Top 5 Bengali Films on River to Watch this #WorldWaterDay

March 22 is celebrated as #WorldWaterDay. Rivers are fundamental water sources in our lives, but do we show the respect they deserve? This thought challenges us as we observe World Water Day. Today, I considered listing five Bengali films with plots around rivers. 1. Ganga (1959): Directed by Rajen Tarafdar, this film is adapted from Samaresh Basu's novel of the same name. The movie opens with an exciting scene of a boat race among fishermen on the Ganga River, where Bilas, a hot-headed young man, emerges victorious. He is daring and helpful, aspiring to lead the fishing community like his uncle. Bilas is charming and popular among women, yet his heart belongs to Himi, who hesitates to marry him. Although Bilas wants to venture into the Bay to go fishing, his uncle forbids him due to fears of harsh weather and man-eating tigers. The story unfolds as we learn whether Bilas pursues his dreams or gives in to the objections from those around him. This beautiful film highlights Bilas as the central character and emphasizes the other community members whose lives depend entirely on the Ganga's moods. The river is portrayed as a nurturing mother, sometimes showing a fierce side that brings floods and storms. The melodious music by Salil Chowdhury, including the famous folk song "Amay Dubai li Re" sung by Nirmalendu Chowdhury, enriches the film. The performances of Gyanesh Mukherji, Sandhya Roy, and Ruma Guhathakurta leave a lasting impression. You can find the movie on YouTube.

2. Subarnarekha (1965): This film showcases the brilliance of Ritwick Ghatak in every aspect. It follows a refugee family, consisting of a brother and his younger sister, Sita, who migrate to West Bengal after the partition. The brother, Iswar, adopts the son of an abducted lower-caste woman. He finds a factory job along the banks of the Subarnarekha River. The boy, Abhiram, whom Iswar raises, becomes a brilliant student and wishes to marry Sita, but Iswar opposes this. The two elope to Kolkata, where Abhiram finds work as a bus driver. Their happiness quickly turns to tragedy when Abhiram is lynched by an angry mob after an accident. Unaware of this, Iswar travels to Kolkata, only to stumble upon Sita in a brothel. What unfolds next is one of Bengali cinema's most striking moments. Ghatak's references to mythological characters are evident, with Abhiram embodying Ram and Sita facing continual tests from the world. This brilliant film is a must-see and is available on YouTube.

3. Titash Ekti Nadir Naam (1973): Based on a novel by Adwaita Mallabarman and directed by Ritwik Ghatak, this film tells the story of a young bride who marries a fisherman from another village by the banks of the Titash River. Following their wedding night, they travel to his village, only to encounter bandits who loot them and kidnap the bride. Although she escapes, she is too frightened to return home and does not even remember her husband's name. Desperate for her, her husband, Kishore, returns to his village. Ten years later, the grown woman visits her husband's village with her son but fails to recognize Kishore, who has been driven to madness. Basanti, Kishore's ex-lover, provides shelter to her. The tragic saga unfolds against the backdrop of the Titash River, which serves as a metaphor for life, union, separation, and death. The deep analysis of the characters and the reunion of Kishore and his bride during Holi, alongside Basanti's poignant final moments by the dried-up river, illustrate the eternal love triangle of Krishna, Radha, and Rukmini. Those seeking quality regional films should not miss this Indo-Bangladesh collaboration, which is available on the OTT platform Hoichoi.

4. Padma Nadir Majhi (1993): Adapted from Manik Bandopadhyay's renowned novel, this film is one of Gautam Ghose's finest works. Kuber, a fisherman living in Ketupur village by the Padma River, leads the typical life of an average fisherman, facing various struggles alongside his wife, Mala. Their lives take a dramatic turn with the arrival of two different individuals—his sister-in-law and a wealthy businessman, Hussain Miya. The story presents a utopian dream of a hassle-free future and temptation, testing a common man's willpower. What fate awaits Kuber? Will he resist temptation or succumb to it? The film features powerful performances by Utpal Dutt, Rupa Ganguly, and Rabi Ghosh. You can watch it on Hoichoi.

5. Ek Nadir Galpo (2008): This film is an adaptation of a short story by the legendary author Sunil Gangopadhyay. Directed by Samir Chanda, it features Mithun Chakraborty and Sweta Basu Prasad in the lead roles. The story revolves around a village postmaster whose daughter's sudden death draws him closer to the river Kelaghai. He begins to feel a connection with his deceased daughter and embarks on a journey to rename the river Anjana in her honour. The film beautifully captures the essence of tragedy, showcasing it as something poignant and impactful. The cinematography is outstanding, and Mithun's stellar performance as the grieving father, whose world continues to revolve around his daughter even after her passing, resonates deeply with any parent. His ability to evoke emotions, whether through smiles or tears, is a testament to his acting prowess. This film is available for viewing on YouTube.

As a connoisseur of Bengali films, I would love for people from other regions to watch these movies and appreciate the brilliance of the filmmakers whose works may not have received the recognition they deserve. Many are unaware of their contributions. Additionally, please suggest any films in other languages that feature themes related to water, rivers, lakes, etc.