Padipishir Barmibaksho

A gem of an adventure with mystery, comedy, fantasy interspersed with the rustic values that makes it a fiction for all ages. This charming classic by Leela Majumdar about a long lost treasure chest is accentuated by cover designed by Satyajit Ray the great. Picked in the bookfair by my wife for her and my son and daughter attracted me also. The literary wonder comes in a jewel box that heightens its appeal.

Rambharosar Motorgari

The miserly hardfisted Rambharosa Agarwal, an affluent businessman of Herbertgunj wants to lead a life of piling money but for his wife and son who want to have their own family car. Their insistence gets the better of him and he agrees to purchase one. Happy at the prospects, Suresh, the son, immediately gets some catalogues and shows his dad. But hearing the price of the vehicles that runs in lakhs, Rambharosa is shell shocked. But as he had already promised, Rambharosa cannot take back his word. So he gets hold of an agent to buy a second hand car. With his bare minimum budget of just 10000, what happens next is a hilarious comedy full of merriment and fun. Though somewhat predictable at times, but the best thing of the story is its fast paced refreshing humour with its comically colourful characters that freshens up the mind while enlivening the reading moments.

Bhanu Goenda Jahar Assistant

Consisting of two stories, Bhanu Goenda Jahar Assistant and its second part Picnice Bhanu Goenda Jahar Assistant the nostalgia of the movie is brought back with some memorable dialogues. This had been one of the first instances when characters from a movie or more correctly real life characters had been used in stories. A tribute to the one of the most unforgettable comedy pair of Bengali cinema, the stories are woven on the fabric of humour. Containing the element of mystery, the stories follow the smart Bhanu with his clumsy yet devoted aide Jahar chasing lost ladies and questionable identities. But it seems that all they manage most of the time is getting themselves entangled in the most improbable confusions and misunderstandings. As the fun continues the sleuth remains undeterred to their ultimate aim. The old world romance and the absence of obscenity and malice make the stories as enjoyable as it can be. Surprised by the title in the bookfair this selection seems to be one of the evergreens that will remain a favourite for all times.

Ascharya Pradeep

Aladin's magic lamp turns up in the heart of Calcutta - the owner in this case being Anilda (note the anagram of Aladin), the so familiar Bengali office goer barely supporting his family of three and sometimes trying to live off the income of his wife. A regular buyer of lottery ticket, never in his dreams had he hoped for fortunes that is promised by the genie. So in his enthusiasm when he gets all that the genie suggests he is yet to learn a hard truth that leaves him the same miserable fellow as he was before the lamp came to his life. Though the finale is a bit predictable with the style followed in works of master story tellers like O. Henry, Satyajit Ray, Roald Dahl, but Anik Dutta once more pulls of a fine adult comedy based on Shirshendu's short story, whose best part is the crisp script. The style being repeatitive of what had been followed in Bhooter Bhabisyat, the charm is monotonous but no less appealing. But the major problem in this Arghya Kamal Dey edited elegant presentation may be categorized in two parts. One being the last song in the movie which have been apt if sung in background and not in Saswata's lips. The second is the use of too many side plots that have been given prominence, notably the auction house sequence and the Haridas Pal sequence, which being the finest comic episodes too, but remains so detached from the main storyline that it seemed forced only. As to the acting Saswata is just magnificent closely followed by Srilekha and Rajatava. The sets are well designed with an eye to detail and Anik Dutta's acknowledgemen to the great Ray is also spelled out again. But use of some common jokes and 'do you know it' could have been done away with for a crisper narrative.

Sabjanta

Mukhomukhi and Niva arts presented an exciting evening of mystery and comedy. Premiering at Tapan theatre the Soumitra Chatterjee directed Sabjanta is a wondrous presentation of wit and thrill. Poulami Basu excelled in her lead role as did Dwijen Bandyopadhyay as the audience are kept guessing in this comic whodunit. A fussy cleaner of an enterprise seemed to stumble upon a horrible murder and reports of a supposedly walking corpse who vanishes just as the police arrives. Infact the supposedly murdered man returns and makes her look completely like a fool. As she becomes the butt of ridicule, though she herself seemed least bothered, she persists in her narrative. Thus annoying the police continuously when she at last convinces them of a crime again at that moment several evidences disappear. It remains to be seen whether any crime actually happened and who is playing tricks on everybody. Slight fumbles in the part of Bandyopadhyay, which I am not sure it actually happened or not, the entire play has been wonderfully presented. Light was used correctly but a lack of background score was felt throughout. But Basu's acting remains pivotal that kept the audience glued to the seats till the lilting tunes of 'O My Darling' and the closing remarks of Dwijen announced completion only for that evening.

