For someone who has never been much into Bengali movies much, I've had more than a thing for the Sherlock Holmes of India's depiction on the silverscreen.
After a string of really well directed, acted and executed pieces on select novels from the world famous detective series - Feluda written by one of the best Bengal has ever seen - Satyajit Ray, December this year brought along Royal Bengal Rahasya.
This fifth edition (if I'm not mistaken) in this recent series of movies starring Sabyasachi Chakraborty in the title role has a lot of changes from the original text, albeit justified. The movie starts off in typical Feluda fashion. A small introduction and off the trio set for their next adventure!
I spent some wonderful time reading Feluda stories 'back in my schooldays'. And among the movies they made, I had read Gorosthaney Shabdhan and Kailashe Kelenkari. It goes without saying that having grown up reading the stories, my expectations were really high. The 21st century Feluda is armed with the advances in technology - but is still the same sharp, smart and highly observant self at heart. And in all the movies I must admit I have been more than happy with the performances and adaptation to today's times.
So when I went in for Royal Bengal Rahasya, I was hoping to have 2 really good hours spent - and I did do just that. The movie revolves around the forests of North Bengal and you can't resist but stare at the beautiful scenes with amazement. The cinematography was brilliant and acting, immaculate.
It is most unfortunate that Bibhu Bhattacharya, playing Lalmohan Ganguly a.k.a. Jatayu is not with us anymore. But, for what its worth, he signs off with one of his best performances.
Based purely on Direction and Screenplay, I must say this movie deserves a lot of appreciation. The story was a little loose; specially the climax, which might be the only minor negative in an otherwise flawless piece of artwork.
I won't write much about the story because its one of those movies which is better seen than told!
3/5. Go watch it right away :)
After a string of really well directed, acted and executed pieces on select novels from the world famous detective series - Feluda written by one of the best Bengal has ever seen - Satyajit Ray, December this year brought along Royal Bengal Rahasya.
This fifth edition (if I'm not mistaken) in this recent series of movies starring Sabyasachi Chakraborty in the title role has a lot of changes from the original text, albeit justified. The movie starts off in typical Feluda fashion. A small introduction and off the trio set for their next adventure!
I spent some wonderful time reading Feluda stories 'back in my schooldays'. And among the movies they made, I had read Gorosthaney Shabdhan and Kailashe Kelenkari. It goes without saying that having grown up reading the stories, my expectations were really high. The 21st century Feluda is armed with the advances in technology - but is still the same sharp, smart and highly observant self at heart. And in all the movies I must admit I have been more than happy with the performances and adaptation to today's times.
So when I went in for Royal Bengal Rahasya, I was hoping to have 2 really good hours spent - and I did do just that. The movie revolves around the forests of North Bengal and you can't resist but stare at the beautiful scenes with amazement. The cinematography was brilliant and acting, immaculate.
It is most unfortunate that Bibhu Bhattacharya, playing Lalmohan Ganguly a.k.a. Jatayu is not with us anymore. But, for what its worth, he signs off with one of his best performances.
Based purely on Direction and Screenplay, I must say this movie deserves a lot of appreciation. The story was a little loose; specially the climax, which might be the only minor negative in an otherwise flawless piece of artwork.
I won't write much about the story because its one of those movies which is better seen than told!
3/5. Go watch it right away :)
