Adda

Adda is an intriguing 2019 Indian Bengali film that compellingly merges elements of drama, satire, and social commentary. Directed by debutant director Devayush Chowdhary, the film stellarly stars veteran Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee, along with talented actors Saayoni Ghosh and Sabyasachi Chakrabarty.

The plot of Adda revolves around the concept of storytelling and mythical conversations that bring out various aspects of the Indian society and contemporary life. The word 'Adda' is colloquially used in the Bengali language to denote a hangout or a chit-chat session where individuals gather to discuss and crack open various stories, views, ideas, and opinions. True to its title, the film transforms the cinematic setup into an interesting platform or venue of dialogue and exchange, engaging the audience in diverse conversations and narratives that are influencing and, at times, transforming society.

The film features Soumitra Chatterjee as himself, adding an autobiographical touch to the premise of the movie. His character enters a fictional world, where he is invited by a young director, 'Arya', played by Indrasish Roy, to play the lead in his debut film. Saayoni Ghosh skillfully plays the role of Joyita, Arya’s girlfriend, who is passionate about social activism and deeply respects Chatterjee, while the celebrated Sabyasachi Chakrabarty embodies the character of a famous writer, 'Sandip', also a representative of an overindulgent Bengali intellectual.

Throughout the film, characters keep engaging in various addas. These addas evolve into microcosmic representations of the macrocosm, reflecting the larger society and its concerns. Reflecting the real world through its mirroring semblances, Adda is efficiently showcasing the cracks, conflicts, and contradictions in dominant narratives and beliefs.

The film bravely writing dialogues and narratives that muse on various social issues such as climate change, political discourses, gender equality, religious intolerance among others. The tension between the past and the present also permeates the narrative as the older and younger generations spar and interact.

The movie is not just about the themes and ideas that come up during the adda sessions. It is about how these sessions develop into a platform for personal and shared introspection and reflection. It is the highlight engagement between the various generations and across diverse perspectives these addas foster. The film intelligently utilizes this Indian tradition of engaging in profound, intimate conversation with others and uses it to address prevalent issues in a captivating way.

Director Devayush Chowdhary does an impressive job in blending various themes into the narrative, and exploring the inherent contradictions of the society we live in. He manages to keep the narration engaging and intense, offering a fresh narrative style that is layered with thought-provoking dialogues and performances. The film is also beautifully shot, with Kolkata being portrayed in a raw and authentic manner – almost like an additional character in the plot contributing to the vibe and aura of the movie.

The stellar performances by the lead actors bring this political drama, satire, and social commentary to life. Soumitra Chatterjee's magnetic screen presence and powerful performance are an absolute treat for cinema lovers. His aura and charisma captivate the audience, making them invest deeply in the plot and the ideas espoused. Ghosh and Chakrabarty also deliver strong and impactful performances that add depth to the narrative.

In its totality, Adda comprises an engaging blend of satire, social commentary, and drama that encourages viewers to reflect on societal norms and beliefs. Its skilful writing, effective direction and commanding performances come together to offer a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Adda is one of those films that immediately garners your attention and keeps you hooked with its unique presentation of humour, satire, and reflexivity linked to the daily realities of life. This is a film that truly creates food for thought.