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Asukh

Where to Watch Asukh

1999

Asukh is an Indian drama film that unravels the complexities of familial relationships, societal norms, and personal happiness against the backdrop of the Bengali film industry. Released in 1999, this critically acclaimed film was directed by Rituparno Ghosh, and featured an influential ensemble cast that included stalwarts such as Soumitra Chatterjee, Debashree Roy, and Arpita Chatterjee.

The heart of the story lies in its exploration of a fragile father-daughter relationship, beautifully portrayed by Soumitra Chatterjee and Debashree Roy. Chatterjee's character, a retired schoolteacher called Bhrigu, resides in a village at the outskirts of Kolkata, content in his isolated world comprising only his old mother and a lifetime of cherished books. Enter Debashree Roy, who plays Rohini, Bhrigu’s daughter and a successful actress of mainstream Bengali cinema. Rohini holds an influential position in the industry, commanding both success and adulation, a stark contrast to the simplicity of her father's existence.

One day, Rohini receives grave news about her grandmother's deteriorating health, and it forces her to revisit her father and their roots in the village. This return to her homeland, and the deep-seated family constraints and pressures that come along with it, opens up an array of personal and professional conflicts in Rohini's life. At the same time, we are introduced to the ailing grandmother and the caretaker of the house, Neepa, played by Arpita Chatterjee. Neepa's silent suffering and her often overlooked existence in the household adds another layer to the narrative, thus unveiling several intersecting conflicts within the family household.

The movie addresses the themes of estrangement, longing, and the complications intrinsic to familial relationships. There is also a significant commentary on the vicious cycle of exploitation and cultural hypocrisy in the entertainment business. Beyond this, Asukh delves into the contrast between the steady pace of rural life and the glitz and glamour of the urban world, documenting stark cultural differences between these two spheres.

Rituparno Ghosh’s gripping storyline is enhanced by exemplary performances. Soumitra Chatterjee, considered as one of the finest actors in the Bengali film industry, gives a nuanced performance as a proud, self-reliant patriarch, encapsulating the film’s exploration of generational discrepancy and societal shifts. Debashree Roy, one of the most accomplished actresses of Bengali cinema, delivers an incredible performance as Rohini. Her stunning portrayal of a successful actress grappling with personal dilemmas amidst the torturous society norms is poignant and rewarding. Arpita Chatterjee, the youngest member of the trio, presents an exquisite depiction of a confined woman, caught in a web of undesired circumstances.

The cinematography and the mise-en-scène deserve special mention as they manage to complement the narrative by juxtaposing the rustic charm of a village with the artificiality of a city life. The naturalistic daylight of the village and the harsh artificial lights inside Rohini’s makeup room is not only a careful observation but also a metaphoric representation of two contrasting worlds.

The director uses silence as a potent cinematic tool to enhance the depth of the narrative. The expressions of the characters, the play of light and shadow, and the sounds from everyday life create a beautiful cinematic language that speaks volumes about the characters’ myriad emotions. Music, composed by Debojyoti Mishra, is sparingly but stunningly used, further intensifying the emotional upheavals of the characters. The film features minimalistic dialogues, which are sharp, poetic, and carry a profound weight of their emotional circumstances.

Asukh is a commendable film that dares to touch upon controversial themes and break the normative narrative structures of mainstream Bengali cinema. It is a poignant exploration of how the complexities of familial dynamics can impact personal growth. The remarkable performances and thought-provoking narrative make Asukh a must-watch for anyone interested in intense family dramas and exploring the cine-landscape of Bengali cinema.

Asukh is a Drama movie released in 1999. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.4..

7.4/10
Director
Rituparno Ghosh
Stars
Soumitra Chatterjee, Debashree Roy, Arpita Pal
Genres
Also starring Debashree Roy