Jaatishwar

Jaatishwar is a Bengali musical drama film directed by Srijit Mukherji and released in 2014. The movie stars Prasenjit Chatterjee, Jisshu Sengupta, and Swastika Mukherjee in the lead roles. The film is known for its unique storyline and innovative approach to storytelling.

The movie takes place in contemporary times and revolves around a young man named Rohit (played by Jisshu Sengupta), who is researching Bengali folk music. Rohit comes across a puzzling similarity between a song he has discovered and a song performed by a legendary 19th-century Bengali classical vocalist named Anthony Firingee (played by Prasenjit Chatterjee). Rohit sets out to investigate the origins of the song and his quest takes him through a journey of self-discovery as he learns more about the enigmatic Anthony Firingee.

Through Rohit's research, we are taken back in time to the 19th century, where we get to witness the life and times of the famous Anthony Firingee. The story of Anthony Firingee is one of hard-won success and tragic failure, and the movie traces his journey from a street singer to a renowned artist in Calcutta's music circles.

We see Anthony Firingee's struggle with poverty and social stigma, as he tries to establish himself as an artist in a society that views singers and performers as people of low morals. We also see his personal life, including his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Madhabi (played by Swastika Mukherjee).

The movie is full of soulful music that captures the essence of Bengali classical and folk music. Prasenjit Chatterjee's performance as Anthony Firingee is one of the highlights of the film. He portrays the character with equal parts charm and vulnerability, capturing the essence of Anthony Firingee's larger-than-life persona while also revealing his insecurities and flaws.

Jisshu Sengupta's portrayal of Rohit is also noteworthy. He brings a sense of curiosity and wonder to the character, as he delves deeper into the enigma of Anthony Firingee. Swastika Mukherjee's role as Madhabi is relatively small but significant, and she imbues the character with a sense of strength and resilience.

The movie's narrative structure is also unique, as it blends the past and present seamlessly to reveal the parallels between the two eras. The use of flashbacks and the non-linear narrative adds depth and complexity to the story and keeps the viewer engaged.

Another characteristic feature of Jaatishwar is its attention to detail. The movie does not shy away from exploring the minutiae of Calcutta's society and the music scene of the 19th century. The attention to detail is evident in the costumes, the sets, and even the language used by the characters.

Overall, Jaatishwar is a movie that blends history, music, and drama in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of the great Bengali artists of the past.