Ahare Mon

Ahare Mon is a critically acclaimed film directed by Pratim D. Gupta and released in 2018. The movie features a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Biswanath Basu, Kunal Chakraborty, and Ritwick Chakraborty. Much like a mosaic of emotions and subtleties of life, Ahare Mon offers an enthralling and heart-touching collection of stories intricately woven together around the overarching narrative of love.

The film is a narrative anthology, telling four distinct, thematically connected stories. Each story beautifully paints a rich and delicate panorama of humanity, focusing on relationships and bonds that people form, irrespective of societal constraints, norms, or preconceived notions. These relationships are explored across diverse contexts - be it an aging man meeting a charismatic woman on an airplane, the fascinating journey of two petty thieves, or the heartfelt attachment between a young man and the elderly woman he looks after. Each story arc is punctuated with moments of charm, wit, and an undercurrent of relatability.

The film begins on a high note with Biswanath Basu in his element as an immigration officer battling loneliness, an unusual character with an engaging narrative. He is followed by Kunal Chakraborty's enchantingly portrayed character, whose chemistry with his on-screen partner leads the film towards a heartwarming climax. The stoic and serious stage is set perfectly by Ritwick Chakraborty, delivering a powerfully understated performance.

What is evident in Ahare Mon is the director Pratim D. Gupta’s masterstroke in accomplishing the colossal task of presenting four different stories, all bounded by the theme of forbidden love and longing. Gupta does an excellent job of seamlessly connecting these disparate narratives and delivering them with an intriguing cohesion. His judicious use of humor and irony amidst these heartfelt stories makes the movie even more poignant and compelling.

The performances in Ahare Mon are pleasantly voyeuristic, leaving you with a sense of having peeked into someone's inner lives. Biswanath Basu as Michael, the immigration officer, brings the right mix of comedy and pathos to his character. Kunal Chakraborty and Ritwick Chakraborty also deliver powerhouse performances, adding depth and resonance to their respective characters.

Ahare Mon's chief tropes are love and loneliness, which are depicted in the most nuanced manner. Every character in the film is layered and fleshed out, making them vibrant and relatable. The film manages to take you on an emotional roller-coaster, tugging at your heartstrings at the right moments while making you chuckle at others.

The film's cinematography and background score also deserve a special mention. The lens beautifully captures the essence of the modern, urban cityscape while subtly highlighting the loneliness that often accompanies city life. The music of the movie is soft and poignant, adding depth to the narratives without overwhelming them.

Ahare Mon is a successful experiment in storytelling, proving that love knows no boundaries. It is a movie that showcases director Pratim D. Gupta's astute sense of storytelling. With immense heart and intricate detailing, the film evokes a range of emotions. It is rooted in Bengali culture and ethos but stands out for its universal appeal and timeless theme.

While Ahare Mon can be best described as a film about love surpassing societal norms and barriers, it is so much more than that. Through its stories, the film opens up a window to human emotions, desires, and longing, revealing the tender and sensitive nuances that often ornament our lives. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate the art of cinema and the craft of storytelling, making for an emotional and thought-provoking experience. Through empathetic handling of its characters and nuanced storytelling, the movie touches upon various themes of life in the modern world, making it an impactful and heartwarming cinematic watch.