
When I compare this with another newspaper that I subscribe to (Times Of India, English daily), I see broken rail cars showing enormity of the accident; but no ravaged human body. This is an appropriate representation of the fact, without challenging people's taste.
The newspapers editors should show appropriate maturity and responsibility for their profession, which was absent today in the case of Ananda Bazar.
As a responsible citizen and a regular reader, I feel strong urge to register my objection towards this kind of tastelessness.
I'll stop reading that newspaper if they don't stop showing insensitivity towards people and society.
NB: “Ananda Bazar” is a Bengali phrase; it means “Market of joy”
Friday, April 30, 2010
Freeing up Burqa and Naqab from public places - Belgium shows the way towards safer and more confident world
I would like to welcome the decision taken up by the Belgian parliament to keep public places free from Burqa and Naqab (worn by some Muslim women that covers a person's face fully or partially). This is a very important step taken up by any country on the matter of public safety, in these days of global terrorism. Belgium rightly deserves the credit to be pioneer in this front.
Wearing Burqa or Naqab in public places puts extra challenge on the people or authority who work on maintaining public safety. You can't see a face and hence don't know if some unauthorized person has entered into a building or moving around a public place. The images captured by CCTV cameras installed for public safety in various places will be of little use if a face can't be detected for later investigation. A couple of years ago, a jewellery shop in Mumbai (India) decided not the allow wearing burqa inside their shop, to prevent theft of marchandise. In the examination hall or at a job interview, it will be difficult to detect if someone has impersonated the actual candidate. There are numerous such examples that you can cite from your personal experiences.
Besides security issues, there are other matters of inconvenience if a person dealing with public (e.g. a teacher or public servant or sales person etc.) wears a Burqa while at work. Because it becomes a barrier for communication, and doesn't help in building up trust and confidence quickly. Hence it hinders learning process (in schools/colleges), building up trust and clarity of communication (in govt. or other public offices) and building up customer relationship (in commercial establishments).
As the matter is related to a religious practice, my opinion is to become aware and sensitive towards the need of the changing time and to apply our own judgment accordingly. Wearing a turban by a Shikh, a skull-cap by a Muslim, putting a vermilion or sandal powder dot on forehead by a Hindu or a carrying a small cross as locket by a Christian or some similar practice by people from other religions will not pose a security threat to the common public. But the same can't be said about wearing a Burqa. I believe people are free to practice their religious rights and custom, but should not cause inconveniences or discomfort to others. If so, then it should rather be considered as insensitivity towards other people and humanity in general.
On a lighter note, it definitely gives a good opportunity to the tasteful Muslim ladies to invest on some nice clothing and jeweleries. We should hear a lot of cheers from their side. However, a word of caution for the Muslim parents and husbands - get ready to accommodate a hole in your wallets!
Wearing Burqa or Naqab in public places puts extra challenge on the people or authority who work on maintaining public safety. You can't see a face and hence don't know if some unauthorized person has entered into a building or moving around a public place. The images captured by CCTV cameras installed for public safety in various places will be of little use if a face can't be detected for later investigation. A couple of years ago, a jewellery shop in Mumbai (India) decided not the allow wearing burqa inside their shop, to prevent theft of marchandise. In the examination hall or at a job interview, it will be difficult to detect if someone has impersonated the actual candidate. There are numerous such examples that you can cite from your personal experiences.
Besides security issues, there are other matters of inconvenience if a person dealing with public (e.g. a teacher or public servant or sales person etc.) wears a Burqa while at work. Because it becomes a barrier for communication, and doesn't help in building up trust and confidence quickly. Hence it hinders learning process (in schools/colleges), building up trust and clarity of communication (in govt. or other public offices) and building up customer relationship (in commercial establishments).
As the matter is related to a religious practice, my opinion is to become aware and sensitive towards the need of the changing time and to apply our own judgment accordingly. Wearing a turban by a Shikh, a skull-cap by a Muslim, putting a vermilion or sandal powder dot on forehead by a Hindu or a carrying a small cross as locket by a Christian or some similar practice by people from other religions will not pose a security threat to the common public. But the same can't be said about wearing a Burqa. I believe people are free to practice their religious rights and custom, but should not cause inconveniences or discomfort to others. If so, then it should rather be considered as insensitivity towards other people and humanity in general.
