Finally Bhalobasha

Finally Bhalobasha, a Bengali drama from 2019 directed by Anjan Dutt, is a tale of love interwoven with pain, agony, and inevitable death, leaving a significant mark on its viewers. Set within an intense backdrop, the film spins around three parallel narratives, each evoking feelings of love laden within defined societal norms and clichés.

Arindam Sil, Suprabhat Banerjee, Anirban Bhattacharya along with Raima Sen, Sauraseni Maitra, and Arjun Chakraborty make up an ensemble cast responsible for the compelling portrayal of the complex characters. Throughout the narrative, each character is masterfully developed, enabling audiences to comprehend their dispositions and relate to their situations.

The film opens in the city of Kolkata where an HIV positive woman, played by Raima Sen, comes across a misanthropic, mysterious man played by Anirban Bhattacharya. An unexpected bond forms between them, setting the stage for the exploration of love that transcends societal conventions and prejudices.

Simultaneously, the narrative tackling the theme of loneliness presents the character of a middle-aged man played by Arindam Sil, in deep solitude after the demise of his wife. He fosters an interesting relationship with a young nurse played by Sauraseni Maitra, at a Darjeeling-based hospice. The blossoming friendship between the two individuals, despite a considerable age difference, formulates another intriguing perspective of love and companionship.

The third storyline unfolds in the city of Mumbai where a gangster’s love interest, portrayed by Arjun Chakraborty, falls for a prostitute, played by Suprabhat Banerjee, who leads a life full of complexities. This narrative explores the raw and tender pulse of love germinating in the darkness of the underworld and how it remains unaffected by societal stigmas attached to the profession.

Director Anjan Dutt explores the boundaries of love within the confines of society through various perspectives. He emphasizes how love can transcend the lines of illness, age, and societal norms, creating a unique spell-binding narrative. Each tale is perfectly synchronized with the other, gradually evolving throughout the plot, helping the audience to connect the dots by the film’s culmination.

The film goes far beyond a traditional love story, touching upon several features of human emotion and societal judgment. It presents the audience with not only the variations of love but also the pathos that comes along with it. Each narrative demonstrates an unconventional aspect of love, giving a whole new perspective to the conventional idea of love stories.

The film also boasts of a strong auxiliary cast including renowned actors like Anjan Dutt, Anirban Bhattacharya, and others, giving depth to the narratives with their unnoticed yet significant roles.

The ambiance of the film is significantly heightened by its background music composed by Neel Dutt. The music not only complements the mood of the film but also brings forth the underlying emotions of the characters, thereby deepening the cinematic experience of the viewers.

Every detail in Finally Bhalobasha, from the intricate character development to the meticulously designed sets and the subtle nuances of the performances, contributes to the overall theme of unconventional love. The film emphasizes human connections in their rawest and most honest forms, exploring the power of love in overcoming barriers of social norms, physical ailments, and inner demons.

Stripped away from the glamorous interpretation of love, Finally Bhalobasha offers an enchanting narrative intertwined with layered sentiments. It probes the viewer's understanding of love, inviting them to see beyond the societal norms, prejudices, and stereotypes. The film, while redefining love, also raises questions about mortality, despair, fear, and ultimately, liberation. It is a must-watch for those willing to experience a unique angel on love and relationships.