Shibdas Bhattacharjee

Jehanabad- Of Love and War: Superb Creation Bihar has been presented as epicenter of criminal activities in different Films. Bollywood has produced so many films and Web Series based on the same theme. This is undoubtedly one of the cherished themes of Hindi Film Industry and the Audience. The same has been executed in the last few years which have attained wide-acclaim. Bihar went through several turbulent phases. One of the reasons is definitely the caste-based demography of the State that has kept on shaping political discourses of Bihar. The economic inequality, exploitation and poverty prevalent in the State resulted in gun-culture and ceaseless violence to register and protect rights. The situation obviously became more complicated as against the Ranbir Sena of the Bahubali political leaders, the exploited lower castes decide to take arms to safeguard their rights. This provides a fertile ground for the Left-winged extremists thriving strong roots in Bihar and newly formed State Jharkhand bifurcating erstwhile Bihar. The conflict becomes imminent and unavoidable. Jehanabad- Of Love and War narrates this story compiling both fact and fiction related to Jehanabad. The Plot- Jehanabad- Of Love and War is a Web Series compiles all aspects of Cinematic Creativity. The most important aspect is the Web Sesries makes proper balance between two opposite, contradictory but evenly attached dimensions of the narratives called Love and War. The Plot is based on the trouble-torn past on the conspiracy of the Naxalite leaders for one of its leading leaders from the prison of Jehanabad. The typical political activity of Bihar goes on along with this conspiracy. But the Film depicts a love story which provides a different dimension to the story. All aspects of the film are coherent and connected in unique manner. The plot explores different aspects relevant in individual and national lives in the context of Bihar. The plot successfully explores issues, prejudices, emotions and sensibility of the individuals and the society in a convincing manner. The most important aspect of the Web Series is: it explores Love, Concord, other human appeals and sentiments amidst politics, Left-winged extremism, hatred, conspiracy, corruptions and other menaces plaguing the society and the nation. Exploring affection in the battleground is no doubt an established theme in the realm of creativity. But this Web Series definitely adds something in the tricky track of Bihar politics where caste and sectarian affiliations create political equations. The menace of Left-winged Extremism has become a new concern in the discourses of politics and provocation of a section of self-acclaimed messiah instigates the youngsters to commit crime in the name of social-reform. The story ends with a great anti-climax as the girl discovers her lover and teacher involved in fierce gun battle as a Naxalite against police and other security personnel on their marriage day. Final Remarks- The Web Series is great manifestation of the Reality Mingled with Emotions and Sensibility with a Larger Message. Jehanabad- Of Love is undoubtedly a Superb Creation considering Every Aspect.

