Aug 20, 2024 03:22 AM
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In 1980s and 90s, Doordarshan used to telecast regional films alongwith English subtitles so that others could also enjoy good films in other Indian languages.
With the coming of satellite tv and DD on the backburner, this trend too ended.
However of late there had been a rise amongst many film fans who want to watch good cinema irrespective of language.They enjoy French, Spanish, Italian cinema with English subtitles and also good Indian regional cinema with subtitles.
Some OTT platforms have realised this and started showcasing good Indianb regional stuff.
Thanks to Amazon Prime, I watched Satyajit Rays last directed film, the 1991 Bengali acclaimed AGANTUK.
This is a film which I wanted to watch since long and finally got the chance.The film a simple story of a rather amusing and mysterious visitor who claims to be uncle of the leading lady lands as a Agantuk-guest.
The simple story of Ray is multi layered by the maestro as he inserts so many topics like anthropology, sciences, mythology, culture, civilization, society, travel, architecture and many others.The Hindi film where I saw so much discussion on various topics and intellectual stimulation was Govind Nihalinis classic Party.Hindi film audience mostly saw Utpal dutt in a comic role or occasional villain role.The fact remains that he was an acting legend and very versatile.
Utpal dutt is excellent in one of his last roles.I found his questioning of civilised and civilization is also connected with Kamal hassans philosophy in Tamil cult Anbe Sivam in a way.He is ably supported by Mamata Shankar, Deepankar De, Rabi Gosh and Dhritiman chaterjee.
The film though has a predictable climax, yet the overall multi dimensional views makes it a rather intellectual delight.The scenes between Utpal Dutt and the kid are lovely to watch.
Somehow this Sunday the timing of my watching Agantuk wity subtitles matched with the timings of regional film telecast on DD-Sunday afternoons!
I found an uncanny similarity of the mysterious visitor in Agantuk to Rajesh khannas character in Hrishidas brilliant Bawarchi.Also, in a way I found Paresh rawals character of Atithi Tum kab jaoge a lighter vein similarity to Rays Agantuk.
Agantuk ofcourse is more serious in tone.
A really well made Bengali film of 1990s!
