Aborto

Aborto is a 2013 Indian Bengali film centered around the lives of five key characters. Directed by Arindam Sil, the film employs an ensemble cast featuring Barun Chanda, Abir Chatterjee, Jaya Ahsan, and others, to explore the themes of ambition, desire, and morality within the corporate world.

Regarded as a distinctive representation of contemporary Kolkata, Aborto dives into the day-to-day lives, secrets and competitive nature that lie beneath the surface of a modern corporate office. The characters are relatable, co-existing in an intricate web of personal and professional relationships expertly crafted by Director Sil, and we are privy to their lives in a manner that is absorbing and thought-provoking.

Barun Chanda plays the role of Mr. Hari Shankar Roy, an ambitious corporate director whose life revolves around his work and his relentless pursuit of career advancement. Chanda's portrayal is nuanced, capturing the essence of a man driven by his work, and his struggles with his personal life, obligations, and what truly matters in life.

Co-starring is Abir Chatterjee, painting a picture of Shyamal, an employee at the company Hari leads. Shyamal plies his trade diligently, all the while nurturing his dream of succeeding in a field that is entirely different from his work. Chatterjee's portrayal of Shyamal is layered, effectively capturing the character's unfulfilled aspirations and the tension between his dreams and the demands of the corporate world.

The female lead, Jaya Ahsan, plays the character of Charu, an advertising executive. She is ambitious, talented, and driven by her desire for professional success. Ahsan's performance is captivating, her character embodying the modern independent woman, unafraid to make her mark in a male-dominated industry.

Filmmaker Arindam Sil's deft handling of the storyline ensures that the narrative is both engaging and offers a critical take on corporate life. Through his focus on individual characters and their intertwining lives, he delves into the complexities of contemporary human relationships, fueled by ambition, infidelity, and personal struggles. He keeps the viewers hooked, not only through each character's story but also through the interactions between them.

The pacing of the film is deliberate, ensuring each plot point unfolds naturally and actors have ample time to play out the complexity of their respective roles. The dialogues are crisp and real, enhancing the viewing experience. The film ably balances gritty reality with elements of drama, without ever tipping over into unnecessary melodrama.

The cinematographic work of Soumik Haldar is commendable, visualizing the modern city of Kolkata and its workspace culture in a contemporary yet real visual style. He amplifies the mood of the narrative and the characters' emotions, making an impact on the viewers.

The story's relevance extends beyond the corporate milieu in which it is set, exploring themes of love, ambition, ethics, choices, and personal liberties. It delves into each character’s quest for success and freedom while exposing the cost these pursuits demand.

The music by Bickram Ghosh adds depth and dimension to the film. His score is compelling, synthesizing well with the scenes and enhancing the overall narrative. The songs, featuring Sourendro and Soumyojit, are tuneful and bear an integral relationship with the film's themed narrative.

Aborto is a film that embraces the reality of corporate life and the often-neglected personal lives of those who constitute it. It presents an unflinching view of the cost of professional ambition, the significance of personal satisfaction and the importance of the choices we make in our pursuit of success.

The nuanced performances of the lead actors, coupled with the insightful storytelling of Director Sil and the atmospheric cinematography, contribute to the overall appeal of this Bengali film. It is an engrossing watch for audiences who appreciate smart, thought-provoking cinema, and it provides ample material for discussion long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Aborto is a powerful cinematic exploration of contemporary corporate life, layered with relatable characters, intriguing personal narratives and profound human dilemmas, making it a noteworthy film in the Bengali cinema.