Natoker Moto

Natoker Moto is a thought-provoking Indian movie released in 2015, which brings together elements of drama, biography, and suspense into a riveting cinematic experience. The film notably embodies the struggles of a female protagonist, who challenges the traditional norms of society to become an accomplished stage actress, while also grappling with the harsh realities of her personal life. The movie is headlined by the incredibly talented Paoli Dam as the lead character and is directed by ace filmmaker Debesh Chattopadhyay, who delivers a compelling narrative with his distinctive storytelling style.

The film title 'Natoker Moto' translates to 'like an actress,' and it effectively illustrates its layered theme through the life and experiences of the central character, Kheya. The story is drawn from true events, inspired by the life and untimely demise of a renowned theatre actress from the 1970s Bengali theatre scene. Paoli Dam, with her versatile acting chops, portrays this character layered with complex emotions, portraying the spectrum from vulnerability to courage, agony to ecstasy, and despair to determination. She truly brings alive the essence of the character, acting ‘like an actress’ unmistakably.

Rajatava Mukherjee plays a significant role in the film, providing a solid backdrop for the unfolding drama. Portraying a husband supportive of Kheya's aspirations, his nuanced performance displays the duality of a man torn between his love for his wife and the systemic patriarchal conditioning. It is through this character that the film deals with feminist elements, giving unfettered voice to the protagonist's experiences in navigating a male-dominated society both personally and professionally.

Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, the film presents an absorbing exploration of theatre life. The story's dramatic trance is intensively vivid, immersing the audience into the world of stage performances, the limitless passion for art, the clashes of ego, jealousy, and the eternal quest for recognition and fame. The aesthetics of the stage, with its lights, curtains, and costume, become an essential part of the narrative, accentuating the story's emotions.

One of the powerful aspects of Natoker Moto is the insightful look into the life of a struggling woman artist. The character of Kheya, while being an embodiment of strength and perseverance, also subtly embraces her flaws and faces the challenges life throws at her. The movie portrays Kheya's relentless pursuit of her dreams, her resilience in facing rejections, and the emotional trauma of infidelity, thereby highlighting the often unseen side of an artist's life.

The juxtaposition of the stage's make-believe world with real-life issues forms the crux of this cinematic piece. It meticulously captures the underlying paradox of the protagonist's life who learns the art of concealing her own anxieties behind the charisma of her on-stage roles. This interplay between reality tinged with moments of grimness and the audience's dream of theatre provides a stirring depth to the overall narrative.

Chattopadhyay keeps the narrative intense and dramatic, imbued with reminiscences and sometimes even eerily prophetic dialogue. The dialogues are beautifully written and are organically laced into the narrative, allowing the audience to deeply connect with the characters and their journeys.

The film's thrilling edge is the suspense that hovers around the mysterious death of the protagonist. Chattopadhyay masterfully connects the dots towards the climax, raising the suspense quotient, keeping the audiences hooked, and finally leading them to an unexpected conclusion.

The technical credits of the movie, including cinematography, background score, and production design, play a crucial role in enhancing the overall appeal. The realistic portrayal of the 70s era, combined with spell-binding visual storytelling, adds brilliance to the film.

In essence, Natoker Moto is a heartfelt tribute to the theatre and its artists, portraying the undying spirit and passion of an actress for her craft, despite the adversities she faces. Through its complex character development and intricate plot, the film probes deeper into the life of an artist and the thin line separating their on-stage persona and real-life experiences. This movie is a must-watch for cinema lovers who appreciate thoughtfully creative narratives that evoke profound feelings and contemplation on life, art, and the intricate bond between them.