Samantaral

Samantaral, a Bengali feature film directed by Partho Chakraborty, unveils an intricate, emotional tapestry enriched by a multi-layered narrative. Released in 2017, the film boasts heavyweights in its cast like Soumitra Chatterjee and Parambrata Chatterjee, along with Aparajita Adhya, Tanushree Chakraborty, and others.

In essence, Samantaral portrays the complexities within a middle-class Bengali family, held together by love and blood relation yet riddled with cracks of discrimination, deception, revelations and redemption. The film blends elements of drama, emotion, and social commentary through a fine storytelling technique, expert screenplay, and phenomenal performances; making it an intense and captivating cinematic experience.

The story revolves around an eminent yet conservative joint family, where every member's life is meticulously governed by established family traditions. The family patriarch, played by Soumitra Chatterjee, is a retired professor who cherishes history over the changing tides of the modern world. His character is a symbolic portrayal of the conservative mindset prevalent in society, resistant to change and unwilling to adapt to new thoughts.

Aparajita Adhya, playing the role of the obedient and submissive daughter-in-law, skillfully captures the essence of her character that is tethered with antiquated norms and held down by complex emotions. Parallel to these, Tanushree Chakraborty, as the protagonist's love interest, adds a breath of fresh modernity and subtle feminism to the narrative.

The pivotal character in this family drama is the mentally challenged Sujan, played impressively by Parambrata Chatterjee. Sujan's character serves as the underpinning of the movie's emotional and dramatic arcs. Despite his impairment, Sujan is compassionate, innocent and perceptive, constantly yearning for acceptance from his family, social inclusion, and a life filled with dignity. This contrasts sharply with the otherwise patriarchal setting, reinforcing the bittersweet juxtaposition of love, rejection, and acceptance that runs in the background throughout the film.

The film's title, 'Samantaral' - meaning 'Parallel' in Bengali - is a brilliant metaphorical representation of the characters' contrasting lives. While they reside in the same household and are united by familial bond, their perspectives, emotions, and life journeys run in parallel, barring them from truly understanding and accepting each other. The complexities, apprehensions, and internal conflicts of the family members are well depicted through the engaging narrative, making the film a captivating watch.

Through the course of the movie, Samantaral beautifully elucidates the theme of societal discrimination towards the mentally challenged and highlights their yearning for acceptance, respect, and a life free of judgement. The film tactfully employs several symbolisms and metaphors to convey its message, subtly drawing the viewer into its universe, making them experience a gamut of emotions, all while contemplating societal norms and human values.

This Bengali film stands out for its perfect blend of solid storytelling, impeccable performances, profound characterizations, and striking dialogue. The stunning cinematography effectively captures the grandeur of the family mansion and the ambient Bengali culture while complementing the emotional undercurrents of the narrative. The gripping script keeps the audience engaged till the end, urging them to empathize with the characters and their dilemmas, making for an immersive cinematic experience.

Samantaral is a testimony of the fact that regional cinema in India continues to produce some of the most significant, thoughtful and hard-hitting narratives. The film's ability to portray stark societal issues through the microcosm of a family hierarchy sets it apart. The raw emotions, subtle handling of grave issues, stellar performances, and excellent direction have made Samantaral a commendable addition to the oeuvre of Bengali cinema.

In conclusion, Samantaral is a poignant and thought-provoking film that masterfully observes and portrays the multifaceted human minds, societal attitudes, and the intricacies of relationships within a family setup. Samantaral instigates introspection about societal preconceptions and norms, ultimately highlighting the significance of love, acceptance, and dignity for all human beings, regardless of their physical or mental limitations. For those who appreciate cinema laced with profound realities and emotional depth, Samantaral is a must-watch.