Guldasta Film Review
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Guldasta Film Review
Guldasta, a significant Bengali film released during the festive season of Durga Puja, holds its place among other notable films. The title itself, which translates to "bouquet of flowers" in English, sets the tone for a visually captivating experience. Directed by Arjunn Dutta, known for his debut film ABYAKTA, Guldasta proves to be another cinematic masterpiece under his helm.
Guldasta's strength lies not only in its narrative but also in its visual aesthetics. The cinematography and art direction contribute to the film's overall allure, creating a captivating visual tapestry that enhances the storytelling. The film's soundtrack, like a melodic accompaniment, further elevates the emotional depth and resonance of the narrative.
Arjunn Dutta's Guldasta is a testament to his prowess as a director, offering audiences a cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. It stands out as a shining gem in the realm of Bengali cinema.
Arjunn’s debut feature Abyakta centered on a woman protagonist played by Arpita Chatterjee. This movie is no exception. It centres around three women. But the main woman protagonist of this film is Swastika Mukherjee, who plays the role of Dolly Bagree. It is her interaction with the other two woman protagonists that sets the tone of this movie. The first character has been played by Arpita Chatterjee and the second character has been essayed by DebjaniChatterjee. Srirupa(Arpita Chatterjee) is a house-wife who lacks confidence and can’t speak the truth boldly. She suffers from anaemia and remains cold and meekly submits herself while having sex with her husband. Naturally her husband (Ishan Mazumdar) gets attracted to a younger colleague (Anuradha Mukherjee). The other woman Renu( Debjani Chatterjee) is happily married. Her husband (AbhijitGuha) works in another place and occasionally comes to his home. But Renu has her own problems. She has a nagging mother-in-law. Moreover, it is her son (AnubhavKanjilal) who proves a headache to her. His son has got weary and is into drugs. He suffers from mood swings and does not want to communicate with his parents. Now, enters Dolly Bagri to sell products of her company. She befriends both the woman by her simplicity, friendliness and camaraderie. In course of time she solves the problems of both Srirupa and Renu. Both of them start to look at life from a new viewpoint. Dolly is a woman who always looks at life with a positive attitude. She instills confidence in Srirupa so that she is able to face her husband. Moreover Dolly helps Srirupa to start dancing again. When Renu becomes critically ill because of her son, it is Dolly who helps the son to come back to the mainstream. Dolly paints a positive picture of her domestic life before the two women. But one day Dolly goes missing. While searching her two women faces a harsh reality. Dolly’s domestic life is not a bed of roses but full of thorns. She has an ailing husband and she is abused by her daughter-in-law. Inspite of this entire traumatic situation she takes life positively and inspires people. On 25th December she comes to Srirupa’s home with a bouquet of flowers to wish her on her birthday. She is smiling but deep in her heart she suffers from an intense pain.
Guldasta, undoubtedly one of the notable Bengali films released during the festive season of Pujas, showcases the incredible talent of director Arjunn Dutta. While it may not reach the heights of his debut film Abyakta, expectations were high among the audience due to the recognition Abyakta received at various film festivals. Nonetheless, Dutta delivers a film that will be remembered for its storytelling prowess and superb acting.
Swastika Mukherjee delivers one of the finest performances of her career in Guldasta. The standout moment comes in the last scene, where she presents a "Guldasta" (bouquet) to Arpita with a smile on her face, masking the intense pain she feels deep in her heart. This poignant scene lingers in the audience's memory long after the film ends. Arpita and Debjani also shine in their roles, doing justice to their characters with their strong performances. However, Anubhav, who delivered a fine performance in Abyakta, has limited screen time in Guldasta.
The cinematography by Suprotip Bhol deserves special mention for its noteworthy execution, adding visual depth to the narrative. In summary, Guldasta is a film that deeply touches the heart and serves as an inspiration to give women their rightful place and respect in our traditional Indian society.
Arup Sen, an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, is an alumnus of South Point High School, Kolkata. He completed his graduation from St. Xavier's College and holds a post-graduate degree from Calcutta University, along with an M. Phil. degree from Jadavpur University. Apart from his academic pursuits, he is an avid film enthusiast, particularly fond of Hindi films, and enjoys watching films of various genres.