Starcast: Ritwick Chakraborty, Srabanti Chatterjee, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Sujan Mukherjee , Shantilal Mukherjee, Bidi...
Starcast: Ritwick Chakraborty, Srabanti Chatterjee, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Sujan Mukherjee , Shantilal Mukherjee, Bidipta Chakraborty and Rajnandini Paul ( Special Appearance)
Direction: Sayantan Ghoshal
Music: Rabindranath Tagore and Debajyoti Mishra
"Rabindra Kabya Rahasya," a 2025
Bengali-language thriller directed by Sayantan Ghosal, is an ambitious
cinematic venture that intertwines historical intrigue with modern suspense.
Premiered at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in
November 2023 and nominated for the prestigious ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal, the
film has garnered attention for its cultural resonance. Starring Ritwick
Chakraborty, Srabanti Chatterjee, Ritobroto Mukherjee and Priyanshu Chatterjee,
it explores a century-spanning conspiracy linked to the legacy of Rabindranath
Tagore, India’s revered Nobel laureate.
Storyline:
The narrative of "Rabindra Kabya Rahasya"
(translated as "The Mystery of Rabindra’s Poetry") is a complex
tapestry that weaves together past and present. Set in 2021, the story follows
crime writer and cipher expert Abhik Bose (Ritwick Chakraborty) and Rabindra
Sangeet researcher Hiya Sen (Srabanti Chatterjee) as they unravel a series of
murders eerily reminiscent of killings from a century ago. These historical
murders, set in 1923 London, involve poet Ekalavya Sen, whose unpublished works
were plagiarized, prompting a vengeful retribution. The modern-day
investigation uncovers a conspiracy to tarnish Tagore’s legacy with forged
manuscripts and politically charged accusations, including claims that he
opposed Indian independence. The plot navigates between Kolkata and London,
using various tragedies and facets of Tagore’s life as cryptic clues to expose
a nefarious plot against India’s cultural heritage. While the premise is
gripping, the screenplay occasionally falters with speculative historical links
that lack backing, leading to moments of ambiguity. Nonetheless, the second
half tightens, delivering a suspenseful resolution that keeps viewers engaged.
Direction and Other Technical Departments:
Director Sayantan Ghosal, known for his work in
Bengali thrillers like Jawker Dhan, Alinagarer Golokdhadha and Satyanweshi
Byomkesh, brings a distinctive vision to "Rabindra Kabya Rahasya."
His approach avoids the conventional biopic route, opting instead for a murder
mystery that pays homage to Tagore’s legacy while exploring global
conspiracies. Ghosal’s direction shines in its ability to blend historical and
contemporary timelines. The cinematography by Tuban is a standout, he captures
the various parts of London and combines past and present well, creating a
visually compelling experience. The makeup and costume design are mostly
meticulous, grounding characters in their respective eras, particularly in the
authentic portrayal of Tagore. However, the editing occasionally feels uneven,
with the first half struggling to maintain suspense due to a scattered
narrative pace. Despite these hiccups, the technical execution, from set design
to lighting, enhances the film’s immersive quality.
Background Music:
The background score, composed by Debajyoti Mishra,
relies heavily on Rabindra Sangeet, Tagore’s iconic musical compositions, to
underscore the film’s thematic depth. While the use of familiar tunes is
evocative and ties the narrative to Tagore’s legacy, the score feels too
conventional at times. The music effectively complements the emotional weight
of the flashbacks and the suspenseful modern investigation but lacks a bit of
innovation The sound design, however, is noteworthy, with subtle cues enhancing
the eerie atmosphere, particularly in scenes decoding cryptic messages.
Performances:
The ensemble cast delivers a range of compelling
performances that anchor the film’s ambitious narrative. Ritwick Chakraborty as
Abhik Bose is good, although he didn't portray the crime writer with more
emotional depth, but still he makes his unraveling of the mystery both
believable and engaging. Srabanti Chatterjee, as Hiya Sen, brings warmth and
conviction to her role as a Rabindra Sangeet vocalist, sharing a natural
chemistry with Chakraborty that grounds the investigation. Priyanshu
Chatterjee’s portrayal of Rabindranath Tagore is a highlight, offering a
restrained yet haunting depiction that captures the poet’s dignity without
veering into caricature, even though his voice had to be dubbed . Rwitobroto
Mukherjee, as the brooding poet Ekalavya, delivers a simmering intensity, while
supporting actors like Shantilal Mukherjee, Bidipta and Sujan Mukherjee add
depth to the narrative. The performances collectively elevate the film,
compensating for occasional screenplay weaknesses.
"Rabindra Kabya Rahasya" is a visually
arresting and intellectually stimulating thriller that dares to reimagine
Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy within a fictional conspiracy. It also sheds light
on "soft cultural war" throughs social media. Its selection for the
Indian Panorama at IFFI Goa 2023 and nomination for the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi
Medal underscore its cultural and artistic significance, though it narrowly
missed the award to the Franco-Greek film Drift. Sayantan Ghosal’s direction,
bolstered by strong performances and evocative cinematography, crafts an
accessible yet thought-provoking cinematic experience. While the screenplay’s
historical speculation occasionally temper its impact, the film succeeds in
blending literature, history, and suspense into a cohesive narrative. For
audiences seeking a thriller that challenges perceptions and celebrates
Bengal’s cultural heritage, "Rabindra Kabya Rahasya" is a commendable
watch.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
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