Pariah Volume 1: Every Street Dog Has a Name

Brutal, honest and emotional- this film is a brilliant attempt at something new. I would have loved to see a stronger bond between the little black puppy and the protagonist but I think that's being saved for the later instalments. The grisly tone of the film perfectly depicts the plight that stray dogs go through. I myself feed them each night and I know the ordeals. I could see myself in the chainsaw-wielding, blood-soaked Lubdhak. It'd be amazing if the director can bring in Kaal Bhairav, Dharma and other elements from our shastras / pauranik kathas to this heady mix and make it all the more epic. Bibek Debroy's book Sarama would be a good repository to draw from. I loved how the director brought in the murky realism of Nabarun Bhattacharya (ode to his Bangla novel Lubdhak) and blended it with the gory aesthetic of Doga (the dog-faced vigilante from Raj Comics). Wonderful, wonderful attempt.

Bhairava is an avatar of Shiva. His blessings will be with the director. No matter what detractors may say.

The intention and the action displayed are appreciable, however, the execution fell short, leaving me quite shocked to be honest, as the overwhelmingly positive reception led me to bear much higher expectations.

The script is devoid of depth, especially in terms of character buildups and the emotions they carry. It's a technical misfire as well.

The editing is subpar, with noticeable 'frame' repetitions. The visual effects are not up to par, as evident in the looped footage of caged dogs in the climax. The background score, while suitable for the setting, ultimately became monotonous, deprived of variations!

Thankfully the performances hit the notes well, especially that of Soumya's. He had the most amounts of dialogue to throw and he did not disappoint in his deliveries! Vikram was competent in doing action but needed to better in dramatic portions.

A disturbing movie about animals and humans who are overlooked. It has demonstrated how ignorance and egotism may plunge humanity and the natural world into peril.

We've been led to feel that obtaining something can be done and is acceptable, even if it means endangering other people's lives, by a combination of historical misconceptions and a great deal of irresponsibility.

Therefore, the government ought to prioritise developing the vegetarianism and vegetable industries rather than exterminating and consuming mammals (breastfeeding animals).

Animals that are stray need to have somewhere to stay, rest and live.

AN EXCELLENT MOVIE!

First of all congratulations to Tathagata for presenting a commercial movie to the Bengali audience. But when Tathagata movie, I expected a touch of art from him. But disappointed.

Concept and storyline are good. Everyone's acting is good. Especially new faces. The most notable among them is Vikram's friend. He acted very fluently. Such actors should be given more opportunities. Hope to see Vikram more in commercial movies. It was very good to see Ambarish in a negative role. Many thanks to the director for removing him from the shell of the comedy and presenting him to the audience in a different role.

Cold room has a view it is made in very small scale. It could have been shot better. The VFX work is very poor.

Pariah (2024) is a Bengali action thriller that delves into the illegal dog trafficking trade in Kolkata. The film follows the journey of a reclusive man who discovers a cruel racket supplying stray dogs to North East India. Driven by a deep-seated love for animals, he embarks on a violent crusade to dismantle the criminal network and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The film is notable for its unflinching portrayal of violence and its unflinching exploration of the protagonist's descent into a world of brutality. The action sequences are intense and well-executed, showcasing the protagonist's transformation from a quiet observer to a ruthless vigilante. The film also features strong performances from the lead actors, particularly Vikram Chatterjee, who delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted protagonist.

However, Pariah is not without its flaws. The film's narrative occasionally veers into predictability, and some of the plot points feel contrived. Additionally, the film's graphic violence may not be suitable for all audiences.

Despite its shortcomings, Pariah remains a compelling and thought-provoking film that raises awareness about the plight of stray animals and the dangers of illegal wildlife trade. The film's powerful message and engaging action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Pariah (2024) is a gritty and intense action thriller that explores the dark underbelly of the illegal dog trafficking trade in Kolkata. While the film's narrative may not be entirely original, its strong performances, intense action sequences, and powerful message make it a worthwhile watch.