Robibar Film Review
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- ★
- ★
- ★
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Robibar Film Review
After a long absence, they find themselves face to face, and in that moment, the audience is captivated by the lingering intensity of their shared history. The man, clad in a sleek black kurta, exudes confidence and a hint of arrogance. The woman, though somewhat uncertain, feels an irresistible pull towards the enigmatic aura that defines him. Her gaze reflects a complex blend of disdain, repulsion, and faded love. Despite her reservations, she feels compelled to stay by his side as he reveals his desperation and sincerity.
Additionally, there is an alluring notion of extracting a confession from him, not driven by a desire to inflict suffering but rather fueled by her own selfish motivation to use his story as material for a research book. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, delving into the depths of emotions and exploring what occurs on a seemingly ordinary Sunday. It is an intense examination of a relationship that has withered and grown lifeless, reanimated momentarily by an unexpected encounter and subsequent interaction.
Sundays are typically associated with relaxation and leisure, a time to set aside official responsibilities. But what happens when every day starts to resemble a Sunday? What happens when the extraordinary significance of a Sunday becomes difficult to recall? Ultimately, the story evolves into a meandering conversation between two individuals, their choices shaping the course of their future. The weight of the past, indelibly imprinted, lingers in the air. Though one can sense the essence of bygone days, they cannot be seamlessly woven back together. The crack remains as a haunting reminder. Whether tears of regret or a deal to be struck, the decision lies squarely in their hands.
Sayani Sen, daughter of Binayak, works in corporate law. She is also a writer, who has recently worked on fraudsters’ psychology. On a lazy Sunday, as she steps out for breakfast, she meets Asimava. Their eventful past sparks right at the first glance. Asimava convinces Sayani to spend some time with him and despite heaps of reluctance, she agrees. They embark on a journey down memory lane.
Acting is perhaps the highpoint of the film. Prosenjit delivers a strong performance as an arrogant yet vulnerable, Asimava. He dons a grey character and does it with elan. Asimava is sharp, bohemian, sensitive, wicked and everything in between and Posenjit does a great job in portraying the shades. Sayani suffers from a trauma and the shadow of her past looms large on her. Her dilemma and uncertainty are nicely presented by Jaya. The actress has a magical diction and that works in favour of a character such as this. She camouflages her trauma with sarcasm and the emotions are rightly portrayed by Jaya. Young actor Srijato Bandopadhyay plays a small character and his spontaneity is envious.
Robibaar is a slow burner. Nothing really happens and no matter how eagerly you wait to see that flashback between the two protagonists, the director does not divulge an iota more than what he has planned. However, despite his restraint and good acting, the film falters. And largely because of director's restraint. Asimava is a fraudster and that too, a proficient one. But the film barely gives any lowdown on his excellence. Barring his own claim of being a genius, the script only shows him a heartbroken, persuasive and arrogant middle-aged man. And that's not all. There are the presence of characters that do not value add to the film. For example, the character of Brinda or the woman Latkai meets. They come and disappear leaving no significance to the film. In fact, the character of Latkai too could do a bit more exploration on screen. As a result of these loose ends, the film fails to leave profound mark in mind.
The film is dotted with soothing frames and appropriate background score. The first song that takes cue from a morning radio show and become the theme for the title scroll is worth mentioning. Meanwhile, the shot that shows fatigued Sayani’s sluggish steps over the railway over-bridge is one such shot that will be etched in our mind for a while.