BASU PARIBAR: It is interesting to see how Bengalis still throng to watch the veterans Aparna Sen and Soumitra Chatterjee who put in feisty performances in this movie. The leading pair look age- appropriate in this drama where their 50th wedding anniversary is being celebrated. Th first half is engaging but the second half drags to death. At even 1 hour 51 minutes, the movie is a sore bore. The climax is disappointing-the story could have taken a different turn but it does not. The movie had the promise of a modern day “ Sakha Proshaka” but lacks Ray’s master touch. Director Suman Ghosh had a terrific ensemble cast but fails to utilize the star power. Paran Bandopadhyay shines as always. Rituparna and Jisshu are wasted in sundry roles. There are cursory references to crossdressing, impotency, unemployment, suicide, illicit love, marital discord and what not. After a while, it seems as if everyone has skeletons in the closet getting ready to squeal. The newcomer Sreenanda Shankar is a letdown. With terrible acting skills, ghoulish looks and unkempt hair, she is an eyesore. The movie depicts the charm of suburban Bengal pretty well and the lifestyles of the rich and upwardly mobile from a bygone era.
AninditaRoyMusings 