Mahalaya Bengali Movie Review!

Bongo Banjo

17 Jun, 2023

In recent years, Indian cinema has witnessed an upsurge in movies based on true stories. One such film that has caught our attention is "Mahalaya."

Directed by Soumik Sen, "Mahalaya" is a gripping tale of a real-life tragedy that shook the nation.

In this article, we delve into the movie's plot, performances, and overall impact, and explore why it is a must-watch for cinema lovers.

Plot

Set in Kolkata in the late 1970s, "Mahalaya" revolves around the horrific Marichjhapi massacre.

The film follows the story of a young boy named Soumya (Rishav Basu), who witnesses the brutal displacement of a group of refugees from Marichjhapi Island by the West Bengal government.

The refugees, mostly Bangladeshi Hindus, had been living on the island for years but were forced to leave their homes and belongings overnight, without any prior notice.

The film masterfully captures the helplessness and despair of the refugees as they are uprooted from their homes and separated from their loved ones.

The movie also highlights the apathy and callousness of the government and the media towards the refugees' plight, further intensifying the tragic nature of the story.

Performances

The performances in "Mahalaya" are top-notch. Soumik Sen has done an excellent job in casting relatively unknown actors who bring authenticity to their characters which is rare to find in mainstream cinema.

Rishav Basu, who plays the lead role of Soumya, is a revelation. He perfectly captures the innocence and vulnerability of a child caught during a tragedy.

Indrani Haldar, who plays the role of a refugee woman, is equally impressive. Her portrayal of a mother struggling to keep her family together in the face of adversity is both heart-wrenching and powerful.

The supporting cast, including Subhrajit Dutta and Bratya Basu, deliver solid performances and add depth to the story.

Impact

"Mahalaya" is a thought-provoking film that sheds light on a dark chapter in India's history. The movie highlights the plight of refugees and the government's apathy towards their suffering, making it a relevant and important watch, even today.

The film also raises important questions about identity, citizenship, and belonging, and challenges our perceptions of what it means to be a part of a nation.

The film's impact has been felt beyond the movie theatres. In an interview with Film Companion, Soumik Sen revealed that he was approached by several people who had never heard of the Marichjhapi massacre before watching the movie.

The film has also reignited discussions about the incident and brought the plight of the refugees to the forefront.