Aparajito

The movie started with a scene where Satyajit Ray's wife and mother were tuning on the radio to listen to an interview with Ray on All India Radio. Satyajit Ray just completed the movie Pather Panchali a few months back and the movie was being applauded by the people of various countries the movie was awarded prestigious awards in the various film festivals. In the conversation between the interviewer and him, then he told us the story of his love for film and his journey of overcoming various barriers to create the masterpiece Pather Panchali. Jitu Kamal's transformation into Satyajit Ray's character, his voice, and his act are commendable. Big Congratulations and Thank You to director Anik Dutta for bringing this for us.

Soo brilliant and nicely done. Perfectly acted.. perfectly directed. Every Indian must watch this as it shows the making of the greatest film in India.

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.

The first 5 mins I thought I was watching a documentary film on Satyajit Ray. Jeetu Kamal exceeded our expectations. Not only Jeetu, after so many years they did found the look alikes of all characters.

"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.