Shironam Film Review
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Shironam Film Review
In the film Shironam, a photojournalist mysteriously disappears while on assignment, raising questions about whether it was an abduction orchestrated by political extremists. The movie delves into the theme of media ethics, or rather the lack thereof, which has been a prominent issue making headlines in recent times. Although Shironam was made nearly five years ago, it sheds light on the blind pursuit of television ratings, compromised journalistic ethics, and related concerns.
Anjan Dutt portrays Rajat, the head of a news channel, who boldly states that journalists have two responsibilities: to report and to conceal information. In an era dominated by market demands and the quest for popularity, such thought-provoking dialogues make the film relevant, despite the specific context it addresses, which may feel somewhat dated.
Abhin (Jisshu U Sengupta) and Anandi (Swastika Mukherjee) are in love with each other hook, line and sinker. Anandi is accomplished and Abhin gets an offer from Rajat in his channel. It begins with a special assignment to a remote area of Bengal that is torn between political extremists and central forces. Abhin and Sujit (the reporter, played by Saswata Chatterjee) embark on a journey of interviewing one of the most dreaded terrorists in the area.
Showcasing outdoors is one of the best bits of the film. The director has unabashedly explored the rough and rustic areas of Birbhum. At a time when Bengali films are captivated by highrises and sparwling drawing rooms, this film is a pleasant exception. The film is also rendered engaging for the powerful actors. Not for a moment it feels that Saswata is acting in front of the camera. He truly appears to be a reporter on duty. Jisshu is outstanding too. The last breakdown of Swastika will be etched in the mind for long. Shantilal Mukherjee, Soma Banerjee and Ankita Chakraborty play small characters and offer brilliant performances throughout.
Despite its flaws, Shironam is a thought-provoking film that requires attentive viewing. It may take some time to fully engage the audience, but it offers captivating moments along the way. The film's portrayal of the newsroom can be criticized for its broad strokes and oversimplification of editorial policies, which may not accurately reflect the nuanced reality. Additionally, the film's subject matter may feel somewhat outdated, as it addresses issues that are not entirely relevant in the present time. The visual aesthetics of Shironam are commendable, with brilliant shots and tender scenes that leave a lasting impact on the audience. Indranil, the acclaimed art director, showcases his impeccable aesthetics in the film. These memorable scenes make Shironam worth watching despite its flaws.