Surjo Prithibir Chardike Ghore Film Review
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Surjo Prithibir Chardike Ghore Film Review
'Surjo Prithibir Chardike Ghore' offers a captivating viewing experience. With impeccable casting, a compelling script, and skillful direction, it pleasantly surprises the audience. While not without its flaws, the film is a sincere attempt to portray one man's unwavering conviction. Inspired by the real-life figure KC Paul (depicted as TC Pal in the film), who has dedicated himself to challenging scientific notions through graffiti and pamphlets advocating his geocentric theory since 1979, the film serves as a tribute to his self-belief and relentless pursuit of truth.
However, TC Pal's story is not the sole focus of the film. Director Arijit Biswas also intertwines two other narratives alongside it. While some may argue that this dilutes the central storyline, the skillful presentation of these narratives adds depth and enhances the overall viewing experience.
'Surjo Prithibir Chardike Ghore' is an honest portrayal of individuals driven by their convictions and the pursuit of truth. It explores themes of self-belief, determination, and the power of ideas. The film leaves a lasting impression and offers a satisfying and enriching cinematic experience.
The film takes off as Pal (played with sincerity and conviction by theatre actor and director Meghnad Bhattacharya) meets Chirantan Chatterjee (a very impressive Chiranjeet Chakraborty). Chirantan is a jaded superstar, haunted by his own abandoning of leftist principles to embrace a world of money and fame. On hearing Pal’s story, he decides to make a film on him and gives the job of researching to his old friend, Sanjib (played to perfection by Anjan Dutt). Sanjib describes himself as a ‘radical and forward-thinking man’ and lives with his estranged wife and her lover.
These are the three central characters of the film. In many ways, they are not unlike each other, despite coming from different walks of life. The director does a commendable job of juggling these three narratives. However, it would have been more pertinent if he chose to make Pal the central figure rather than spending a lot of screen time on the others. There is enough character to TC Pal to tell a solo tale. But, the director divides his time between the three, as if swayed by the star power and screen presence of Anjan Dutt and Chiranjeet.
But, as it turns out, this is no bad thing as stories of these characters are so engaging. It would just be better if they were left for a different film. The cinematography by Sirsha Ray is on point as is the art direction by Sudip Bhattacharya. Kudos to the team that so meticulously set up Pal’s shack on a footpath, plastered with his geocentric drawings and pamphlets. The sound design, by Prabuddha Banerjee, is natural and easy on the ears.
While the first half impresses immediately, the second half does have some problems. It wanders too far from Pal. Instead of showing his plight and battle for legitimacy, it concentrates too much on the others. The director misses a trick by focusing less on Meghnad’s acting abilities. He owns every single frame he is in and manages to portray Pal’s lack of frustration with elan. No matter what is thrown at him, he always has a smile on his lips. There are also subplots like a missing nephew, a factory strike and the fall of communism in Bengal that do not add much to the film and could have been left out on the editing table.
But, these are minor quibbles. Overall, it is an impressive debut by the director, who picks an unconventional topic and makes it his own. It goes to show how potent original, if inspired, content can be.