Hemlock Society

Hemlock Society is a black comedy directed by Srijit Mukherji and is based on an institution teaching people how to commit suicide successfully. The plot opens up with a melodious song being performed in a typical Kolkata pub and captures the essence of the nightlife of city of joy. Plot development is slow but magnetic till the first half of the movie and after that it becomes somewhat predictable. Parambrata Chaterjee has played his part pretty well as the male lead and for some reasons I think Koyel Mullick was not a great choice for the female lead but given the budget constraints it is an acceptable choice and ultimately worked for the movie. Roopali Ganguly and Dipanker Dey have acted well and the well-balanced chemistry between them as a couple is one of the best points of the movie. Background score was well synchronized with the scenes and the integrated emotional elements. The plot became thinner in the second half and it would have been better if the movie was cut short 20 minutes. I would have loved it if they have shown more of Kolkata, its food and the vibrant culture. Some of the scenes in the background are witty (such as a suicide note: Thank you for the fish) and shows the director's attention to detail. It is good to see that Indian directors are attempting seriously to make dark comedies and this film takes us closer to that dream.

Concept: I'm really amazed by the concept of the movie. I have never seen such a movie in any language. Read one story in my childhood in similar concept and happened to come by an article few days ago. But, I could never imagine someone would ever dare to make a movie on this topic. Topic? If summarized its "Assisted Suicide"! To make it more clear, let me translate the tagline of the movie i.e. "Morbe moro chorio na" (Die if you want but don't embarrass). So there is private organization which helps people to commit suicide successfully! Provides a 3 days crash course to enlighten the participants about various methods to suicide. What not to do and what to do etc. Meghna(Koel Mallik) recently has broken up with her bf. She's very upset after breaking up a 14yrs long relationship and wants to end herself. Enter Ananda Kar(Parambrata) the CEO of "Hemlock Society". He asks her to join the course so she could die properly without embarrassing everyone including herself. Rest you need to see.

Character development: Only two characters come into focus since the movie begins. Meghna and Ananda, even though I would say its Koel's movie. She first time got the chance to break out of her usual happy, bubbly, naughty characters. Her d-glam representation is also something she tried first time. And, I love her so I liked her anyway Supporting characters are also very strong actors but not much explored.

Direction: So Srijit Mukherjee made a hat-trick with his 3rd movie. Another totally different subject executed very well. A very beautifully crafted movie. Well executed first half and not so well executed second half. But, I've a question to Srijit, what is this obsession of him to explain everything, every character getting justice. Life is boring, zero dramatic. Why not keep that way. Would have really loved it if the "6 months later" part was not there.

Screenplay: Slow but steady. At a length of 2 and half hours its too much. Movies on such concept should be crisp and short. Which has the scope to impact to audience. Last few minutes just dilutes everything, breaks the quirky environment it created from start.

Cinematography: Good but not great.

Songs and background score: Few are already hit. Nice mix of pop and normal filmy music. Background music is apt to situations.

Editing: Poor job with editing. The movie should have been 30 minutes shorter.

Verdict: Even with few downside this movie wins (or would win) hearts because of its subject and great acting. Watch it even if you have to watch it with subs.

If you are not one of those, who love watching romantic films end with a happy scene, then this film is suitable completely for you. Completely a new concept and an excellent work by the director of the movie. Not because I am a Bengali, but truly it is one of the films which is a must watch. Cinematography was good, with great music. the acting was good too. Parambrata, Koel, Dipankar Dey were excellent. I guess the use of Sabyasachi Chakraborty and Soumitra Chatterjee along with Sabitri Chatterjee was not needed for such small roles. some other actors could have been used. Use of such great actors in such small roles means nothing. Even the entry of Jeet in a special appearance was forceful. But overall the film is a success and a must see.

Concept 10/10 because of uniqueness Dialogues 8/10 barring those instrumented boredom of few situations Cinematography 10/10 - feast of watching all through, studio and outdoor Music 10/10 - generally made feel good as an album Background score - 10/10 - never became a noise Story - 5/10 - because of predictability Acting - 7/10 - Character of Shantanu never became make believe one, accents of Anindita Bose taxes auditory nerves Casting - 8/10 reasons are same as those of acting Costume - 9/10 Col Samaresh Bagchi's uniform had an Airforce badge yet the colour of uniform did not match that of Airforce, the attempt to make up the gap through dialogues is clever, but not satisfactory. Screenplay -6/10, predictability, boredom, impertinent scenes.

Director Srijit Mukherjee could not match up the expectations he has created after Baishe Shrabon. The night and morning before setting out for Hemlock Society between Ananda and Meghna could have been shorter, so could be the road journey (I had to tolerate an entire song unnecessarily), so could be the situation just before Meghna leaves Hemlock Society. Yet I thank Mr. Srijit Mukherjee for he makes me watch contemporary Bengali movies.

It's really hard to describe how delightful this movie is. I am heartly giving thanks to Author who writes this kind of script so that directors are makings movies and we people can watch this with our families.

Wish i can watch this again and again whenever I feel depressed and whoever feel so.

This movie makes you laugh after end of the day.

This movie gives you some ideas to live.

We can breathe again tomorrow but we cannot wake up in our way.

If you want to see some good movie,are you really looking for a nice and decent valuable movie ? This movie is worth watching.

Don't miss it.

I haven't seen trailer or reviews when I watches this,it's a good story where good things happens.