Prapti Film Review
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Prapti Film Review
Bengali film Prapti review: A poetic and poignant celebration of love. Director Anuraag Pati's film, which has been wonderfully shot by Saurav Banerjee, is based on a story by Buddhadeb Guha. Anuraag Pati’s Prapti, based on Bengali author Buddhadeb Guha’s story of the same name, celebrates the metaphysical form of love that exists between separated lovers. The poetic and absorbing film leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Set in the 1980s, the film unfolds in a remote village in Bihar, which does not entirely receive electricity. Prapti unfolds at a slow pace, much like life itself in days of yore in rural India, bringing audiences in proximity to nature, away from the hustle-bustle of urban life. The protagonist Shoma represents many women of her era, who lacked agency in everyday matters. This, however, was only one of the reasons why she could not get married to the love of her life, Bedey Da.
The village's arid landscape is beautifully reflected in the earthy color palette and detailed production design, instantly transporting viewers to a past era. The camerawork by Saurav Banerjee not only captivates with its skillful shots but also compensates for the lack of dialogue, effectively conveying emotions. The characters are artfully framed, considering the source of light, adding depth to their stories. Sravan Bhattacharyya's rich background score, paired with the cinematography, speaks volumes, surpassing the need for scripted lines. Amongst the many themes explored, the subplot involving Chhotua, the son of Shoma's maid, waiting anxiously for his father's return from the city, beautifully highlights the theme of longing. The change of weather also plays a crucial role in lending a universal tone to Shoma and Chhotua's emotional turmoil. Chhotua's daily runs to the bus stop under the scorching sun, juxtaposed with Shoma's contemplation of her blissful past amid the swelter, reminiscing about rain-soaked moments with Bedey Da, create a poignant contrast. However, it must be noted that the only dissonant element in this otherwise poignant film is Pratyusha Roslin's forced and mechanical performance.