BISHORJON -- a review

BISHORJON -- a Review
By – Dola Dutta Roy


I have always liked Kaushik Ganguly ‘s films that are not only visually pleasing but thematically intriguing.
His general preoccupation with the human psyche, men-women, to be precise, and the conflict that underlies their physical attractions has often given his viewers a jolt. Offbeat themes as seen in” Shunyo e Bukey” or “Arekti Premer Golpo” or even “Chotoder Chobi” where he delves into the turmoil of secrets kept away from society and the intricacies that color human relationships and astound us. Of course, he has also explored the differences between generations as we saw in ‘Cinemawala’ or ‘Apur Panchali’; each, one of a kind.
However, “BISHORJON” is perhaps the most lyrical portrayal of conflicts that spread over cultural and geographical boundaries. It is about the love that gingerly explodes between a Hindu widow, Podda (Jaya Ahsan) and a man from India, Naser (AbirChatterjee) who is washed ashore on the banks of the Ichamoti River on the side of Bangladesh on the day of Bishorjon for the Hindus celebrating Durga Puja.
She saves and hides him in the caverns of her dilapidated village-house not knowing his secrets. Kaushik Ganguly, a local wealthy man has good intentions of marrying her but she shuns his undeterred wooing. Till the end Podda is unaware of his Naser’s true character and helps him connect with his family in Bengal. But all that ends is not always well.
Basically a love story, BISHORJON shatters the myth that love can conquer all. We learn that man cannot escape from the cage of his own making with his adherence to creed and geographical boundaries.
The cinematography is beautiful and the music by the late Kalika Prasad, haunting. Jaya Ahsan with her restrained acting seemed to have blended with the character she plays. Her mournful eyes and lispy speech make you want to cry for her. In spite of his good looks, Abir paled in comparison with her histrionics. Kaushik Ganguly as the ardent suitor for Poddo, got under your skin with his sweet talk and evil strategies to win her love.
A tad too dragging at times, the film is a departure from almost all KG’s earlier works as a filmmaker and enthralls you with the impact of the sonority of the dialogue as found in Bangladesh, the milieu of rural Bengal and the fervor associated with Durga Puja.
Copyright © Dola Dutta Roy

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