APARAJITO (2022): Aparajito-The Undefeated is a biopic on Satyajit Ray and essays the trials and tribulations he faced while making ‘Pather Panchali’ in 1950’s Bengal. The movie is directed by Anik Dutta who created the sensational Bhooter Bhobishyot in 2012. Shot in black and white, the movie is poignant, riveting with all-encompassing simplicity and intensity. It explores the influence of neo-realism on Ray’s debut vehicle. The movie also depicts the cerebral Bengali bhadralok coterie in 1950’s Calcutta steeped in intellectualism, revolutionary thoughts and penchant for Adda over a cuppa. Mirchi Agni appears in a couple of scenes as a Member of the Film Society that Ray founded back then.Jeetu Kamal is superb in depiction of Ray with his mannerisms and stylized acting although his voice is dubbed. Sayoni Ghosh is adequate as Bijoya Ray and her relationship equation with Ray is maturely depicted. Ray is shown as a westernized Brahmo Samaj liberal who objects to the term ‘boi’ frequently used to refer to movies by the hoi-polloi in Bengal. Barun Chanda as Jawaharlal Nehru shines. Paran Bandopadhyay is perfect in the comic interludes. In fact, comedy plays a major part in this movie and is interlaced with the subtlety of old-world Bengali humor that was prevalent at those times. The dialogues reign supreme in this movie and are the heart and soul of the film. The cinematography and casting of the supporting characters are also immaculate. There are several ‘aha’ moments in the movie which portray the iconic scenes that Ray shot for ‘Pather Panchali’. But I did not like the dream sequence too much-it does not stir the powerful feelings that ‘Nayak’s dream sequence did as crafted by Ray. The climax is uplifting and it shows Ray’s acceptance as an impactful filmmaker in India and abroad. As the end credits roll, you are undoubtedly going to feel a lump in your throat. The movie is a passion project for Prithwiraj Choudhury (my classmate from South Point) who apart from being a dyed-in-the-wool internationally acclaimed academic, is an accomplished singer and a fine arts aficionado and I salute his contribution to this masterpiece. The movie stars one my favorite persons, Priscilla Anne Corner (Priscilla Corner) who shines with her dignified presence.
AninditaRoyMusings 