Neel Lohit

'Neel Lohit' is a Bengali film directed by Riingo Banerjee and stars renowned Bengali actors Samadarshi Dutta and Rohan Bhattacharya. This 2017 drama is a film that beautifully portrays the allure, charm, and mystery of Northeast India, one of the most picturesque and enigmatic parts of the country.

'Neel Lohit' is a sensitively handled story about a group of friends who are forced to confront their own inner demons and face the harsh realities of life, all the while negotiating their relationships with each other as well as the rest of the world. The film is named after the mighty Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh, also known as the 'Neel' (Blue) Lohit, and uses the river as a significant symbol and backdrop to the narrative.

The film begins with the lead character, played by Samadarshi Dutta, a successful Kolkata-based corporate executive, who receives a sudden and mysterious invitation from an old college friend, played by Rohan Bhattacharya, to join him at his home in the quaint, serene town of Parasuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh. Intrigued by the unexpected invite, Dutta's character decides to take up the offer, leaving behind his fast-paced life in the city.

On arrival, he is welcomed by the awe-inspiring beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, the fiercely flowing, almost surreal, blue Lohit River, and his friend's calm and composed lifestyle, a stark contrast from his own. Throughout the film, the director has done an excellent job of capturing the stunning locales and using them as a reflecting mirror to the characters' thoughts, emotions, and transformations.

As the story unfolds, we witness a unique interaction of three elements - the human aspect embodied by the characters, the spiritual aspect symbolized by the mysterious river, and the natural aspect represented by the mesmerizing landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. As the tale ensues, the characters undergo a series of emotionally jarring experiences. Their journey into the heart of this beautiful, yet somewhat inconspicuous state, also becomes a journey into their own selves.

Samadarshi Dutta's character, initially skeptical and surprised by the unhurried pace and simplicity of life in Parasuram Kund, gradually begins to see the appeal of the place and starts questioning his own fast-paced, materialistic lifestyle. Rohan Bhattacharya's character, on the other hand, proves to be a foil to Dutta's character, living a life of minimalist beliefs, indulging in self-contemplation, and seeking solace in the divine entity that Lohit River is believed to be.

'Neel Lohit' effectively explores themes such as discovery, friendship, life's purpose, transformation, and spirituality against the backdrop of incomparable natural beauty and the profound symbolism of the mighty river. It beautifully juxtaposes the stark difference between urban and rural lifestyles, the hustle and bustle of city life against the calmness and tranquility exhibited by the town and its inhabitants.

Riingo Banerjee’s direction skilfully merges the character’s journey of self-discovery with the captivating energy of the majestic river and the tranquil atmosphere of Arunachal Pradesh. The superior performances of the acting cast, Samadarshi Dutta and Rohan Bhattacharya in particular, further enhance the impact of the thought-provoking narrative.

In conclusion, 'Neel Lohit' is a refreshing, soul-searching, visually stunning cinematic feast that appeals to the viewers' emotions and intellectual faculties alike. It's not just a film, but a profound exploration of life’s meaning and purpose, it is bound to make you reflect on your life and its pursuits. The film’s inviting storyline, beguiling location, riveting performances, and introspective theme make it more than just a cinematic experience. It is a voyage into the heart of life itself.