On a lighter note, it definitely gives a good opportunity to the tasteful Muslim ladies to invest on some nice clothing and jeweleries. We should hear a lot of cheers from their side. However, a word of caution for the Muslim parents and husbands - get ready to accommodate a hole in your wallets!
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Japanese Wife movie review – another feminist propaganda inside a weak cinematic frame
This is an English movie for urban Bengali audiences. The story is about the long distance relationship between a Bengali man and a Japanese woman. The man was from rural area of Sundarban, about 40 kilometers away from Kolkata and the woman was from Yokohama. It all started with a pen-friendship between these two introvert individuals which matured into a ‘marriage’ when they exchanged wedding ring over postal service! However this man and his wife didn’t get a chance to see each other face to face, during their seventeen years of married life; the only way of their communication was through letters.
The man Snehamoy (portrayed by Rahul Bose) was raised by his aunt (portrayed by Mosumi Chatterjee) who was a widow. She wanted Snohamoy to marry her girl-friend’s daughter Sandhya (portrayed by Raima Sen), until she came to know about Snehamoy’s “marriage over mail”. Later Sandhay married another man and after ten years, came back with his son to stay with Snehomoy and his aunt as her husband died. These are the central characters of the movie which evolve around the relationship between them and inherent expectations.
The theme was quite romantic and had a promise to highlight some interesting aspects of human relationship. But the director (Aparna Sen) didn’t choose to put much effort on establishing the characters in the background of time and space. Snehamoy was a school teacher lived only 40 km away from Kolkata in the year of 2007; even then he didn’t manage to visit his beloved wife Miyage once in last 17 years. This is absurd because of the fact that the teachers in the Indian province of West Bengal (of which Kolkata is the capital) have been getting a decent pay-check since last couple of decades and these people are quite affluent in the rural areas having a low cost of living. If their bonding was so strong then Snehomoy’s financial condition should not have been an issue to make several trips to Yokohama to meet his wife.
The rural characters portrayed in the film looked cosmetic. The kids were evidently from urban background and didn’t look like village boys with there poor accent. Even Mousumi and Rahul were found to be struggling with rural accent and manners. The cinematography was not well planned to showcase the rivers, fields and villages of Sundarban to provide the audience with the right feel of the context.
This creates a serious doubt on how much the director has been exposed to the rural life and rural people in West Bengal in 2007.
Only bright spot in the movie was the silent expression of Raima in Sandhya’s character. Rahul was decent if we forget the rural accent part. The fact is that he was possibly the only option for that character having necessary personality to earn some credibility.
The director Aparna Sen has been known for her feminist ideology which has been nicely reflected in this movie. Here we see shaky Snehomoy glorifying the affection of his aunt, dedication of Miyage and silent-longing of Sandhya, by jerking off lying on a boat or fighting temptation towards street hookers in a village fair. Was this contrast really necessary, to portray a simple and passionate man’s love and longing for his wife?
Apparently, the movie has been made for the urban Bengali audiences, who already have grown a taste for good Hollywood movies and smart Bollywood movies. Most of them have stopped putting their money on Bengali movies any more. There are a few and faithful who still go to watch Bengali movie, primarily to do a social service by encouraging Bengali movie makers. Obviously they expect at least some sensible, intelligent and sincere movie from a Bengali director of repute. I’m not confident if this movie will be able to satisfy their need.
Also these days the popular belief is that, some directors make movie targeting some lobby or some festival organizers, and don’t bother about making either a memorable or a commercially successful film. With some good connections, these people end up grabbing some awards; and public usually come to know about the film for the first time when the award is announced in the news paper.
In a nutshell, the movie is not worth recommending for a view unless you have a lot of spare time or you want to donate something for the betterment of Bengali culture.
NB. I’m one such lovers of Bengali culture who still spend their money and time on Bengali movie as a social service. But being a common mortal I’ve been getting tired lately doing this service for so many years. Somebody please help us!
