Ardhangini Film Review
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Ardhangini Film Review
Husband's ex-wife and ex-husband's current wife, what can be the exact equation of these two people? Is it only outrage, the burden and resentment of unknown complaints, or is it possible to find compassion and cooperation in this relationship??? It is very difficult to say! Human psychology is often so complicated! What Director Kaushik Ganguly brings in this poignant tale of human relationships is relevance. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration if I say that it feels somewhat like poetic realism. The characters converse in this film with heavy emotional and realistic undertones simultaneously, which is a remarkable achievement.
The story goes like this: Suman Chatterjee’s (Kaushik Sen) cerebral attack and a subsequent comatose state bring his wife Meghna, portrayed by Jaya Ahsan and ex-wife Subhra played by Churni Gangul, together on a mission. In a non-linear progression, the film unfolds the layers of complex equations, social conventions, and dynamics of affection within and beyond a family.
Kaushik Ganguly's Ardhangini could have easily fallen into a melodramatic trap owing to the story it deals with. But very skillfully he avoids it with a measured and mature screenplay. The way he creates emotional turmoil, guilt, anguish, and anger among the characters is what makes the film an engrossing watch and transforms it into a gripping tale of marital relationships.
In a sense, Ardhangini is Churni’s film. The film revolves much around her point of view. It is disheartening to see that an actress of her calibre is largely confined to Kaushik Ganguly’s films and not explored by others. Side by side, it is Ambarish Bhattacharya who steals the show. His presentation of an unmarried youngest son in a large family is just perfect. Time and again the actor has established himself as a dependable actor.
Jaya Ahsan shines with her unputdownable screen presence. She is engaging and graceful although her character is quite complex to handle. Besides, her charming dialect is beautifully utilised by Kaushik in this film. The powerful actor he is, Kaushik Sen takes a masterclass in acting every time he gets screen space. Daminee Benny Basu sparkles in a small but significant role.
The intimate frames, the cautious and sensitive camera movements, atmospheric lighting of scenes make almost every scene meaningful. The contrast of characters between Churni and Jaya makes their interaction scenes brimming with brilliance. The still relevant social disadvantages of being a woman in a patriarchal society are brought upon sensitively; it doesn't have a preachy tone, rather it comes off quite organically. Despite dealing with such a serious issue, the film has its humorous moments which are so beautifully placed and staged, that it doesn't seem to be forcefully fed in.
The music sometimes feels overburdening in some scenes but it gets better as the film progresses. Iman Chakraborty's song Ebhabe Here Jai leaves a mark.
Ardhangini is a true human drama delivered by one of the finest filmmakers of Bengal with very few hiccups. It is an example of a tasteful Bengali family drama and surely a must-watch.