Aazam 2023 Movie: Excellent One The Crime Thriller is a loved theme world-wide. In India the Underworld Crminal activities particularly of Mubmai has been a popular theme of Bollywood Cinema for decades. A lot of Films Hindi have been made so far exploring the dark side of the financial capital of India Mumbai. Traditionally, the cocktail of crime and concord has been unleashed in such Movies. The 1990s witnessed sharp increase of underworld activities as organized crime in Mumbai. There some notorious names associated with the saga of the dark side of Mumbai. The rivalry among different underworld groups and occasional conflicts proved to be tough challenge for the security agencies and the administrations in the context of Mumbai. With the passing time, things have changed and Indian security agencies succeeded in eliminating the menace and the crime related to underworld activities declined substantially. However, complete elimination of crime in such a big city with so many stakeholders trying to manipulate own agenda is never easy. So the dark side of Mumbai is yet to be lightened completely and that is what makes the Hindi movies based on Mumbai underworld crime relevant in this era as well. Aazam Movie 2023 is a new addition in this context but with a lot of uniqueness. Plot- The plot of the Movie Azaam is well-knitted one. This explores the story that happens one night with some narrative of the past presented in the form of flashbacks. The story is all about Javed enacted by famous actor Jimmy Shergill to become the next Don of Mumbai after Nawab played by veteran Raja Murad. Javed repeats what happened 36 years back during the coronation of Nawab. Javed executes a full-proof plan to eliminate his competitors who are in the fray to replace Nawab. The film also exposes the unholy nexus comprising underworld Don, police officials and politicians. Unlike earlier films made on the same theme, Aazam does not portray any parallel romantic theme. However, the indirect mention of troubled past Javed tries to give the film a humanistic dimension. Nevertheless, end of the film without a slightest hurdle or harm to the existing evil seems the film deliberately overlooking this important aspect. The Film ends leaving a lot to ponder about. Sequences: All the Sequences in the Film are coherent and connected to the central theme as if the Film follows the doctrine of Ben Johnson’s Humour. Cast and Characterization Jimmy Shergill is excellent throughout the Film in the Lead role. Raja Murad: the veteran actor proves his caliber once again Govind Namdev is unique as usual. Indraneil Sengupta does not look that much impressive despite getting the opportunity to perform in larger canvass Ali Khan, Mushtaq Khan and Abhimanyu Singh do not seem in rhythm. The actors performed in relatively less important roles. However, the overall casting and Characterization of the film is brilliant one. Final Remarks- Aazam 2023 Movie is an excellent work of art with perfect execution. The film opens a new vista of Hindi crime thriller movie. Really, Aazam 2023 is Excellent and Must Watch One

Ruslaan Movie 2024: Old Wine in New Bottle? During the last few years Bollywood experimented with the theme related to the Lives, Struggles, Dedication and Supreme Sacrifices of those who work for the Intelligence Department of India. The films of such category may be seen as Tributes to those brave people and the Department that make us proud through their endeavours only for the nation. Apart from anything else, these films have made the terms like Intelligence, Sniper cells and other terms and terminologies related to military intelligence familiar among the rank and file. Whether such films that manifest the delicate security structure of the country and the underground mission should be allowed or not considering India’s security and strategic interests is a different debate. Whether the freedom of creativity should be entertained or not in such context is a bigger debate too. However, Ruslaan 2024 is a new addition in this category. Plot- The Plot is simple. The film tries to depict the desperate effort of an individual to prove his loyalty to India rising above religious affiliation. Boring Narrative- The way the film has been narrated is boring. It is obvious that despite patriotic spirit, viewers will stop watching the movie in the middle for obvious reason. After all, the film has drastically failed to take forward the action considering the interests of the viewers. So also, as a film related to military adventure, it is an utter failure. Drowsy Action Sequences - The most boring part of the film is its Action Sequences. The scenes are lengthy and repetition. After all, viewers do not watch films only for fighting skill. So also, the film has failed in making Action Sequences realistic which is one of the essential aspects to make such film successful. The film depends only melodrama. Lack of Co-ordination: The most challenging aspect of such film is successful and effective co-ordination of different dimensions of a film. The Film has some aspects like Romance, Friendship, Paternal love, individual apathy. However, the problem is: these are not even remotely connected to the pivotal theme. Boring Songs- Another reason of the failure of the Film is definitely the songs. The Song Sequences of the film enhance and intensify the level of monotony. The songs have failed to move the wheel of action in the film. Hence, these should have been avoided. Stereotypical Ending: The film keeps a surprising element at the end. The role-model of the young man Ruslaan discovers his foster father Jagapathi Babu as the traitor. But throughout the film except uttering a name of an unidentified person, the film does not give any indication so that interests of the viewers remain intact to watch that surprising element. In fact, viewers will not watch the whole movie as it lacks the most important element; suspense. As audience is not prepared for such ending, this significant aspect of the film has failed to impact. Cast Aayush Sharma, Sushrii Mishraa, Vidya Malvade all have failed to do justice with their respective roles. At this stage, they seem in the learning mood. In fact, the casting of the film makes it more monotonous. However, Jagapathi Babu proves his genius. Final Remarks- Ruslaan is a boring narrative and utter failure. The Movie is a failed attempt even in presenting the Old Wine in a New Bottle. Don’t waste time watching this.

