Top 5 Bengali Patriotic Films in the Last 35 Years

This is likely the third post about Bengali patriotic films on my blog. Previously, I compiled a list of classic patriotic gems and another one featuring patriotic sports movies made in Bengal. But today, as a part of the #Everyconversationmatters ongoing blogging challenge, #Tricolourtalesbloghop, I have enlisted a few Bengali patriotic films that have been released in the last 35 years. 

1. Tahader Katha (1992): Directed by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, this film features Mithun Chakraborty as Shibnath Mukherjee, an ex-freedom fighter who has spent 11 years in prison. Upon his release, he is confronted with a free India that is rife with corruption and oppression—something he never imagined during his struggle for independence. The world around him feels like a new prison, leading him to retreat into solitude and live in the memories of his past. 

Mithun's performance as Shibnath is so captivating that, despite the film's slow pace, it keeps viewers glued to the screen. The actor's eyes convey the deep pain and inner conflict he experiences. He earned a well-deserved National Award for his heartfelt performance.

2. Elar Char Adhyay (2012): Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's "Char Adhyay," this film, directed by Bappaditya Bandopadhyay, features Paoli Dam in the role of Ela. Ela finds herself torn between her commitment to the Indian independence movement and her romantic relationship with Atin. What I appreciated about the movie was the strength and maturity Ela consistently displayed throughout her dilemma. By the end, her character diverges from the original story, revealing her vulnerability without being frail as she navigates her relationships with Indranath and Atin.

Paoli Dam delivers an excellent performance as Ela. This lesser-known film also features great music, composed by Gautam Chattopadhyay.

3. Rajkahini (2015): During the partition, India experienced various forms of struggle, including the loss of land, homes, and families. However, one story of this struggle stands out. A brothel, led by Begum Jaan, is situated on the border between India and East Pakistan. The British government, along with the Indian administration and East Pakistani authorities, offers the residents the option to vacate the premises and choose a new location for themselves. Despite this, the women in the brothel are determined to stay, even if it means facing death. 

Rituparna Sengupta delivers a powerful performance as Begum Jaan, supported by an impressive cast including Jaya Ahsaan, Tanushree Chakraborty, Sohini Sengupta, Sayani Gupta, and Lili Chakraborty. However, Jisshu Sengupta stands out in a brief cameo as Kabir, a ruthless rioter, completely stealing the show with his menacing portrayal. Srijit Mukherji's direction elevates the film, transforming it into an excellent story.

4. 8/12 Binay Badal Dinesh (2022): A significant chapter in India's freedom struggle, the story of the trio—Binay Krishna Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Chandra Gupta—is remembered with great pride. This film portrays their heroic act of entering the Writer's Building and killing the tyrannical Inspector General, Simpson.

Directed by Arun Ray, the film features Kinjal Nanda, Arna Mukherji, and Remo in lead roles, with Saswata Chatterji also playing an important part. I have not yet watched the movie, but I have read favourable reviews about it.

5. Bagha Jatin ( 2023): Jatindranath Mukherji, popularly known as Bagha Jatin due to his heroic act of saving someone from a tiger with his bare hands, is an immortal figure in the history of freedom fighters. This film, directed by Arun Ray, beautifully showcases his acts of heroism and his contributions to the struggle for India's freedom.

Dev, who plays the central character, delivers an outstanding performance throughout the film, particularly in the action sequences. While the film may come across as overly dramatic in certain moments, this element somehow maintains its universal appeal.

This post is a part of #TriColoursTalesBlogHop hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majid under #Everyconversationmatters