Khawto

Khawto is a Bengali erotic thriller film released in 2016, directed by Kamaleswar Mukherjee and starring Prasenjit Chatterjee, Paoli Dam, and Raima Sen in lead roles. The movie revolves around a famous author named Nirbed Lahiri (played by Prasenjit Chatterjee) who falls for a young journalist named Meghna (played by Paoli Dam) and eventually starts an extramarital affair with her.

The opening sequence of the film sets the tone for what is to come. It shows Lahiri spending his evening in his apartment writing an erotic novel while sipping on a glass of whiskey. Lahiri is shown to have a bored wife, a strained relationship with his daughter, and a lack of inspiration. It is in this backdrop that he meets Meghna who comes to interview him for a magazine.

The plot of the movie picks up pace after Nirbed Lahiri and Meghna start seeing each other intimately. They both keep their relationship discreet, but things take a turn when the author's wife finds out about the affair. The situation becomes tense when Lahiri's daughter discovers the secret and threatens to expose him to the public.

The themes of the movie are dark, intense, and explore the complexities of human relationships. The director masterfully weaves a narrative of desire, deceit, and passion that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The film explores the psychological aspect of the characters and how their lives get affected by their actions.

Prasenjit Chatterjee delivers an excellent performance as Nirbed Lahiri. He portrays the character's internal conflicts and moral dilemmas exceptionally well. Paoli Dam is equally impressive in her role as Meghna - a smart, ambitious journalist who is grappling with her own demons.

The supporting cast is equally good. Raima Sen, who plays Lahiri's wife, delivers a restrained, nuanced performance as a woman who knows about her husband's affair but is powerless to do anything about it. The sound design, cinematography, and background score create a perfect ambience for the film.

One of the highlights of the movie is the steamy, intimate scenes between Prasenjit Chatterjee and Paoli Dam. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and the scenes are tastefully shot without being vulgar or too titillating.

However, the movie does have its flaws. At times, the narrative feels repetitive, and the pacing could have been tighter. Also, some of the dialogues and situations seem cliched, and the climax may not be satisfactory for some viewers.

In conclusion, Khawto is an intense, thought-provoking movie that explores human emotions and desires. The movie is not for the faint-hearted, and parents should exercise caution before allowing their children to watch it. The performances, direction, and technical aspects of the film make it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.