Sanjhbati Film Review
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Sanjhbati Film Review
Sanjhbati, directed by Saibal Banerjee and Leena Gangopadhyay, explores a theme that has become increasingly relevant in today's society. As more and more children leave their homes to settle elsewhere in the country or abroad, their parents often experience the pain of the empty nest syndrome.
In the film, we meet Sulekha (Lily Chakraborty), an elderly lady who finds herself in a similar situation. She resides with Phuli (Paoli) and Chandan (Dev), who initially maintain a certain distance from her. However, as time passes, they develop a close bond, and Sulekha starts to see them as more than just paid help; they become her family. Unlike how this story might have been portrayed in the '90s, the directors handle it with sensitivity and sensibility.
Lily Chakraborty's performance is exceptionally endearing, evoking genuine care and concern for her character's well-being. Soumitra Chatterjee, portraying Sulekha's old friend Chhanada, showcases his prowess as an actor, effortlessly delivering a memorable performance. Dev surprises with a calm, collected, and measured portrayal that diverges from his typical 'superstar' image. One minor critique is that his appearance and attire still maintain an urban quality that may not entirely align with the character. Paoli's performance and diction as a maid are spot-on, adding authenticity to her character.
Overall, Sanjhbati handles its subject matter effectively, drawing heartfelt performances from its cast. The film engages viewers by exploring the complexities of relationships and the impact of loneliness on the lives of the elderly. It is a commendable effort by the directors to present a sensitive portrayal of this theme.
The second half drags a bit. Though some scenes are sure to well up your eyes, some others seem slightly forced. The runtime too could have been cut down a bit. Salt Lake, where most of the film is shot, looks beautiful through the lens of DoP Sirsha Ray, as do the aerial shots of Darjeeling. The music direction by Anupam Roy is on point, with the songs Bishorjon and Khoma Koro standing out.
Overall, it is an interesting take on the loneliness elderly people face in the twilight of their lives. The director duo successfully bring out the frustration, fears and sometimes, the joys they experience.