#BlogChatterA2Z Theme Reveal: A2Z of Bengali New-Age Cinema

I am feeling both excited and apprehensive; I have mixed emotions right now. This is because I am participating in the Blogchatter A to Z challenge for the first time. It's puzzling because I have been blogging for the past 12 years, yet I never found the courage to join this incredible challenge until now. 

It took me several days to decide on a theme as I debated whether to pick a specific topic or just write about whatever came to my mind. I explored the various themes chosen by talented bloggers and realized that I needed to do a lot of research before settling on any topic. The two subjects I am passionate about and have been studying and writing about are skincare—I am a certified skincare coach—and Bengali films. 

Ultimately, I decided to focus on one of these subjects, and I am excited to announce my final choice for the #BlogchatterA2Z theme: 

A2Z of Bengali New-Age Cinema

Although I have always been interested in movies, I never had a strong affinity for Bengali films. In fact, I often found myself bored when my family gathered every Sunday to watch old Bengali classics on Doordarshan. Recently, however, I have developed a genuine interest in movies made in my native language.

Growing up, I watched many Bengali black-and-white classics. I came across the idea that Bengalis thrive on nostalgia, and while I don't aim to validate or invalidate that perspective, I recognize that opinions vary widely. In my A2Z selection, I've chosen films from 1995 to 2025 to highlight the thoughts and ideas of contemporary Bengali filmmakers who have dared to think outside the box.

For those who may not know, the Bengali Film Industry primarily operates on a very low budget. There was a time when the industry was distinctly divided into two types of movies: Commercial/Popular films and Arthouse/Parallel films. However, since the mid-90s, this distinction has gradually faded with the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers. 

This change can be attributed to two main factors. First, there has been an awakening of a more discerning audience, fueled by increased exposure to world cinema through movie channels like HBO and Star Movies, as well as the internet and overall cultural awareness. Filmmakers began creating stories and characters that resonated with viewers. 

Second, directors started casting well-known commercial actors, such as Rituparna Sengupta and Prosenjit Chatterji, in their films. This was a strategic move, as these popular stars drew larger audiences. They were portrayed in a more grounded and natural manner, shedding their glamorous, larger-than-life on-screen personas to embrace the authenticity of their characters. As a result, audiences began to connect with these films on a deeper level, and they loved it.

The intricacies of parallel films, including the use of silent long shots and close-ups to convey complex concepts, were enhanced by memorable dialogues that significantly contributed to the films' appeal. One of the key elements of a successful commercial film is its engaging dialogue. In recent times, Bengali filmmakers have started incorporating this element, replacing silent moments with polished and meaningful lines. Catchy and memorable one-liners that once captivated mainstream audiences began to attract the attention of intellectuals as well.

This shift marked the beginning of a new era in Bengali cinema, and I firmly believe that Rituporno Ghosh should be recognized as its pioneer. While other directors previously made sincere attempts to provide good stories to audiences, Ghosh's strategic approach helped these filmmakers solidify their presence in the industry, allowing their work to garner widespread acclaim.

In the upcoming month of April, I will concentrate entirely on contemporary Bengali films. Some of these films have received widespread appreciation and have been enjoyed by many, while others, despite their quality, have not reached a broad audience.

As I embark on this journey through the A2Z of Bengali New-Age Cinema, I am eager to explore and share the richness of contemporary Bengali films with all of you. This challenge not only allows me to delve deeper into a subject that has recently captured my interest, but it also serves as a platform to highlight innovative storytellers and their remarkable contributions to the industry. I hope to shed light on the evolution of these films, celebrating both their artistry and the unique narratives they present. By sharing my thoughts and insights, I aim to foster a greater appreciation for Bengali cinema, bridging the gap between genres and inviting both avid cinephiles and casual viewers to join in the conversation. Here’s to an exciting month of exploration, connection, and, most importantly, the love of film!

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z