Bariwali

Bariwali is a stirring, thought-provoking Bangla drama film that was released in 2000. It tells the story of a solitary yet vibrant woman, who through a twist of fate, finds herself thrust into a world of glamour which, quite ironically, stands in stark contrast with her otherwise modest life. The movie is the brainchild of the talented director, Rituparno Ghosh, who had an uncanny knack for delicately peeling off the layers of everyday life to bring out the subtle intricacies and complexities of human relationships and emotions.

The centre stage of 'Bariwali' is taken by the unforgettable performance of Kirron Kher, well-known for her acting prowess. She portrays the titular character, Banalata, a middle-aged, lonely widow living on the edges of modern society in her ancestral yet decaying property. The circumstances and societal norms have forced her into leading a monotonous, subdued existence; a life that is only punctuated by her interactions with her domestic help, played stupendously by Sudiptaa Chakraborty who brings a unique repertoire of raw, rustic Bengali emotions. The loneliness of two solitary women, their intimate camaraderie and occasional contention filling up the empty hallways of an old house is a recurring motif that sets up the mood of the film.

Things take an interesting twist when a film crew, led by the charismatic director Deepankar (played by Chiranjit), seeks permission to use Banalata's ancestral house as a shoot location for their next movie. Intrigued by the glitz and glamour of the movie-making process, Banalata allows them in. This decision proves to be a turning point in her life, bringing in changes that she could never have envisioned. The once desolate house buzzes with activity, its hollowness briefly filled by the bustle of the crew, the clapperboards, and the sounds of "action" and "cut".

Chiranjit as the film director brings a fresh breath of air into Banalata's hushed, mundane life. Gracious, sweet-talking, with an easy charm, his character is the perfect foil to Banalata's restrained, quiet character. The balcony discussions about films, life, and longing between them become a significant subplot that eventually has implications in the larger narrative. This chemistry between two contrasting characters, who come from starkly different sections of society, gradually unfolds into one of the film's most intriguing parts.

Meanwhile, the film within a film concept is handled immaculately by director Rituparno Ghosh. Throughout the making of the movie within Banalata's property, the viewers are offered intriguing insights into the world of cinema - its artifices, its ability to manipulate reality, and its paradoxical co-existence of reality and pretense. It is this juxtaposition of a film set wooing reality against the deeply entrenched traditional society that truly engulfs the audience, leading them to question the very nature of reality.

'Barwiali' gradually evolves as brilliant commentary on the cost of fame, the thin line between reel life and real life, raising poignant questions on whether fame can change one's life for the better or worse. The intertwined threads of loneliness, fame, societal norms, pretense, and identity give this film its heart and soul, making it more than just another cinema.

The cinematography, woven splendidly into the narrative, contributes immensely in bringing to life the underlying sadness, candor, and charm of the story. The seemingly mundane yet subtly operatic mise-en-scène sets the tone of the film. The film score, equally evocative, enhances the overall emotional quotient of the movie.

Despite its melancholic undertone, 'Bariwali' does not fail to capture the inherent beauty found in the fragility, resilience, and acceptance within the human spirit. It's a soulful, introspective look into the trials and tribulations of life that not only applauds the strength of its leading lady but also places a magnifying glass over the world's gaze. This subtle commentary successfully transforms 'Bariwali' into a cinematic marvel that is at once heartrending and compelling.

To sum it up, Bariwali, with its exceptional cast, breath-taking narration, and critical exploration of society, offers an immersive experience. It is a cinematic journey that prompts the audience to introspect, raising profound questions about life itself. Bariwali and Kirron Kher's heart-touching portrayal of Banalata's character continue to live on in the hearts of the audience, making the film an enduring classic of Bengali cinema.