"C" inemawala Bengali Movie Review #BlogchatterA2Z

Today, on the third day of the Blogchatter A to Z Challenge, I have chosen to review the Bengali film Cinemawala. Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, this film has been widely praised for its thought-provoking subject matter.

Synopsis

Pranabendu, an ageing man, owns a single-screen cinema hall called Kamalini, which has long since passed its glory days and is now closed. His attachment to the old projectors in this digital age is the reason for its shutdown. He lives a life filled with unhappiness, immersed in the boisterous memories of the past, spending most of his time in his deserted office alongside his devoted assistant, Hari. His son, Prakash, sells pirated CDs and DVDs, further straining their relationship and deepening Pranabendu's disdain for the modern digital age. Prakash's wife, Moumita, tries her best to care for her father-in-law and mend the fractured relationship between father and son, but her efforts are in vain. Prakash thrives financially by playing pirated DVDs through home theatres at fairs. Pranabendu, fearing that his son will be arrested, is heartbroken by the success of Prakash's dishonest endeavours. Ultimately, he orders Hari to sell all the projectors and old equipment. Hari requests to spend one last night in the old theatre, during which he tragically takes his own life. A devastated Pranabendu ends both his and the theatre's existence by setting it ablaze.

Review and Significance

Cinemawala, which translates to "the maker of cinema," is a straightforward film that conveys a valid and important message. Embracing change can be challenging, and while it is sometimes necessary to keep up with the times, the film raises an important question: if we continuously accept changes steeped in dishonesty, how long until the entire foundation crumbles? This inquiry is particularly relevant in light of the recent piracy case involving Salman Khan's newly released film, Sikandar. Pranabendu symbolizes the foundational roots of the industry he has revered throughout his life, while his son, Prakash, represents the distorted next generation whose sole aim is to make quick money, showing little interest in cinema as an art form. The film poses a significant dilemma: should one adapt to changes or remain true to traditional values?

The performances in Cinemawala are outstanding across the board, but Paran Bandopadhyay as Pranabendu truly stands out. Special recognition goes to Arun Guha Thakurata for his portrayal of Hari. The interactions between the father and son feel incredibly authentic, resembling a verbal dispute among a family living next door. Director Kaushik Ganguly's storytelling style resembles reading a book; it has a certain flow that leaves you contemplative long after the film concludes. 

Release, Cast, Characters

Cinemawala was released in 2016

Cast:

Paran Bandopadhyay as Pranabendu

Parambrata Chatterji as Prakash

Sohini Sarkar as Moumita

Arun Guha Thakurata as Hari