Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei

A neat adaptation of the Classic '12 Angry Men' by Sidney Lumet. Brajeswar Dutta, a Lawyer gets a case where a 19 year old allegedly killed his own brother and is to be in hearing tomorrow, with plenty of 'evidence' on him- An old man who heard him running after the murder and a lady who witnessed this murder through her window. The story is similar to the original, but the jury takes place on the lead actor's head and happens at fascinating places- An Art Gallery, Middle of a flyover, On a movie theater, beach and a forest. Dialogues were sharp and performances were extraordinary. Recommended! But could have bought in some new plot as for those who watched 12 angry men, it could be repetitive.

It's hard to imagine any remake or adaptation rivaling the seminal courtroom classic "12 Angry Men," yet here I am, witnessing something that manages to build on Sidney Lumet's vision and take it to new heights.

Admittedly, my bias may show since the film is in my native language, but there are certain nuances and a unique expression of emotions that only the language of Tagore can capture, and which Shakespeare's language simply cannot.

The stellar cast of actors were equally enthralling though felt underutilized at times, delivering powerful performances to bring Srijit's vision to life. In the poignant words of Parambrata, "Amar jonyo oke keno shasti dicho" beautifully illustrated the cognitive and confirmation biases inherent within the characters in this movie, highlighting how our past experiences biases us towards our present judgments.

In conclusion, it was a pleasure to witness Bangla film-lore leapfrogging back to its Heydays through the lens of this future 'El-Classico'. A masterpiece on jurisprudence.

Srijit Mukherji's "Shotti Bole Shotti Kichu Nei" boldly reimagines Sidney Lumet's iconic 12 Angry Men & it's indian adaptation "Ek Ruka Hua Faisla" , blending Bengali sensibilities with contemporary relevance. By transporting the story to the realm of a judge's subconscious, Srijit circumvents the constraints of stage-like storytelling, transforming the courtroom into a dynamic dreamscape-sometimes set in theaters, jungles, or crashing seashores. This clever artistic liberty infuses the film with visual grandeur while remaining deeply rooted in the philosophical core of justice and morality. This movie gave that level of goosebumps & flavours of Srijit's initial films like "Baishe Srabon", "Chotushkone", "Hemlock Society" etc.

The screenplay impressively marries timeless themes with modern socio-political commentary. From the rise of Hindutva ideology to racial and linguistic biases, the film reflects the prejudices haunting present-day society. Through sharp dialogues and vivid character sketches, it delves into the personal histories that shape individual ideologies, making its characters hauntingly real.

Parambrata Chatterjee delivers one of his finest performances as a marginalized figure whose layered portrayal lingers long after the credits roll. Anirban Chakraborty, as an outsider battling his linguistic and cultural insecurities, also leaves an indelible mark. While stalwarts like Kaushik Ganguly and Kaushik Sen stay within familiar territories, the ensemble cast complements each other beautifully, creating a symphony of conflict and introspection.

The film's art direction, from zodiac-themed chairs to striking cinematography by Prosenjit Chowdhury, elevates the narrative into a visually poetic experience. The unexpected inclusion of Bengali Baul music adds cultural depth, making the dream sequences richer and more resonant.

Finally, Shotti Bole Shotti Kichu Nei is a cinematic feast-intellectually stimulating, emotionally stirring, and aesthetically vibrant. Srijit serves up a layered, buttery dish of storytelling-rich in flavor and surprisingly easy to digest. A bold experiment that reminds us why the courtroom of human conscience is timeless.

This is a bold and imaginative adaptation that stands out for its presentation, creating a surreal and visually striking experience. The film's screenplay and plot have also been thoughtfully adapted to reflect West Bengal's socio-cultural scenario, grounding the story in a local context that adds authenticity and relevance. The cinematography and background score are strong aspects of the film, helping to create a compelling atmosphere. The visuals are thoughtfully composed, and the music supports the tone of the narrative well. The film maintains a unique tone throughout, staying true to its vision.

However, while the concept is fresh and the presentation ambitious, the execution isn't without flaws. The direction and screenplay are the film's biggest weakness, suffering from overlapping, unnecessary, and at times clichéd dialogue. This affects the overall engagement and flow. Additionally, some of the performances feel unconvincing and forced, suggesting that a few casting choices may not have been the best fit for their roles.

Despite these shortcomings, Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei deserves credit for trying something unique. It may not be perfect, but it offers a unique cinematic experience that's worth watching for its creativity and visual storytelling.

Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei starts with an intriguing premise-blending dark humor and social commentary-but stumbles under the weight of uneven storytelling and underdeveloped characters. The film's satirical take on societal hypocrisy and existential crises holds potential, yet the script struggles to balance tone, oscillating awkwardly between slapstick comedy and introspective drama without committing fully to either.

Performances are a mixed bag: while the lead actor brings sporadic charm, much of the supporting cast feels wooden, failing to elevate thinly written roles. The pacing drags in the second act, with repetitive dialogues and predictable twists that sap momentum. Directorially, the vision feels muddled-ambitious visual metaphors (like recurring motifs of emptiness) are overshadowed by cluttered framing and jarring edits.

The soundtrack, though catchy, often feels misplaced, undercutting emotional beats. While the film's critique of materialism and identity in modern Kolkata is timely, its message gets lost in a sea of half-baked subplots.

A missed opportunity. Watch only for fleeting moments of wit, but don't expect depth or coherence. Forgettable, despite its bold ambitions.