Raag Anuraag

A hilarious movie (another of my wife's choicest gifts to me) by Dinen Gupta featuring comic geniuses, Rabi Ghosh and Anup Kumar and also some memorable numbers by Hemanta Mukherjee adds to its appeal. Though Ranjit Mallick plays the lead role but he is never a good hero but his comic senses make certain scenes delightful to watch. Aparna Sen diffuses in her role well and Chinmoy also was the correct choice for his side role.
The drama is about a young budding singer and thus quite correctly an eligible bachelor Sankar Sen, who lives with his maternal uncle and aunt, the later trying to find the right bride for their nephew. In this pursuit, they ultimately chooses Mita, who not only comes from a respectable family but also is an ardent lover of music and a also a fan of Sankar Sen. But problem is that since Sankar Sen avoid publicity, so there is not a public photograph for her to identify her fiancé. Thus she quite readily agrees to the proposal though doesn’t show off her approval. On the other hand Sankar is also excited once he sees Mita’s photo but soon he learns that her grandfather has kept only one condition and that is the future son-in-law must stay with them after marriageThis infuriates Sankar and he escapes temporarily to North Bengal at his friend Barun’s place. But as it happens, Mita also is on a holiday at the same place with her grandfather and the duo meets face to face. At that moment, in order to prevent identification Sankar introduces Barun as himself and passes him as Barun and thus initiates a series of comedy of errors. But the intelligent Mita soon finds out the true identities and then sets a trap for Sankar. But being ignorant to all this, Sankar and Barun continues their acting, much to the chagrin of the later who is already engaged to another lady. So the confusion continues and the entire second half is filled with some extremely funny sequences devoid of any unpleasant scenes and thus proving it to be a must watch for comedy lovers.
As an afterthought, I find this movie, set in so early days of Bengali cinema actually proves itself superior to several of the Bollywood or Tollywood productions of current generation and thus it really saddens me when I find that the treasure of old always seems to be underutilized by the present. So I recommend this to the movie lovers to have a peek into this classic.

Patol Babu Filmstar

http://calcuttatube.com/patol-babu-filmstar-bengali-drama-by-satyajit-ray/

Hirer Angti

One of my favourite childhood movies when the name of Rituparno Ghosh was foreign to me and so could not bias my appreciation while I watched it. It was also one of those movies that I had watched before reading the actual story written by Shirshendu. Infact when I later read it, I was again marvelling at the author’s creativity and at the same time marvelled at the director’s nice touch of originality that kept the theme of the story undisturbed though the finishing was quite deviated from the written version. So it was good to see that the movie was now available at the stores in CD version and I purchased one of the copies just a few days ago.
The story can be categorized as a children’s story but the nicety of the plot and the classic direction have made it likeable to all ages. Of all the actors that have performed in the movie, the acting of Jnyanesh is marvelously natural but the use of Dipankar Dey’s (my wife pointed out this to me while I was trying to figure out whose voice was used to dub that of Ayan’s) voice in some of the scenes can’t be justified as such. Basanta Choudhury fitted into his role well but the age of Barun Chanda should have been further toned down for a more realistic effect. Ayan himself seemed to be meant for his role well and excelled in the characterization and Dulal Lahiri also was casted perfectly.
The story is about a Ratanlal Bannerjee, once a priest for a band of outlaws, who accidentally tumbled across a treasure trove and offered it to the leader of the bandits, Ramdulal. But it so happened that some of the members of the band turned rebels and tried to kill Ramdulal and his only successor, his grandson. As they escaped, Ramdulal left the treasure with Ratanlal with the promise that if within 30 years time he or his grandson do not come to claim the wealth, it will pass on to the priest’s family. To keep the promise alive two of Ramdulal’s bodyguards, Swet and Lohit used to visit the Ratanlal once a year to identify the grandson in case of Ramdulal’s death is reported and he turns up. Panchu, the priest’s servant was also the witness of this promise. After these, 29 years had gone by, Ratanlal had used some of the wealth to make his living though at heart he always remembered the promise and looked forward to the day when he will surrender all his wealth to Ramdulal or his grandson, whom he considered the rightful owners of the property. On the final day of the 30th year, coinciding with Mahalaya in that year, there arrived a young man of the name Gandharbakumar, a nice and likeable youth, who claimed himself to be Ramdulal’s grandson. Though it shook Ratanlal to the core but he prepared to tell his sons and their respective families the dark secret that he so long kept hidden from them. Thus it remained to be seen what happens to Ratanlal’s family in this sudden turn of events and whether Gandharbakumar can reclaim his treasure.
On the whole the movie is quite enjoyable and remains an all time favourite for me though at some places, its pace seemed to slacken unnecessarily. The director must also be praised for criticality in detailing that many pays less attention to on the excuse of a children’s movie.

