Asur Film Review
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Asur Film Review
Three art college friends, Kigan (Jeet), Bodhi (Abir), and Aditi (Nusrat), find themselves caught in a web of intricate emotions, where love unveils both its brightest and darkest hues. Asur beautifully encapsulates the essence of life, exploring the shades of black, white, and grey, while adding a touch of Bangaliana to its narrative. With commendable performances and a compelling storyline, this film stands out among its peers, raising the bar for its genre.
In the film, Kigan, an eccentric yet immensely talented sculptor, takes on the ambitious task of creating the tallest Durga idol in Kolkata for the Deshabondhu Park Puja. This concept might ring a bell, as it mirrors real-life events. Kigan's creation becomes a magnet for lakhs of visitors and garners numerous awards, but tragically, it becomes the site of a devastating stampede. However, there's a twist to this tale. The stampede is orchestrated as part of a plan to shatter Kigan's spirit and destroy the creation he considers his greatest gift to humanity. This dramatic turn of events highlights how even the most virtuous among us can become enslaved by circumstances and transform into asurs (demons).
The true hero of this film is Pavel's captivating story, where the lead characters navigate through a spectrum of shades of grey. At its core, it remains deeply rooted in Bengali culture and sensibilities. What sets this film apart is its ability to not overly rely on the star power of its actors, particularly Jeet and Abir. Each member of the cast delivers convincing performances, effectively conveying the intended emotions while relying on the strength of the well-crafted storyline and screenplay. This aspect highlights Pavel's prowess as both a writer and director.
However, like any film, Asur is not without its flaws. One notable issue is the momentary transformation of Kigan into Jeet, the action hero, during an encounter with some thugs. This portrayal doesn't align well with his character as a sculptor, who is often intoxicated and neglectful of his hygiene and fitness. It seems unlikely that he would possess the agility or combat skills to effortlessly defeat a group of assailants. Additionally, the lack of backstories for the characters raises questions. While it doesn't create a noticeable void throughout most of the film, one can't help but wonder why Aditi is the only one with a living parent or why Kigan keeps seeing his imaginary muse, portrayed by Rajnandini Paul. Is she truly a figment of his imagination or does she hold a significant place in his past? These unanswered questions leave room for interpretation.
Despite these flaws, Asur is undeniably a film worth watching. The performances by Jeet, Abir, Nusrat, and the rest of the cast are commendable, capturing the essence of their characters. Moreover, the intriguing love-hate relationship among the trio adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, making it a compelling viewing experience.