Starcast: Dev, Roopa Ganguly, Anirban Bhattacharjee, Sohini Sarkar, Anujoy Chatterjee, Idhika Paul, and Ashim Roychowdhury Music : Rathijeet...
Starcast: Dev, Roopa Ganguly, Anirban Bhattacharjee, Sohini Sarkar, Anujoy Chatterjee, Idhika Paul, and Ashim Roychowdhury
Music : Rathijeet
|
|
Directed by: Dhrubo Banerjee
Directed by Dhrubo Banerjee,
this 2025 Bengali flick dropped right on the eve of Durga Puja, September 25th,
and it's got that big-screen spectacle vibe that's been hyped for ages. I mean,
with Dev in the lead as the titular dacoit, and it clashing with other
heavyweights like Raktabeej 2 and Devi Chowdhurani, the theaters were buzzing.
Walked into a near housefull show in Saltlake Kolkata, and the energy was
electric—fans chanting for Dev like it's a rock concert.
The story dives into the legend
of Raghu Dakat, that Robin Hood of Bengal who loots the rich zamindars and
British allies to feed the poor. But Banerjee doesn't stick to straight
history; it's more of a fantastical retelling, blending folklore with some mythical
flair. Set in a turbulent 19th-century Bengal, we see Raghu rising as a rebel
savior against oppression, outsmarting his arch-nemesis, the ruthless zamindar
Ahindra Barman. No major spoilers, but expect heists, betrayals, and that
classic underdog fight against colonial goons. The timeline jumps around a
bit—costumes have a distinct South Indian flavor, references feel doubtful—but
honestly, it adds to the larger-than-life feel rather than bogging it down.
It's less biopic, more epic adventure, which suits the Puja release vibe of
escapism and heroism.
Dev absolutely owns the screen
as Raghu. He's got that commanding presence—passionate, fiery, yet human in his
vulnerabilities. His physical transformation for the role, with all the
horseback riding and combat scenes, pays off big time. You can see the effort;
he's not just flexing muscles but channeling this folk hero's spirit. Anirban
Bhattacharya as the villainous Ahindra is impressive—ruthless and scheming,
bringing that intense edge he's known for. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic keeps
the tension high. Sohini Sarkar and Idhika Paul add emotional depth in the
supporting roles, especially in the romantic and familial threads that ground
the action. Roopa Ganguly pops up too, lending some gravitas. The ensemble
works well, though some side characters feel a tad underdeveloped, like they're
there to push the plot along.
Banerjee's direction shines in
the visuals—cinematography and color grading are top-notch, capturing Bengal's
rugged landscapes and stormy skies with a mythical glow. Shot in places like
Purba Bardhaman and Jharkhand, it feels authentic yet fantastical, with
sweeping shots of forests and forts that scream big budget. The action
sequences are a highlight: choreographed fights, daring raids, and that
signature dacoit signal before a loot—pure adrenaline. Music by Rathijit—wait,
I think it's the score that amps up the folk elements with haunting melodies
and upbeat rebellion anthems. Puja crowds were whistling along to the songs.
But let's be real, it's not
flawless. The screenplay has energy, but the storytelling sometimes prioritizes
spectacle over depth. We wanted more strategic heists from Raghu, those clever
tactics from the legends, but it leans heavy on drama and less on the bandit
smarts. Pacing drags in the middle with some repetitive chases, and the muddled
timeline might confuse history buffs. It's fan service at heart— if you're a
Dev bhakt yelling "Shiray shiray rakta, amra Dev-er bhakta," you'll
eat it up. For others, it might feel like style over substance, especially if
you're expecting a gritty biopic.
Overall, Raghu Dakat is an entertainer with the right mix of action, emotion, and Bengal pride. It's ambitious on scale, pushing Bengali cinema into epic territory, and for a Puja release, it delivers that heroic high. Dev's stardom carries it through the rough patches, making it a fun watch for families. It'll get your festive spirit roaring. If Bengali films keep dropping bangers like this, 2025's lineup is looking fierce.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
No comments