Dadu Chaae Nati Chaae

http://calcuttatube.com/dadu-chaae-nati-chaae-bengali-drama-review/

Saradindu Omnibus Vol II

When I again started to go through the chapters, most of whose plots were still etched upon the memory, this time I was enjoying the play of words, the slight clues strewn here and there and the ultimate convergence that speaks about the crafty penmanship of the author. That I was reading a detective story with the criminals already known did not matter as the literary level of each piece kept me enthralled just with the beauty of narration.

In the introduction by Pratulchandra Gupta titled Byomkesh, Satyabati, Satyabatir Gari, he not only introduces Saradindu's immortal creation to the new readers but also brings the human qualitites of Byomkesh to fore so that the readers, both old and new, can feel his presence in the real world. That Byomkesh is no other than an ordinary citizen of Calcutta blessed with extraordinary intelligence and quick wit is again reminded here.

1. The volume starts with Adim Ripu, and what seemed to Ajit as a very ordinary case quickly turned complex by a sudden murder. When Byomkesh was on the verge of solving the case and it seemed he was not interested in bringing the convict to justice, a second murder changed his mind and the readers await a classic solution.
2. It is not very regular that in the midst of a case Byomkesh is found to be involved in another case but the case Bahnni-Patanga presented itself while he had temporarily stalled his activities concerning Adim Ripu. This is truly a marvelously plotted case and promises a startling revelation that will surely be appreciated to its full extent by crime fiction readers. This case also projects Bikash, an enthusiastic youth, earlier employed in the police service, who helps Byomkesh in trailing his suspects. He features in several other stories and is shown to have respect for the detective.
3. Saradindu had a knack of presenting several peculiar cases for his detective but Rakter Daag seems to hit the top in the way the client requests Byomkesh's assistance. It appeared that the client knew he was going to be murdered and he employs Byomkesh, with fee in advance, to find the truth behind his death. That Byomkesh will be interested is apparent by its peculiarity and though it is not my favourite but it is surely worth appreciating the seemingly realistic imagination that the author was capable of.
4. Manimandan is on the other hand a straight forward case where the criminal, a thief this time, is already suspected but the wherabout of the stolen material required Byomkesh's quick wit and critical observation.
5. In Amriter Mrityu, as Byomkesh was trying to solve a case of illegal arms trade, he parallelly investigates the death of an innocent lad, which he suspected to be closely linked to the illegal trade.
6. Saila Rahasya seemed to be the creator's strong belief in supernaturals imposed in a marvelous fashion in bringing the famous detective face to face with a ghost client. It is an ordinary story narrated in an extraordinary way with the most part being narrated by way of a letter and its reply between Byomkesh and Ajit and thus this was the 1st instance where Byomkesh's literary skills were also revealed.
7. Achin Pakhi defines the level of shrewdness that Byomkesh possessed and his knowledge of human psychology as he solves a previously unsolved mystery years after it had happened.
8. In Kahen Kabi Kalidas, the humane nature of Byomkesh is revealed as he highlights the tragedy that underlines the crime which he investigates.
9. Adrishya Trikon is also about a crime commited in the past but the climax is more of a drama than a reality.
10. The author provides a refreshing change from the violent crimes in Khunji Khunji Nari where Byomkesh applies his brain to solve the riddle left by a dead man that seems to point to his last will and testament.
11. Adwitiya is another classic case where Byomkesh solves the crime sitting at home.
12. In Magna-Mainak, the motives and suspects to a supposed murder seem to be many and Byomkesh must find out the truth to give peace to the innocent minds.
13. The suddent twist in Dushtachakra speaks volume of the author's ingenuity with honours to his detective.
14. H(n)eyalir Chande have Ajit as a suspect with murder at Byomkeshe's apartment and it is all upon the later to save his friend. This is also the last Byomkesh story narrated by Ajit, the rest being written in a passive voice by the author.
15. Apart from the interesting case of Room No. 2, it is a change in writing style with the use of colloquial Bengali.
16. Chalanar Chanda is a fantastic case with a straightforward solution though I got this impression reading it not for the first time.
17. In Sajarur K(n)ata, which is more of a novel than a detective story, the queerness of the murder instrument is the prime interest to the readers.
18. Benisanghar can be termed as the case of a camouflaged murder with all the ingredients of a social drama incorporated that intensifies the mystery. Inspector Rakhal Sarkar, one of the admirers of Byomkesh who appeared in several of the later novels also plays his part well in assisting the detective in time of need.
19. In Lohar Biscuit, maybe the author's wow for a good plot is felt as Byomkesh is clearly happy at the client who brings him a problem after several days of inctivity.
20. The final story Bishupal Badh, is an incomplete one which the author's sad demise has left the readers to speculate on the outcome. It starts with two murders with a span of quite a few years in between. The 1st murderer got the sentence and it was only after his release the 2nd is committed. Byomkesh starts on the trail of the 2nd murder but alas the solution never reaches the audience. As a fan, I can say that the detective would surely have solved it but the chronicles remains incomplete, which is the only sad part.
21. In the final pages of the volume is Jibankatha by Shovan Basu where he has supplied the readers with a brief biography and bibliography of the renowned author.
22. Also there is an article Byomkesher Katha, dedicated to the great detective numerous appearances in Bengali literature that Mr. Basu has compiled.
23. In Byomkesher Shange Sakhatkar, we have the excerpt of an interview of Saradindu by Partha Chattopadhyay.
    

