I was waiting for this movie to re-release ever since I heard that a copy of Kshudhito Pashan (Hungry Stones) has been found after a long period. Even couple of years ago, watching the Tapan Sinha classic inspired by a Rabindranath Tagore short story seemed like a forlorn hope as it was assumed that like Balika Badhu and Manjari Opera, copies of this masterpiece have also been lost for ever.The DVD was released on last Friday, I picked it up from Planet M and that started my weekend. The story revolves around ayoung government officer posted in a remore area under Nijam's rule. He decides to stay in an ill-famous archaic palace even after repeated warnings from the people around. Nights after nights, he discovers the cruel chronicles of the palace and ultimately realises that he is also going to face the same fate as that of Meher Ali, a once-inhabitant now-mad resident of the palace with his enigmatic 'Sab jhut hai, tafat jao' blares.
To be frank enough, from the cinematic point of view, Kshudhita Pashan disappointed me. The sript was unlike a Tapan Sinha movie and the narrative seemed too predictable and shoddy. Soumitra was more than outstanding as Mayurbahan in Jhinder Bandi, but here his acting appeared a little subdued to me. However, Radhamohan Bhattacharjee's impeccable Urdu and quotes from Ghalib were simply outstanding. Chhobi Biswas also justified his standard in the small role of a postmaster (his character was not there in the actual story). Arundhati Devi also had very little to do.
The most astounding factor was Ustad Ali Akbar Khan's music. The master musician was at his best in amalgamating Indian classical music with Rabindrasangeet.
Thanks to all the people who made this movie available once again.
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I watched this movie only once and that too as a little boy...But can still remember some of the scenes...I was not bothered about its cinematic beauty at that. I would like to buy the movie.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was shot around 1964 and the total effect was fantastic ! One has to remember the limitations of equipments and effects ! Story was a simple short story by Tagore written as a young boy at the residence of his elder ICS brother Satyendranath whose official residence was the Shahjahan built palace overlooking Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad . If one expects Bombaiya suspense and twist in story then he is searching in a wrong place ! As a fresh actor Soumitra did well specially with stalwarts like Chobi Biswas, Radhamohan Bhattacharya and Arundhati Devi
ReplyDelete.... and do not forget the inimitable Bageshri by Ustad Amir Khan and Protima Banerjee!
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