Samagra Kishore-Sahitya Vol. II

Ø  Galpo

·        Bhajahari Film Corporation

·        Chaamchike aar Tickei Checker

·        Harpoon

·        Ghora-torar Byapar

·        Nababee Amaler Galpo

·        Brahmabikasher Dantabikash

·        Genghis aar Hamliner Ba(n)shiwala

·        Gh(n)uteparar shei Match

·        Tiktikir Lyaaj

·        Bearing Ch(n)at

·        Bhajaraamer Pratisodh

·        Dada howar Daam

·        K(n)akrabiche

·        Kaak-Kahinee

·        Tin Minuter Galpo

·        Honolulur Makuda

·        Tatwabodhan mane-Jeebe Prem

·        Dashaanancharit

·        Harishpurer Rashikata

·        Ekti Janala Khulte

·        Bird of Paradise

·        Pharsee Galper ek Tukro

·        Halkhatar Khawa-Dawa

·        Torch

·        Ostader Maar

·        Chatra-Charitamrita

·        Jhow-Rahasya

·        Panchananer Haati

·        Tenida aar Yeti

·        Camouflage

Ø  Koutuk-Natika

·        Tenida aar Sindhughotak

·        Bharate Chai

·        Baaro Bhute

·        Viswakarmar Ghuri

The second volume is another classic collection of unadulterated humour in its cleanest form. Comprising of several of Tenida and company’s hilarious exploits combined with mischief abound this volume has a surprise of three short dramas tuned to comedy and more. Repeating one short story from the earlier volume, the apologies of Asha Devi and Arijit Gangopadhyay in the introduction seemed redundant as a Narayan Gangopadhyay fan would never regret any fun revisited.

Chayamoy

http://calcuttatube.com/chayamoy-2013-bengali-movie-user-review/197847/

Nante Fante Collection III

Continuing the humorous exploits of Nante Fante, the collection consists of chapters 7 thru 9. Sometimes playing pranks on each other (once in this collection and that too marked by a different style of sketching) the naughty duo often makes life miserable for the Superintendent Sir. But the greater pranks are stored for the wicked Keltu. Being boarders of hostels, their desire for sumptuous meals often becomes the central theme of the multipage plots and in these often Keltu becomes the sole competitor. Debnathbabu’s unique style of presentation and cartoons has made these children’s story a priceless gem in the world of Bengali comic strips. The collection also contains an advertisement cleverly concealed in the story, maybe one of the starters of its kind.

Nante Fante Collection IV

The collection contains chapters 10, 11, 12 though one of the strips has been juxtaposed incorrectly. The humorous exploits of the duo continues as they face Keltuda and his chums who try to provoke them unjustly. The superintendent sir also plays his part and as always remains all the more comical. The use of colloquial language increases the charm though the slang always remains well within the aesthetic limit. Proving once more that age is never a bar for this kind of entertainment the heart always longs for more for it. An interesting fact is that though the practical jokes remains the main theme of each strip but it is never indecent. Finally another important fact is that though the teachers sometimes becomes the unsuspecting targets of the jokes but they are always highlighted respectfully. With delightful cartoons the chapters will no doubt appeal to readers of all age.

Belashesher Kolahol

http://calcuttatube.com/belashesher-kolahol-bengali-play-user-review/197837/

Batukburoro Chashma

The story seemed Golmaal revisited but with more pace and more fun. The characters too seemed more amusing. The sudden appearance of green beings (literally and figuratively speaking), initially in village gossips and then in the real seemed to disturb the peaceful lives of many. Showing superior intelligence and strength, the sapient beings (remember Avatar by James Cameron!) seemed to condemn destruction of flora and fauna. Their technology, science, philosophy seemed to dwarf that of the globe, yet their requirements are simple. So why did they come here? What do they want? Is there an evil motive? Why are they so keen to communicate? To know all these you must go through the novel which sometimes jumps sequences but remains exciting throughout with its lovable characters, each showing a curious trait.