I recently watched this unique Movie which is virtually trend-setter in the history of Bollywood Movie. The Movie hooks the attention from the beginning and as the action progresses underlines various dimensions of life both as a prisoner in the vast world as well as the so-called Prisons where one is sent after trial. The storyline and the narrative are excellent from every aspect. The assessment of ethical and unethical is beyond the ordinary logically purview. The Film proves why a Book should not be judged by its cover. It also realistically proves what Shakespeare has said, “there are more things in heaven and earth that are measured by our daily philosophy. The gasping agony of a father has been depicted with perfection. The film also proves what divine blessings actually mean for an ill-fated one who is the victim of circumstance. The prison life has been painted as a miniature world where along with negatives, losts of positives exist. This approach is realistic and there is no doubt about this. All the scenes of the movie bear special importance. But the unforgettable one is when Nadir Saab (Mukesh Tiwari) offers a cup of tea to Sagar Hussain (Rajpal Yadav). After a long phase of humiliations Sagar Hussain bursts into tears and ceaseless weeping after the magical touch of affection and humanity. Rajpal Yadav proves his genius as an actor. This scene keeps haunting every sensible individual. The film has both veteran and new actors. The casting is brilliant. Apart from the stalwarts like Kader Khan and Prem Chopra, the new age actors have performed great. But this Movie is really special for Rajpal Yadav. Yadav proves that he is an actor of all weather, a versatile. The film shows how humanity keeps on sailing amidst high tides of odds. The film is definitely a milestone in modern Bollywood Movie and Excellent to watch. I am out of words. The Film has made me a fan of Rajpal Yadav; great performance a must watch film.

Worthless Content I was waiting for this movie for a long time. But Watching it was a dejecting feeling. The presence of the writer Swapankumar, enacted by Paran Banerjee, has made it more monotonous. Banerjee's monologue is too dull. The occasional reference and deliberate comparison of Dipak Chatterjee with the immortal character, particularly Feluda, is utterly unacceptable. The theme and content do not have a head or tail. No doubt, the detective stories of Swapankumar are entertaining. But the perspective of this generation is different. The film has done more injustice to Swapankumar. The initiation of Swapankumar detective stories is a super flop. It is utterly worthless content.

The movie Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is an effort of celluloid portrayal of the struggle of an individual for justice. This deals with a very delicate theme of sexual crime against women in India. However, as a courtroom drama, there is exaggeration and confusing information regarding judicial procedure in India. In this context, the theme is rather stereotypical as far as the saga for Bollywood Courtroom dramas are concerned. Questions may be asked from different aspects of legal procedure as produced in this film. However, keeping aside the melodramatic legal proceedings, the theme tries to project the entire issue as a menace of the society in a rather convincing way. The theme is no doubt thought-provoking which highlights how a victim and honest law-practitioner; both are victims of the criminal justice system. The concluding remark of Manoj Bajpayee in the role of PC Solanki and his reference to the Ramayana has no connection with reality. Duration and the context of argument defining the concept of sin as per Hindu mythology may be good rhetoric . But the story-teller seems to be ignoring different ramifications of the Great Epic the Ramayana. However, the effort of generalization and expression of personal grievance uttering the lines like “Ye Ravan Hai”(This is Ravana), "Isne Mere Aur Hum Sabke Mahadev Ke Saath Biswasghat Kiya Hai." ( "He has betrayed my and our Lord Shiva.") Can anyone be termed so? Such long speech of an advocate in a court once again proves how Bollywood films make mockery of the judicial proceedings of India. On the whole, the story line is important and interesting. It length could have been shorter. Some unnecessary characters have also been included in the film that does not help in narrating central theme. What makes the film entertaining is the charismatic appeal of Manoj Bajpai in the lead role. After all, the film cannot be perceived keeping aside Manoj Bajpai. The thematic appeal remains under covered by stardom.