Abby Sen

Abby Sen is an intriguing science fiction Indian film, released in 2015. Directed by Atanu Ghosh, the film stars Abir Chatterjee in the titular role while Raima Sen, Paran Banerjee, Priyanka Sarkar, Kharaj Mukherjee, and Bhaswar Chatterjee appear in pivotal roles. Reflecting an innovative concept, the movie combines romance, drama, comedy and science fiction, offering a unique cinematic experience. The film is in Bengali language but it is subtitled in English, allowing a wide array of viewers to appreciate the brilliance of the storyline and performances.

Abby Sen is set in Kolkata, the city of joy and is centered around the protagonist, Abby Sen, a young, ambitious, and slightly eccentric man. An earnest television producer by profession, he is faced with an unusual predicament where he keeps losing his job due to the advent of satellite television that prefers reality shows over his tasteful method of storytelling. Despite the challenging circumstances, Abby holds onto his belief in good content, and his conviction guides him on an unexpected journey.

As Abby's professional life spirals, he is introduced to a man named Mr. Dasgupta, whose unusual profession intrigues Abby. Mr. Dasgupta possesses the ability to send people back in time, a tantalising prospect for Abby. Desperate to regain his lost pride and demonstrate the worthiness of his job, Abby volunteers to travel back in time to 1980. The leap from 2013 to the retro era allows Abby to view life from a fresh perspective and introduces him to experiences that shape his thoughts, mindset, and approach towards his work and life.

While the science fiction element intricately maneuvered by Atanu Ghosh creates an enticing impression, Abby Sen stands out because of the heartening characters that it incorporates. In the 1980s Abby comes across bygone TV stars and meets people who have a significant impact on his life. Abby’s encounters and associations with meaningful personalities like Sujata, Rajat, and Madhabi give Abby a new understanding of life and relationships. These relationships become an instrumental part of Abby's life, enabling him to view his profession from a unique perspective, hence assisting him in highlighting the significance of values in television shows over mindless entertainment. Abby’s journey in the 1980s turns out to be a life-altering experience that completely revolutionizes his outlook.

Abir Chatterjee as Abby Sen delivers a performance laced with an exceptional mix of earnestness, wit, and charisma. Raima Sen, as Sujata, brings depth to her character, delivering a subtle and endearing performance. The characterization and acting excellence of Paran Banerjee, Priyanka Sarkar, Kharaj Mukherjee, and Bhaswar Chatterjee further enrich the film and the storyline. Atanu Ghosh's insightful direction coupled with stellar performances, makes Abby Sen an engaging watch.

It is also worth mentioning the sincere effort put into creating the ambiance of the 1980s. The accurate production design and detailed costumes bring the vintage era to life, transporting the audience back in time. The retro music composed by Joy Sarkar and the songs sung by Rupankar Bagchi, Lopamudra Mitra, and Rupam Islam further enhance the essence of the past era.

Abby Sen is truly an innovative movie that reflects upon the evolution of television shows and society's obsession with mindless entertainment. It questions the core values of programming and forces the audience to weigh the importance of substance against popularity. The film's unique concept serves as a commentary not just on the media industry but on the cultural transitions that come with the advent of new technology.

With its elegant mix of romance, drama, comedy, and science fiction, Abby Sen is an extraordinary film which keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, yearning for more. The film's unconventional approach, combined with heartwarming performances, makes it a must-watch for viewers who appreciate innovation and thought-provoking storylines. Abby Sen is not just a movie, but an embodiment of creativity and a celebration of meaningful content on screen.