Chaalchitra Ekhon

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Chaalchitra Ekhon

10 May, 2024
1 hr 32 mins
3.5/5
Critic's Rating
0/5
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Chaalchitra Ekhon

Synopsis

A young actor struggles with his own idealisms and thoughts while working with a legendary director whose beliefs are sharply contrasting to his.
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Cast & Crew

Chaalchitra Ekhon Movie Review : Anjan Dutt’s heartfelt tribute to Mrinal Sen

Critic's Rating: 3.5/5
Anjan Dutt’s Chaalchitra Ekhon is based on his memories with filmmaker Mrinal Sen. A Darjeeling boy at heart, a young Ranjan Dutt (Sawon Chakraborty) is unable to connect with the city he lives in (Calcutta). When an interview leads him to director Kunal Sen (Anjan Dutt), he is fascinated by the man and puzzled at the same time. Shortly after he gets an opportunity to work in one of his films as the protagonist (Chaalchitra) and has the rare opportunity to see him up close in person.

For those who are familiar with Dutt’s professional and personal life will find familiar faces and incidents that peppered his youth. The young Ranjan is seen as a bit of an opportunist, who dislikes the city, the communist ideology and the lack of chances that can take him places. Although he grabs the chance, it comes at the cost of suppressing his own identity and acting choices to match the director’s needs, who doesn’t even bother sharing the script much, since he feels that it isn’t required. The camera closely follows the trail of his tears as his hair is shorn for a look test, or when he is consumed with anger at his friends for being critical about his mentor. His conflicting emotions as he struggles with his situation is very well-presented, and debutante Shaon delivers a strong angst, apathy and guilt-ridden act that is all-too believable.

As Kunal Dutt, Anjan Dutt delivers a well-presented performance that is definitely a bonus. Bidipta Chakrabarty as Mita Sen (based on Mrinal Sen’s wife Gita Sen) is a natural fit, her calm presence a quiet comfort in the course of the film. Subhasish Mukherjee in a small role is a wonderful addition as Sen’s worrying manager, who ensures everyone is well-fed and well-rested.

The film is shot mostly around the city, and while the director tries to ensure the timeline is matched, Kolkata often peeks through, together with sets and props don’t match the era (hoardings, signboards, modular kitchen and modern-design refrigerator), but it still doesn’t take away from the love the director has had for the city over the decades, and that reflects closely through frame after frame. Music by Anjan Dutt is peppy and hummable. However, in the course of the film it seems like Ranjan’s character is designed to absolve the director of his younger self’s decisions. That said, this is definitely an Anjan Dutt film that’s a wonderful tribute to the legendary director.

In-depth Analysis

Our overall critic’s rating is not an average of the sub scores below.

Direction:
3.5/5
Dialogues:
3.0/5
Screenplay:
3.0/5
Music:
3.0/5
Visual appeal:
3.0/5

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