Kaalbela:Calcutta My Love | Reviews | TollyNewZ.com

Kaalbela:Calcutta My Love

(average: 4.00 out of 5)

Written by Su

Thursday, 22 January 2009 00:00

Kaalbela poster

It’s the first time in the history of Doordarshan that a work meant as its 10-part television serial has been converted into a 165 minute-long feature film. And in the process, it throws open a debate over the manner in which countless bright students from Bengal took to revolution, were disillusioned and left with unanswered questions regarding the discrepancy between their idealism and the conduct of those who changed tracks midway.

For those who have lived the 60s, Kaalbela will give a hangover of Kolkata life that was as much about watching trams burning against a backdrop of political unrest as was about sharing sweet nothings at Job Charnock’s tomb, seeking privacy behind the curtain of a cabin or adda at Coffee House. The rest, who came in late, the contemporaneity of the 60s women — their outlook as well as the way they loved and lived to remain in love — might wish to redefine the concept of women’s emancipation. And amidst all that stands out Pauli, who plays Madhabilata with such integrity that the pain in her eyes and the romance in her voice charms viewers to believe that she has it in her to lend her face to everything that Madhabilita has epitomised!

Parambrata has tried to give a mature performance as Animesh, specially in the scenes where he pays a disillusioned undertrial. It isn’t an easy task to portray a Naxalite’s dilemma as expressed in Samaresh Majumdar’s lines: “Nijeder prostut na kore, desher manush ke shongi na kore shudhu matro bukbhora uttejona ebong bideshi sloganke patheo kore tara sottyi hotokarita kore phelechhe.” And what makes Kaalbela so relevant even today is that the questions that had plagued Animesh then continue to haunt many brilliant students who gave up their careers in the late 60s to follow an ideology that they’ve subsequently questioned after having lost their years, limbs and peace of mind in prison.

Rudranil Ghosh, in the role of Tridib, is a revelation. While Santu Mukherjee is restrained, Anandi Ghose and Bratya are impressive. And of course, there is Soumitra Chatterjee who is just perfect for Animesh’s grandfather. Special mention needs to be made of Samir Chanda’s art direction.

Of course, a flattering budget would have ensured a better production value of the film which might seem a bit too long. Wish Animesh’s anguish in prison at how Madhibilata might be battling a world that scorns an unwed mother had been portrayed more vividly. The reunion of Animesh with his son, Arka, could have been more heart-wrenching on screen. In the novel, Arka’s first question to Animesh was: “Tumi haat te paro na?” And then, “Police kore diyechhe?” Having little Arka say this on screen would have made the ending even more poignant than what it already is.

Author: Priyanka Dasgupta
Source: TOI

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