Poran Jaae Jolia Re

http://calcuttatube.com/poran-jay-joliya-re-2009-bengali-movie/

Narayan Gangopadhyay's Galpa Samagra Vol III

When I had completed volume I, purchased in the earlier Bookfair, I was looking forward to buying the remaining of the series this year. So it was disappointing to hear that Mitra Ghosh was discontinuing the publication of the separate volumes and had already publishied a consolidated volume in this year's bookfair. This routed me to the direction of College Street where I managed this volume but was still short of the 2nd in the series.

When I finished reading through the entire book the 1st point that came to my mind is without this book nobody's treasury of Bengali short stories will ever be complete. Quite a few of the stories were devoted to rural Bengal, their pains and pathos which mostly remains unheard of and also some humourous strains here and there which makes the compilation a treasure. But what I liked most were the final few stories which the author seemed to design in the most classic fashion.

The series consists of
Rasikata
Kala Badar

• Top
• Saibya
• Izzat
• Apaghat
• Banduk
• Shilpi
• Srijukta GopiBallav Kundu (missed from content list)
• Ustad Meher Khan
• Kala Badar

Gandharaj

• Dhas
• Kalpapurush
• Taash
• Idu M(n)iyar Morog
• Hariner Rong
• Gandhaaj
• Unmesh
• Darja
• Natun Gaan

Bhanga Bandar

• Bhanga Bandar
• Kabor
• Tirthayatra
• Cholonamoyee
• Luchir Upakhyan
• Pandoolipi
• Nakra-charit
• Atmyahatya

Dushashan

• Dushashan
• Kalo Jol
• Puskara
• Bhanga Chasma
• Bonbiral
• Kharga
• Mummy
• Deem
• Pipe

Swetkamal

• Baishe Shraban
• Timirabhishar
• Kalnemi
• Adhikar
• Janmabhumishcha
• Swetkamal
• Haat
• Ghashbon

As you near the end, you will surely be longing for more and so I am fervently hoping to get the 2nd volume in the series even though its publication is threatened to be stopped.

Brake Fail

http://calcuttatube.com/brake-fail-2009-bengali-film/

BoX#1313

http://calcuttatube.com/box-no-1313-2009-bengali-film/

Hansraj

This is the tale of a young Baul boy, Hansraj, representative of one of the innumerable dormant talents in the rural Bengal and his dream of singing in the radio, a hope that could never have been realized but for the determined effort of the teenage Basanta and his friend Shamu. The village, where Hansraj lived with his widowed mother, uncle and aunt, was situated not too far from Calcutta and was a regular picnic spot for the school goers. In one such picnic party, he had a chance meeting with Basanta, Shamu, the flamboyant Tony and several others from the city school. There, hearing the excellent voice of Hansraj and his knack of quickly creating compositions, Tony falsely promised to introduce him to the big bosses of radio industry if Hansraj could manage to come to the city. Thus encouraged, the innocent Hansraj left his home and travelled to Calcutta with Tia, his fiancée, promising to look after his family. He eventually spotted the school where Tony and his friends studied and there Tony, under pressure from his friends, took him to his home where his sophisticated mother, on the first glance ordered Tony to get rid of him. Thus Hansraj soon learnt the ways of the city dwellers when Tony, trying to save his face, accused him of theft and threw him out of the house. But thanks to Providence, he was saved by Basanta and Shamu, the later giving him shelter in his house. Then it was upto Basanta’s tenacity and Shamu’s support to counter all the obstacles that the rich Tony created to prevent Hansraj to make it to the radio station.
This delightful story is ably directed by Ajit Ganguli studding the entire narrative with a number of songs, mostly in the voice of Arati Mukhopadhyay and Sandhya Mukherjee with the wise choice of fascinating lyrics by Pulak Bandyopadhyay. As to the casting Arindam was just appropriate in his role while the others also produce a balanced performance.

