Rutuparno Ghosh comes up with yet another
winner, with his latest Bengali film ‘Nauka dubi’ which was
dubbed in Hindi and released
as ‘Kashmakash.’ A moving portrayal of Rabindranath Tagore’s story
which was earlier seen in different versions both Bengali and Hindi and
directed by famous directors of a bygone era, ‘Kashmakash’ is a
delicately woven tale about relationships and the inherent drama
involved when pitted against duty, obligation and cupid’s
complications. The story is a bit convoluted for today’s times though
and complications and coincidences far too many to be taken to heart
without question. But it’s Rituparno’s craft and his ability to
manipulate superior performances from his actors, that makes this a
masterpiece rendition worth catching up with in the theatres.
It’s not an easy story to tell especially since the melodrama is
already inherent in the story itself. But Rituparno manages to keep his
narrative subtle and infinitely engaging. The developing romance
between law student Ramesh (Jishu Sengupta) and Hemnalini (Raima Sen)
is nipped in the bud when Ramesh’s father summons him home.
Hemnalini has no idea about what has happened and she like a dutiful
lover awaits his return. But Ramesh’s father has made other plans for
his
son. He is ordered to marry Susheela and Ramesh has no alternative but
to allow Susheela’s widowed mother’s plea and fall into step with his
father’s dictat.
Following the wedding, Ramesh and Susheela set
back for Kolkata in a river boat which capsizes in is a storm. Ramesh
survives and on regaining consciousness sees another woman, Kamala
(Riya Sen) lying nearby. Once she regains consciousness, it’s obvious
that she is suffering from a memory loss and believes she is
Susheela. Both set out for Kolkata on a train. Ramesh tries to search
out Kamala’s husband Nalinakshan’s whereabouts but does not succeed.
Meanwhile Akshay who is in love with Hemnalini finds out about Ramesh
and Kamala and informs Hemnalini about them. Hem is shattered and taken
to Kashi by her father (Dhritiman Chatterjee). Ramesh leaves Kolkata
with Kamala, having found it impossible to handle the scandal. Kamala
finally realises the enormity of her circumstance and sets out to
commit suicide, is rescued and is now under the care of her husband’s
mother. The story gets even more complicated towards the end before
resolving itself in the climax.
The pace is sublime,the plot is delicately woven, the
dialogue has a dramatic core that is felt more than heard- the
overall emotional resonance is amazing. Rituparno also manages to weave
a sense of mystery to enhance the dramatic effects of this ancient
story. Tagore’s progressiveness is brought to the fore with great
finesse. The film may not seem topical or relevant to today’s
permissive generation, but it’s heightened espousal of
honor, respect , sacrifice and ethics if viewed in the
right perspective
could give the wayward generation a sense of direction.
The visuals are also quite breathtaking. Every scene is artistically
rendered, light and shadow enhancing each moment and escalating the
visual beauty to a point where every scene appears painted. Sound
quality is in high order, Hindi dialogues have been composed with a lot
of care and the dubbing is also quite good. Raima, Jishu, Prosenjit and
Dhritiman have already proven their worth in several films before and
they have no trouble getting into the skin of their characters here
either. Riya , notorious for her attitude and affairs rather than her
talent, proves herself a solid actress here. Her rendering of
Kamala is note perfect, putting to rest all
speculation of whether she had it in her to make her grandmother, the
legendary Suchitra Sen, proud of her talent. So what are you waiting
for. Rush to the theatres...now!
Rating: * * * ½
Johnson
Thomas
