Aparajito

Everything I Wanted & More.

I have been absolutely fizzing to see 'Aparajito The Undefeated ' from the day it was announced, Biopics touch people in a way few other stories do. In the case of Aparajito the film detailing the life of Mr. Satyajit Ray, The film does a fine job portraying the story behind the making of Mr. Ray's iconic film 'Pather Panchali'.

The screenplay is pasted by Jeetu, and the film is directed sensitively by Anik Datta.

A Great Start, Jeetu Nails It.

A Story To Admire.

Some people might not agree with me but Aparajito is a beautiful movie all around, the shots are mesmerizing, and the cast is on point.

The story is inspiring and feels real, the film was masterfully directed.

We should never forget stories of truth such as this.

"A film about changing films"- describes the film perfectly, it shows how an ordinary filmophile can make a film different from all the conventions and change the vision towards film forever. The film is not only about how Ray made a masterpiece but also about himself.

The film deals intelegently with all the topics with many subtle comedic dialogues which is not forced upon. It is not an event by event documentary but a storyline that portrays the journey very swiftly and beautifully. It will give you a nostalgic feel with added back stories. Many untold story is shown, some of which is very shocking and interesting. Cinematography is as usual very lively, the type we see in Anik Dutta. Casting is the main USP of this film, almost every character fits perfectly, the makover department has done a very good job. Music is also very subtle yet powerful and well placed in the scenes.

Now coming to acting, Jeetu is just outstanding and mind-blowing, his resemblances is just spot on, but that is not all, his acting, expressions, body language and posture us just uncanny. The person who did the voice reconstruction for the role is something that will be recorded in history. Coming to negative points, there are some side scenes mainly the public scenes are a little bit loose, although it is common in most of Bengali movies.

Anyway this movie is worth watching in every way.

Best tribute to the legend of all legends in Indian Cinema - Satyajit Ray. Congratulations Anik Dutta & Team. Splendid work. Jitu Kamal what an acting, special mention to that person who did the voice over for him. Sandip Ray, with all due respect & utmost humility have to say this, sir you should have made a film on this long back. Also kind request make Satyajit Ray open to all good directors to explore further, instead of clinging to his work as ancestral property ! Manikbabu is for all. #Salute #Respect Maharaja of Indian Cinema, Ray once again.

The nagging fact that Bengali films are now aiming for surface level narrative is quite sad. Anik Dutta has done that too,his narrative is more event-based rather than character driven which would have worked more I guess. If incorporated in a right way,Ray and his passion for film-making might have been the driving force of the film. It would have resonated more to the audience.

Ray was an enigmatic personality,but Anik Dutta didn't explore that in his film. He made this film about the story of making "Pather Panchali" by Satyajit Ray,that though isn't a bad narrative choice but still it nags me.

A thoroughly sliced tale of the making of the first Ray film is pretty satisfying to look at. The incredible journey of some amateur but passionate individuals struggling to make a film is the prime focus of it. The director has shown expertise in documenting and dramatizing the journey quiet well.

As the performances go,Jeetu Kamal was physically satisfying as Satyajit Ray. He adapts Rays mannerisms,his appealing personality effortlessly,kudos to Somnath Kundu and entire make-up team for making this possible,to match up the deep vocal tone of Satyajit Ray ,Chandrasis Roy has dubbed his voice for the purpose which is quite impactful.

Saayoni Ghosh as Bijaya Ray fits well to the role,an everlasting presence throughout Ray's career Bijaya ray's role has treated with vigilance. The overall casting has been quite impressive in the film.

Supratim Bhol has done stupendous work with his camera in the film. The visual flamboyance the film presents is beautiful to look at,be it the recreation of the iconic train scene or shooting the film in a monochromatic silvery tone ,he has paid a fitting tribute to not only Satyajit Ray but also Subrata Mitra ,the chief cinematographer of the film who before that has never handled a movie camera ever in his life. Debojyoti Mishra's soothing music has dignified the watching experience of the film to a great extent .

There is an pure ,unfiltered urge in the film which is impossible to ignore but the passion ,desperation Ray had for making film is missing here. Pather Panchali has paved the way for a certain wave in Bengali intellectual cinema to begin it's journey,although "Aparajito" works well as a documented tale of making a film,it couldn't be a landmark to inspire such a wave which Pather Panchali started.

It would take ages and decades to realize how remarkably talented Mr. Ray was! Satyajit Ray isn't just a name but an emotion to millions of Bengali_s as well as Indians. I am sure, people would have failed to accept just any other actor playing this character. I would say Jeetu kamal is the best invention of the century. The movie, the direction, how the story was arranged, realistic aspect- everything was beyond expectation. It is hard to express the experience in words. Good job team.