Bhooter Bhabishyat

http://calcuttatube.com/bhooter-bhabishyat-2012-bengali-movie-user-review/169894/

Mausoleum

Marshal Vodi and his band of choktars along with the fyatarus hatches up another of his extra-ordinary plots with the help of Daarkaak, Begum Johnson and a new senior advisor, Banabiral. Initially they tries starting a weekly magazine but the venture fails miserably. Then came the grand twist as Vodi feigns death and his body is displayed as mummy. Unsurprisingly this causes a stir among every class of people and as some supports this new feather in the Bengali cap others oppose it vehemently. This only fuels up the much needed publicity and ultimately the mnetary profits piles up. Written in the signature style of Bhattacharya, the boorish language adds to the appeal but the attractiveness of "Fyatarur Bombachak" is missing surely. Well this type of literature has a charm of its own but enthusiast readers must bear in mind that this may not be recommended for all.

Nante Fante Collection II

In sheer enthusiasm I'd bought this collection too containing volumes IV to VI but some disappointments were in store for me. One of the strips were surely incomplete and certain stories were quite lacking in the fun. But the first few chapters were very much entertaining and though the plots were repeating, the excellent graphics more than compensated the monotone. The amusing misunderstandings, several of them at the cost of Keltu's misadventures, the innocent pranks on the unsuspecting superintendents were hilariously depicted by the cartoon while the underlying message of the bond of friendship and the spirit of camaraderie were conveyed all along.

Nante Fante Collection I

Picked spontaneously from a bookfair, as I went through the pages, several nostalgic memories seemed to overwhelm me. Not only was Nante-Fante my first official storybook which I read but the pack of boarding school members including the wicked Keltu and the fearsome Superintendent had been my best of friends for a very long time. As I grew old, the comics gave way to more serious materials but the innocent frolicks penned by Narayan Debnath still lingered in the heart. So though these comic strips disappeared beneath the piles of papers addressed to the wastepaper bin their memories was etched deep down in me. This I felt, when I suddenly came across the collection consisting of chapters 1-3 in the bookfair and without thinking more, bought the 1st volume then and there. The naivity of the characters that came alive in the sketches of Shri Debnath still refreshed the minds and some of them produced peals of laughter even now.  Enjoying Nante-Fante playing tricks on Keltuda and, sometimes, even on themselves while trying to help the needy, I seemed to realize or better to say, prove for myself that age can never be a bar while enjoying humour devoid of malice.

Natak Samagra Vol 2

The volume starts with Bishnu Dey's intrdocution titled Manoj Mitrer Biswaser Jagat that prepares the reader for the collage that awaits them in two sections - Purnanga Natak and Ekanka Natak, the later containing one-act plays while the former complete dramas.

It starts with the famous Sajano Bagan and Bancha its protagonist whose passion for his garden that he had designed from a small patch of land rejected by the owner of the land. But the garden under his loving care flourishes to such an extent that it becomes the matter of envy to the next owner who tries several ways to snatch it from Bancha. Several humourous sequences abound, but the drama carries an underlying message for the love of the land that will be remembered whosoever reads it or watches it. In the next Aswatthama, a mythological play based on the titular character of Mahabharata and set in the last chapters of the Kurukshetra war, it tries to sketch the events in a different light. The mood swings to a lighter note with Rajdarshan, where a materialistic man transforms to a rationale self, thanks to his adventure that Providence allowed him to experience. Then comes the eerie Nekre, the apparition that stalks the evil and fear of the werewolf permeates in the minds of the beholders until the climax that is even more engaging than the plot. In Darpane Saratshashi, the exploitation of women in drama has been narrated set on the day's of Girish Ghosh. Again this excellent compilation lightens the mood but touches on the plight of the poor in Siver Asadhyi, where the Almighty Siva and his family beholds the right and the wrong among the mortals during the festive season of DurgaPuja.

