Top 5 Bengali Movies to watch on Father's Day

It's Friday, and that means it's movie time on MeMoviesMore! With Father's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to highlight some films that showcase the important role fathers play in our lives. These movies illustrate how ordinary individuals transform into super dads for the sake of their children. Here are a few Bengali films you can enjoy with your father this weekend.

1. Uma ( 2018): Uma is a poignant story about a teenager living with her father, Himadri Sen, in Zurich, Switzerland. Uma is suffering from a terminal illness, and her last wish is to witness the celebrations of Durga Puja in Kolkata. Knowing that time is running out for his daughter, Himadri decides to recreate the essence of Durga Puja in Kolkata within a short time frame. 

The film showcases the lengths a father will go to fulfil his daughter's final wishes. Jisshu Sengupta delivers a heartfelt performance as Himadri Sen, while Sara Sengupta, who portrays Uma, is also his daughter in real life. Directed by Srijit Mukherji, this film is a must-watch for all the super dads out there.

2. Chaplin ( 2011 ): This is a heartfelt story about a man named Bangshi Das, who makes a living by mimicking Charlie Chaplin. His life revolves around his 7-year-old son, Nimua, and despite the poverty they face, they find happiness in their little world. However, their lives are shaken when Nimua is diagnosed with a brain tumour. In his quest to provide his son with a better life and the necessary medical treatment, Bangshi enters a comedy contest.

For the first time, the character of the tramp, as portrayed in Chaplin's films, has been brought to life in Bengal through this film. Kudos to Ruraneil Ghosh for taking on this challenging role with such passion. Every time I watch this film, it fills me with hope and reminds me of the joy found in small things, much like the feelings evoked by "Life is Beautiful." That ability to find joy is one of the most precious gifts a father can give his child, isn’t it?

3. Projapoti ( 2023): An elderly widower is weary of caring for his bachelor son and managing household tasks. All he wants is to see his son married, but when that doesn’t happen, he decides to marry his ex-girlfriend instead. This straightforward story intrigued me, particularly because it features the reunion of Mithun Chakraborty and Mamata Shankar after 46 years since their iconic roles in Mrinal Sen's "Mrigaya." Their chemistry still shines, leaving me to wonder why no one has thought to make a film with this pair during their prime all these years.

Both of these actors truly steal the show from the younger cast members. Their reignited romance, the anticipation of being with each other, and the subtle glances exchanged through their eyes have given romance a new depth in their performance. This film transcends the typical father-son dynamic,  although I can't overlook the delightful humour that comes from their bittersweet relationship. 

4. Baba Baby O ( 2022): Megh, a bachelor, intentionally becomes a father to twin babies through surrogacy. Much to his parents' dismay, he takes on the responsibility of raising his children all by himself. At first, he decides to embrace life as a single dad forever. However, everything changes when he meets Brishti, the owner of a toy store, who happens to dislike kids. 

This charming story illustrates that love and relationships often can't be planned and tend to happen unexpectedly, especially when we least anticipate them. Jisshu Sengupta, as Megh, and Solanki Roy, as Brishti, deliver entertaining performances. This is a delightful, feel-good movie to watch on Father's Day.

5. Kirtan ( 2023 ): Arup and Manimala are a young couple living with Arup's father, Abinash. Manimala desires a better life with modern living arrangements, particularly a cozy apartment, while Abinash clings to traditional ways of life. As Arup navigates the conflict between his wife's wishes and his father's stubbornness, his life becomes increasingly miserable.

"Kirtan" is a humorous exploration of the age-old dilemma between the new and the old, highlighting people's reluctance to embrace change. Paran Bandopadhyay delivers an outstanding performance in every scene. His grumpiness and disdain for anything modern resonate with many of us, as we can relate to family members who resist new ideas in favour of tradition and culture.