Movie Review: Chokher Bali, by Rituparno Ghosh

Chokher Bali is adapted from Rabindranath Tagore’s novel “Binodini”, the central character being a beautiful and young widow Binodini, played by Aishwarya Rai in the movie.

Chokher Bali is a nickname given by two friends to each other in addressing playfully. Binodini is a young widow who enters the household of Mahendra and Ashalata, soon garnering the attention of everybody in the family by her beauty and boldness. She becomes friends with Ashalata, the young and childish bride of the family, but soon the friendship goes through turmoil as Binodini and Mahendra (Ashalata’s husband) start an affair. This relation curses the household and both the women leave the house and go different ways. The movie brings out the emotions and vulnerable nature of young women who yearn for love and admiration, and even if a widow chained by rules, she longs to look beautiful, do shringaar and choose her soulmate.  Aishwarya’s acting is soft, nascent but strong. Raima Sen is as innocent as could be. Prosenjit disappoints and leaves the character undone.

Watch out for the innocent scenes of friendship between Binodini and Ashalata. Also when Binodini shows her knowledge and protests against the old traditions and beliefs which leave women helpless. The exquisite jewellery shown in the movie is sure to attract as is Aishwarya’s beauty. This movie with strong female portrayals is apt to be watched on this Woman's Day. Happy Woman's Day.

Movie Review: The Artist, by Michel Hazanavicius

The Artist begins with a movie premiere starring George Valentin, the superstar of silent movies and always dressed impeccably. Outside the premiere while interacting with the media, George has a sudden encounter with a female fan. Enter Peppy Miller, the bubbly, flirtatious and good hearted lady. From here on, their destiny reverse roles. George, constantly opposed to talking, berates the new age of cinema, the talkies and Peppy Miller, slowly rises up in the industry, becoming a superstar of the talkies. After the professional and personal downfall, depressed, George has a near death experience and Peppy takes care of him. Still, George remains averse to her affection due to his own pride and stubborn head. George tries committing suicide and Peppy saves him again. This time however, George agrees to doing a musical with Peppy and finally sound comes into the movie. As the scene finishes, one can hear the only audible line of George "With pleasure !" in his strong French accent.

Watch out for the scenes of George with his pet and buddy, Uggie, who stars with him in all silent movies. The chemistry of George and Peppy in his dressing room, drawing a beauty spot on her. During a dance sequence in which Peppy is an extra but both ruin the shot every time they look into each other's eyes. Also when George has broken up with his studio and is going down the stairs, meeting Peppy on her way up entering the studio as their fresh face. This scene is symbolic of their respective careers at that time.

The Artist is a tribute to the silent movie era and shows how much could be emoted with silence.

Movie Review: Duma, by Carroll Ballard

Duma is an adventure movie with heart. It is a visual treat for nature-lovers as the movie captures the African wild with equally good story. Duma, an orphaned baby cheetah is found by an young boy Xan and his father. Xan and his parents take care of the cub on their South African ranch. When Xan and his mother move to city due to circumstances, Xan runs away from home to free duma in faraway wild. Xan and Duma set off in his father's old motorcycle but soon out of fuel and water. On the dry grasslands, they meet a man Rip. The three set off towards Kalahari desert confronting thirst, harsh nature, wild animals, desert fly attack and their mutual suspicions. On reaching a village Duma finds another cheetah and comes to Xan for a final goodbye.

Look out for the motorcycle scenes, the cuteness of baby cheetah and the friendship of Xan and Duma. the African desert scenes are intense but the realistic approach to the friendship of Xan and Duma conquers all.

Duma reminds of Timothy, the tiger cub of Ruskin Bond's story, A Tiger In The House.