Megha Daka Thara : The Silver Lining…

Photo Courtesy http://www.impawards.com

As a person who didn’t know about Ritwik Ghatak or his work two days ago the movie “Meghe Dhaka Tara” which is loosely based on the life of this film Maestro was a confusing experience. The movie tells the story of Nilkantha Bagchi an alter ego of Ritwik Ghat in this film and his struggles to come to grips with changing times. 

Though the interweaving of characters, incidents and images in the dream/ dream-like sequences all add to the imaginative aspect of the film , it falls short in making the narrative less confusing. The visuals that overlap across time and space are among the high points in the film. But unfortunately audience who have not watched any of Ritwik Ghatak’s works or heard about him will have a hard time relating with all the sequences.  

Photo Courtesy http://images.musicjagat.com

 The background score adds to the emotional quotient of the scenes alternating between horror, disbelief, outrage and hope. Acting wise film rests on Saswata Chatterjee’s shoulders. As the Nilkantha Bagchi, a misunderstood intellectual trying to understand and fit into the world around him Chatterjee has given a terrific performance. He makes us believe in the things he believe and the passion with which he pursues his ideals invoke empathy in the viewers. 

Photo Courtesy http://www.venkateshfilms.com

The film fails to appeal to some audience because of its lack of simplicity. As most main stream moves enjoyed by audience the film refuses to be self explanatory leaving the viewers to fill in the gap,a winning formula that fails with some of the intended audience.