13 Iconic Villains from Bengali Films Throughout the Years- Part 2

 Continuing from last week, we will explore the baddies of Bengali films through the years. Here, I would like to confess that I had hardly watched any Bengali films of the 80s and 90s, so I have no idea about the villains of that era. I had almost stopped watching Bengali films until very late in 2010 when Srijit Mukherjee came into the foray with his Cop Universe.  So, from 2010 till date, these are the iconic villainous characters that Bengali movies have given us.

8. Prabir Roy Choudhury from Baishe Srabon: Srijit Mukherjee came out with his first thriller, Baishe Srabon in 2010. Prasenjit Chatterjee played the role of Prabir Roy Choudhury, a highly intelligent ex-cop with a very foul mouth who was helping solve a series of serial killings in Kolkata. Chatterjee was phenomenal in this character, especially when he mockingly lashes out his frustrations towards the whole system with his witty one-liners like, " Jibone Bhat-Dal r Biriyanir tofat ta buhjte sekho" ( Understand the difference between lentil-rice and biriyani in life). The final scene, where he proves the inefficiency of the police by confessing to committing all the crimes was performed brilliantly by the actor. His facial expression silently showed the hidden anger and the tremendous hatred he bore within him for himself and the entire system for not being able to protect his family. This was one of his best performances till now. 

9. Joyobroto from Chotushkone: This 2014 film is another thriller with a plethora of cast. The antagonist, Joyobroto, was played by Parambrata Chatterjee. The best thing about the film is that most of its running time is either set in flashback or as imaginative stories told by 4 friends. Throughout the film, the character of Joyobroto is projected to be very insignificant, only following orders. But at the climax, when this very simple and timid person shows his real colours, hell breaks loose. Parambrata, as Joyobroto, is a fantastic choice as he brings out both the simpleton and his transition to a revenge-hungry man perfectly. 

10. Kabir from Rajkahini: A cameo so remarkable that it surpassed all the elaborate characters of the movie- that's Jisshu Sengupta as Kabir in the 2014 film Rajkahini. He is a bloodthirsty villager, hired to create riots and, especially, to destroy a brothel that stands in between the border of India and East Pakistan. His bloody look and tobacco-stained toothy grin can bring shivers to anyone. He is amazing as the destructing and remorseless rioter.

11. Ganesh Mondal from Bisarjan/Bijoya: Ganesh Mondal is not a typical villain that we get to see in movies. He is no murderer or smuggler and is not even involved in any criminal activities. Then why is he the bad man? Well, it's his extremely cunning and manipulative nature that makes him someone to hate him so much. Kaushik Ganguly is simply outstanding in the role of Ganesh in the film series Bisarjan (2017) and Bijoya (2019). Most of the time, he shows himself as a somewhat lazy and foolish individual to the world but while doing so, he actually fools the world around and chalks out his sly masterplans, which ultimately make others feel guilty. That is his way of getting the things he wants. 

12. Adi Bose from Vinci Da: An absolutely insane serial killer who terrorizes the state and does not spare anyone from his wrath- Adi Bose is a character that can scare one to death. Ritwick Chakraborty plays the role with such perfection that one is forced to get glued to the screen whenever he creates havoc in his merciless ways. This 2019 film by Srijit Mukherjee is famous for the triangular spread of very different characters- a dangerously cruel serial killer, a cynical but extraordinary makeup artist and a truth-seeking honest cop whose lives get interconnected in various turns of events. Adi's unending rage and madness to get some blood in his hands is really frightening to watch. Chakraborti was the best choice for the role. 

13. Khoka from Dwitiyo Purush: I am not going to hide, Khoka is my favourite villain of all time when it comes to Bengali movies. The 2020 film Dwitiyo Purush made the character Khoka, an absolutely immortal one. He is the real definition of evil; he is everything a bad man can be. Anirban Bhattacharya, with his devilish looks (kudos to the makeup team), is the best example of what a villain should be in his portrayal of this iconic character. The brutality of his menaces and, at the same time, his undying love for his partner is brought out excellently by the actor. His dialogues have been part of many memes, especially his way of ordering his favourite food, "chicken chowmin- chilli fiss", is remarkable. Khoka rules all the way.

These are the most iconic villains from Bengali films that I have watched to date. I am grateful that I had the chance to watch such noteworthy performances.