Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei

I don't remember writing a detailed film review in IMDb, but this film deserves one due to two primary reasons: 1. This is the best film of Srijit Mukherji that I've seen in theatres.

2. This is the comeback of this extremely talented filmmaker that as fans, we had all been waiting for.

When it was first announced that Srijit Mukherji was going to adapt '12 Angry Men' in Bangla, I was very skeptical, given SM's track record over the last few years ('Padatik' was very good, and 'Tekka' too I liked). This was serious business. Adapting one of the greatest films of all time is a risky proposition. I didn't find the teaser or the trailer very unique, but the film convinced me to become a fan of SM once again.

Positives: 1. The performances: I would be doing the film a disservice if I didn't start with performances. EVERY SINGLE ACTOR WAS BRILLIANT! I don't want to take individual names here, because then I have to write all the 12 names, which is, frankly speaking, unnecessary. Every single one of them perfectly understood the tone and pitch of their individual characters and performed to perfection.

2. The screenplay: This has been one of my recurring complaints regarding SM's recent films (barring 'Padatik'). This film has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 mins with an absolutely tight screenplay. Not a single scene feels boring or unnecessary while giving every single character space. That's a tough balance to strike with a multi-starrer like this.

3. The cinematography: Every single scene is shot beautifully. There are a few location changes, and those have a reason (won't reveal that here because that would be a spoiler). The frames are pretty good and the camerawork, especially at two points at the end of the film, is superb.

4. The dialogues: SM's films always have good dialogues, and here every single character has got some great lines. The humor, especially in the first half, is unexpected, and it really works.

5. The music: The film has two songs, both placed impeccably in the film.

6. The overall concept of integrating the jury: As we know, the jury system has been abolished in India a long time ago, but the technique that has been used to integrate that in this film, I found that to be pretty ingenious.

7. The easter eggs: A scene showing 'Ek Ruka Hua Faisla' being performed on stage, small references to a few of SM's previous films, and a beautiful Tenida reference were beautifully integrated with the screenplay.

Negatives: 1. This film has one major negative point for me, which is actually a little important with respect to the screenplay, but it is a problem that cannot be really helped. The backstories of a number of characters have been shown here. Although that does provide context behind the reasoning of these characters, it also somewhat takes away the shock element of every revelation and decreases the overall philosophical impact of the film. It feels a little predictable, that is all.

2. At certain points in the film, it feels like the reasoning of quite a few characters is forced, that is, they already have doubts, but still are doggedly sticking to their original decision, which feels a little unrealistic at times.

Overall, I have to say, this is Sijjidda's true comeback. I was mighty impressed by the film and the scenes are still etched in my brain. I hope he continues this streak and keeps making films of this, or an even higher level.

9/10.

Terrific, Violent, Screaming. What would externally appear as a mere judge's verdict has been portrayed brilliantly as a take on The Jury of the human mind. Doubt creeps in beyond all convincement, combatting against unshakable biases and beliefs of what's true and false, and in the end, the truth loses its existence! How the Jury of the mind has to go through a violent frenzy, conflicting with each other, delving deeper layers and finally uncovering the surface together, an individualistic aggressive tussle becoming unanimous to arrive at the final verdict regarding anything for that matter. Once again, a masterpiece worth of justice none other than the Aantel of Bengali Cinema, Srijit Mukherji!

Sotyi Bole Sotyi Kichu Nei is a masterful adaptation of 12 Angry Men, and director Srijit Mukherji delivers it with intensity and precision. The film keeps a tight pace, with well-placed twists and strong dialogue-driven tension throughout.

The casting is spot-on, with each actor owning their role and adding to the overall drama. It's a rare courtroom-style thriller in Bengali cinema that stays both engaging and thought-provoking.

Final verdict: A powerful ensemble piece and a worthy adaptation. If you enjoy psychological tension and layered characters, this one's a must-watch.

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.