The one-act play section is even more engaging, starting with Sandhyatara, that deals with the everlasting disrespect to the parents by their children whose only interest in the elders remains focussed on the wealth they will be leaving and who doesn't care to give a damn for their sentiments. But the interesting twist in the final pages will no doubt make the reader enjoy this among the rest. Tapur Tupur deals with a more personal issue where a couple tries to evade disgrace in the face of their wretched finances. In the next the Chokhe Angul Dada is brought to trial in the Heaven where the Almighty shows his own faults to which this man was blind so long as he spent the days in Earth just by noting the shortcomings of others. Kaalbihanga is another social drama which seems too short for its completeness but no doubt can convey the message home. A humorous Two-in-One, is not so good as a plot but is only enjoyable due to its unique comedy. Next comes the perfectionist in the bachelor Madan whose humorous plight as he travels to seek fortune from his village leaving his ailing family to the city is narrated by his own lips in Aami Madan Bolchi is both enlightening and enjoyable. Prabhat Fire Esho is a wonderful drama that consists of several stunning twists that shows evolution of characters and the mask they possess.

The entire volume is enjoyble but for the content page that contains several gross mistypes which must be rectified as early as possible.

Samagra Kishore-Sahitya Vol. I

The content runs as

• Aamar Katha
• Stories

• Matsya-Puran
• Atha Nimantran Bhojan
• Dadheechi, Poka o Viswakarma
• Sabhapati
• Khattanga o Pallanna
• Bhuture
• Camouflage
• Policer Karbari Alaada
• Dhaus
• Romanchakar Banduk
• Kuttimamar Dantya-Kahini
• Thale Rahasya
• Daitya-Sangeet
• Sanghatik
• Peshawar ki Aameer
• Bhaloe-Bhaloe
• Banbhojoner Bepar
• Py(n)acha o Pa(n)chugopal
• Parer Upakar Korio Na
• Sei Boiti
• Charanamrita
• Ekti Football Match
• Duranta Nouka-Bhraman
• Durdharsha Motor-Cycle
• Kuttimamar Haater Kaaj
• Upanyas
• Andhakarer Agantuk
• Charmurti
• Charmurtir Abhijaan
• Kabita, Chora o Prabandha

"Di-La-Grandi Mefistofilis", on hearing this, a vast majortiy of Bengali readers will at once respond with the apt cry of "Yaak Yaak!" Yes I'm talking about Charmurti: the adorable quad comprising of Habul, Kyabla, Pyala the narrator and last but certainly not the least Tenida. The volume contains hilarious episodes centering them and several other characters that have come alive by the able penmanship of Narayan Gangopadhyay.The volume starts with the author narrating about his entry into the Bengali literary world - of his childhood passion for writing stories - of his enthusiastic fan who prompted him into writing novels based on the fantastic and romantic imaginations of the youth - all woven so beatifully that the reader will immediately be captivated by the enchanting storytelling of Shri Gangopadhyay.The comic sequences, the enjoyable embarrassments, the memorable misunderstandings and above all the fantastic adventures all combined will produce peals and peals of laughter from the readers. Nostalgic events, some serious articles and a thrilling novel comprises a part of the book but above all comedy prevails in its most extravagant way without a trace of malice that had made it a classic of all times. The hilarious adventures had at once made it a favourite and a cherished collection from my early childhood and even now when I go through, it ups the mood immensely. Spontaneous comedy of this sort had been so long absent from Bengali literature that its charm has been ever increasing and I always recommend this to any person who loves to smile. I'm certain this will make them laugh and those who loves to laugh let them find the true stimulant. The only parallel being Jerome K. Jerome and P.G. Wodehouse, the author, in my opinion will always remain a king of comedy stories. Even the little verses that has ornamented the book hints at the comic genius in the author.

