A Death in the Gunj

Movie Review (English and Bangla)

When I first came to learn that Konkona Sen Sharma was directing a movie, I instinctively knew that the movie would be different. I guess that thought came from the fact that she is Aparna Sen's daughter, and so a thinking director. What also pleasantly surprised me was the Satyajit Ray influence in the movie. There is a smooth subtlety that leaves you a little breathless because the characters have hit closer to home.

This movie is once again proof of the fact that the story is the king and the characters are the ones that bring in the magic to that story. It does not matter who the actor is. 

The Ambassador, the surrounding forest and the tribals with their music were characters that have added that special touch to Ray's movies and did the same here. From the opening scene, it was evident that there was something ominous waiting to happen and that grips the audience right from the start.

My heart goes out to the countless Shutus of every family who are fighting losing battles every day, and today this battles grows more intense and the consequences are equally disastrous. In the movie, the actors seemed to be born for the part played and therein lies the director's touch.

Thank you Konkona! Here's to many more such stories from you.

A Visit and a Movie

Its 2009 - In case you hadn't realized it!! I like the word NEW attached to the year. Gives a sense of anticipation. Like 2007, 2008 too ended with me travelling, though this time it was within the State. Visited Malda after a long time. It is always lovely to meet relatives after some years and when the joy is reciprocated what more can you want. Villages I visited have changed but not much. But the state of the town really depressed me. Seems as if it is on edge -- such is the topography now. The construction business is eating up space in the most haphazard manner and there is garbage dumped almost everywhere. I hear that land is more expensive in Malda than in Kolkata!
Anyway, I returned by bus and it took 11 hours. Crossed Behrampur, Shantipur and Krishnanagar. My travelling companion was my mother. Needless to say, the tour was enjoyable.
Last month I saw a Felu da movie-- Tintorettor Jishu. The plot was interesting as all Satyajit Ray stories are. I really enjoyed the cinematography. Sobyosachi is getting a little older for the role but then his age wasn't specified so I guess that'll do, since he's a good actor.