Jhinder Bandi

Based on the novel of Saradindu, which is again based on Anthony Hope's "Prisoner of Zenda", Tapan Sinha directed this gripping drama of love, betrayal, lust and glory featuring Uttam Kumar, Tarun Kumar, Radhamohan Bhattacharjee, Dilip Roy, Arundhati Mukherjee, Sandhya Roy and surprising everybody with Soumitra Chatterjee cast as a villain for the 1st time. I'd bought the CD just last week and watched it just on the day following the one that saw the end of an era of classical music by the Sarod Maestro, Ali Akbar Khan who was coincidentally the music director of the film.

The story is peculiar yet the concept is remarkable. Sankar Singh, the would be king of Jhind (in Madhya Pradesh) was abducted before his coronation ceremony by his brother Udit and his ally the crooked Mayur Bahan. To prevent the cruel Udit to occupy the throne, the news is kept a secret and a trusted few are send throghout the country in search of Sankar Singh, who being a connoisseur of wine and women was a person to be easily lured to remotest of places. During this search one of the Royal guards spotted a Gauri Sankar Roy, a young man from Calcutta, who had remarkable similarity with Sankar Singh. Hearing about the complications that clouds Jhind, the adventurousGauri Sankar accompanies the Sardar to Jhind and there he was crowned the king much to the chagrin of the villains. The baffled Udit and Mayur Bahan devises several counter attacks to destroy Gauri Sankar. But thanks to his courage, Gauri Sankar manages to evade the dangers with the help of the diplomatic Sardar and Dewan and the brave Rudrarup. But problem of a different kind arises in the form of the queen Kasturibai of the neighouring kingdom Jharoa who is betrothed to Sankar. Gauri Sankar was here too forced to pass himself as Sankar during the engagement ceremony with Kasturibai and the dazzling personality of Gauri Sankar easily wins Kasturi's heart, who was more prepared to behold the disreputed Sankar Singh. But Gauri too finds himself leaning towards Kasturi and thus feels guilty of his weakness. Meanwhile the search of Sankar Singh continues and news of his wherabouts reach Gauri, Sardar and the rest. But this was the time Sardar reveals to Gauri a curious story that links his lineage to the Royal blood which proves him to be a deserving candidate for the throne. Thus it is left to be seen who actually gets to the throne and how the evil plans of Mayur Bahan is countered by Gauri.
The movie is fascinating watch and Soumitra as Mayur Bahan surpasses all the others in acting.

Ch(n)ader Pahaar

It was after several long years that I set my eyes again on the book, excerpts from which had been a part of my primary school syllabus. From the very day the pages of this riveting adventure story unfolded itself in front of me, it had been etched deep into the memory. So though the age has advanced, the thrill of Sankar's adventure had remained as exciting as ever. Bibhutibhushan's masterpiece indeed had become a classic for all times.
Sankar, the son of an ordinary jute mill worker in a village of Bengal. A keen student of geography & astronomy, had always aspired for an adventurous life. Thus when he came to know of a job in the Mombasa railway construction site in Africa, he didn't waste any time and travelled across the continent to join there. There he received his first taste of danger at the labour camp where suddenly a man-eating lion appeared and kept terrorizing the labourers for days. Infact, Sankar himself had a close shave with the lion once which far from deterring his spirits made him even more emboldened. As the lion stalled the construction work, Sankar took up a stationmaster’s job near Kisumu. But here too he faced the wrath of the jungle as a lion became an infrequent visitor of his quarter and he himself had a narrow escape from a venomous Black Mamba. But here came the turning point in his life when he met the near dying Diego Alvarej, an explorer of the jungles of Africa who told him of his curious adventure in the slopes of the Richterseveldt mountain range that led to the disconvery of a diamond mine jointly with his friend and fellow explorer, the late Jim Carter. Fate had dealt a rough hand with them as they not only lost the way guiding the path to the mine but also had a tragic encounter with a three-toed savage ape that cost Carter's life. Alvarej himself had struggled to come down and he told all this as he recovered from his wounds nursed by the ever sincere Sankar. The stories invoked the adventurer in Sankar and he requested Alvarej to allow him to be part of his next mission: to find the route to the diamond mine.
Thus began the dangerous and perilous adventure of Sankar in the trecharous terrain of the Richtardsveldt studded with venomous insects, toxic herbs, savage beasts and a dormant volcano. The able penmanship of Bibhutibhushan has brought to fore all these in a brilliant style and nobody wil believe that the writer had never set a foot in the continent that he so masterfully described. Added to this is the bonus cover design by Satyajit Ray and the other equally brilliant sketches in the book makes this all the more appealing.

Saat Paake Bandha

http://calcuttatube.com/saat-paake-bandha-2009/