The man Snehamoy (portrayed by Rahul Bose) was raised by his aunt (portrayed by Mosumi Chatterjee) who was a widow. She wanted Snohamoy to marry her girl-friend’s daughter Sandhya (portrayed by Raima Sen), until she came to know about Snehamoy’s “marriage over mail”. Later Sandhay married another man and after ten years, came back with his son to stay with Snehomoy and his aunt as her husband died. These are the central characters of the movie which evolve around the relationship between them and inherent expectations.
The theme was quite romantic and had a promise to highlight some interesting aspects of human relationship. But the director (Aparna Sen) didn’t choose to put much effort on establishing the characters in the background of time and space. Snehamoy was a school teacher lived only 40 km away from Kolkata in the year of 2007; even then he didn’t manage to visit his beloved wife Miyage once in last 17 years. This is absurd because of the fact that the teachers in the Indian province of West Bengal (of which Kolkata is the capital) have been getting a decent pay-check since last couple of decades and these people are quite affluent in the rural areas having a low cost of living. If their bonding was so strong then Snehomoy’s financial condition should not have been an issue to make several trips to Yokohama to meet his wife.
The rural characters portrayed in the film looked cosmetic. The kids were evidently from urban background and didn’t look like village boys with there poor accent. Even Mousumi and Rahul were found to be struggling with rural accent and manners. The cinematography was not well planned to showcase the rivers, fields and villages of Sundarban to provide the audience with the right feel of the context.
This creates a serious doubt on how much the director has been exposed to the rural life and rural people in West Bengal in 2007.
Only bright spot in the movie was the silent expression of Raima in Sandhya’s character. Rahul was decent if we forget the rural accent part. The fact is that he was possibly the only option for that character having necessary personality to earn some credibility.
The director Aparna Sen has been known for her feminist ideology which has been nicely reflected in this movie. Here we see shaky Snehomoy glorifying the affection of his aunt, dedication of Miyage and silent-longing of Sandhya, by jerking off lying on a boat or fighting temptation towards street hookers in a village fair. Was this contrast really necessary, to portray a simple and passionate man’s love and longing for his wife?
Apparently, the movie has been made for the urban Bengali audiences, who already have grown a taste for good Hollywood movies and smart Bollywood movies. Most of them have stopped putting their money on Bengali movies any more. There are a few and faithful who still go to watch Bengali movie, primarily to do a social service by encouraging Bengali movie makers. Obviously they expect at least some sensible, intelligent and sincere movie from a Bengali director of repute. I’m not confident if this movie will be able to satisfy their need.
Also these days the popular belief is that, some directors make movie targeting some lobby or some festival organizers, and don’t bother about making either a memorable or a commercially successful film. With some good connections, these people end up grabbing some awards; and public usually come to know about the film for the first time when the award is announced in the news paper.
In a nutshell, the movie is not worth recommending for a view unless you have a lot of spare time or you want to donate something for the betterment of Bengali culture.
NB. I’m one such lovers of Bengali culture who still spend their money and time on Bengali movie as a social service. But being a common mortal I’ve been getting tired lately doing this service for so many years. Somebody please help us!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
If I don't start now...
... it will take me ages to write my first blog here. So, my apologies for hurrying up and being directionless.
To start with, let me tell you how I feel doing something new.
It excites me, in general. It opens up unbounded possibilities, laced with hope (if you plan a lot) and adventure (if you don't have time for planning). It has always been a refreshing stress-buster for me. How about you?
Here in this blog, I've planned to tell you about the life I observe, thoughts I share, movies I watch, music I listen and some other stuffs.
That's all for the starter. Let's see how it goes.
To start with, let me tell you how I feel doing something new.
It excites me, in general. It opens up unbounded possibilities, laced with hope (if you plan a lot) and adventure (if you don't have time for planning). It has always been a refreshing stress-buster for me. How about you?
Here in this blog, I've planned to tell you about the life I observe, thoughts I share, movies I watch, music I listen and some other stuffs.
That's all for the starter. Let's see how it goes.
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