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.