Fyatarur Bombachak O Anyanya

I don’t know in which category I’ll classify this book dedicated on the exploits of people belonging to the order of Fyataru. Is it comedy? Is it satire? Is it a vulgar reminder to devulgarise (this is not proper grammar, but who cares when I’m describing Fyataru) our society? I really don’t know how I’ll categorize the magic realism created by Nabarun Bhattacharya but it's a real winner for the lonely souls. In the opening narrative Fyataru, a senior Fyataru Madan recruits a newcomer whom he designates DS, in honour of his favourite brand of alcohol. He teaches him to fly by chanting “Fyat Fyat Sai Sai” and teaches him the principle of the organization – to create chaos wherever possible. DS reunites with his estranged wife in Fyatarur Bombachak who had previously eloped with his client. In Boimelae Fyataru, the duo steals books from Bookfair taking advantage of the fire and creates panic among the security as they flies off with the loot. Quite contrastingly in Subhobibahe Fyataru, they stop a corrupt businessman to get his son wedded a second time after killing his first wife. In Biswacape Fyataru the pair enjoys relaxing moments watching the world cup final in the colour television snitched from a rich man's house for just a few hours and returned it after the match thus creating more confusion in the process. In the vulgarly humorous Rabindrajayanti (Aqua)-te Fyataru the revenge against insult on a Fyataru’s work of art is being taken one year after in the most comical fashion possible. Though Purandar Bhat (is Bhat an abbreviated edition of Bhattacharya) appears in the story but his induction in the Fyataru gang is depicted in the following tale Kavi Sammelane Fyataru. In Bangla Sahitye Fyatarur Abadan the Fyatarus save an author from denouncing alcoholism. The author reappears in Fasion Parade Fyataru where he seeks help of Fyataru who succeeds in avoiding possible elopement of his wife. Embarrassing situations continue in Sadhu Samagame Fyataru where they cause immense trouble at the country’s capital. The final is how Fyatarus create global terror in Global Terror O Fyataru where international panic is created by them.

Thus the Fyataru organization proves their mettle in all of their exploits and though vulgar and coarse languages abound but it provides guilty pleasure for sure. Its parallel can only be Tenida and Charmurti but the version is contrastingy vulgar.

Gourer Kabach

In my childhood days, the story "Gourer Kabach" used to fascinate me due to its queer mix of comic incidents in a tragic backdrop, the matter-of-fact way in which the eccentric people are introduced, the simpleness of the protagonist Gour and finally the good prevailing over the bad. Maybe I would have felt the same had it not been the fact that certain points came to my notice this time. The most prominent being the overwhelming amount of printing errors that have marred the entire novel and is very much irritating for an avid reader. Next is the abruptness of the final chapter that also doesn't seem to satisfy the minds that are a bit more oldish among its target of young readers.
But apart from these two the story will continue to attract the young minds for the fantastic adventure of Gour and his friends. Magic, hypnotism, action combine to produce exciting moments throughout and will bring smile to the reader's face. Also strange characters abound, the novel is filled with comic incidents that makes the most serious moments equally enjoyable. Ghosts also find their proper place but are not so prominent as are the humans with their super powers.

Delhi Belly

The adult comedy with just that much adult touch as necessary is a hilarious ride through the capital's dingiest of lanes, the poshest of hotels, the messiest of bachelor's establishments and the scummiest of the underworld enterprises! And the cause of all these - a collection of smuggled diamonds that gets replaced with a stool sample.

Well saying these I don't think it will be no short of a spoiler to elaborate the rest that takes you through a riotuous ride where the life of three young men is held between the guns of the goons, unpaid rents, cheat traders, daring journalism, the perennial water problem and a stomach that never seems to get well.

The crisp package directed by Abhinay Deo, written by Akshat Verma and produced by Amir Khan et al focusses on the concept rather than the character and thus produces a fascinating drama of fun and action. Beautifully edited by Huzefa Lokhandwala the film promises enjoyment to the fullest. Vijay Raaz (the smuggler Somayajulu), Paresh Ganatra (landlord Manish) gives their performance the realistically comic touch and the protagonists in Imran Khan (Tashi) and Kunal Roy Kapur (Nitin) backs it up with the most restrained yet professional performance but my personal favourite is Vir Das (Aroop) whose expressions of the warm-hearted and obstinate friend, the cheated and frustrated lover, the annoyed and irritated employee and the daring but comical adventurer easily calls for applause.