Jojo

Jojo is a provocative and unconventional Bengali dark psychological thriller film released in 2019, directed by Sheershak Anand. The movie stars Darshana Banik, Anirban Bhattacharya, and Saayoni Ghosh in pivotal roles. Through Jojo, director Sheershak Anand artfully explores the themes of identity, reality, and illusions, creating a paradoxical narrative that keeps viewers guessing.

The movie revolves around the lives of its three main characters - Joe (played by Anirban Bhattacharya), Jolly (played by Saayoni Ghosh), and Jashmita/Ria (played by Darshana Banik). Darshana Banik, one of the most promising newbies in contemporary Bengali cinema, delivers an outstanding performance as Jashmita/Ria, brigding two very different personalities and difficult roles. Anirban Bhattacharya plays Joe, a troubled artist, while Saayoni Ghosh portrays the character of Jolly, a tormented woman with a complicated past. These complex characters are weaved into the intricate tapestry of the plot, drawing viewers into their surrealistic world.

Jojo is set in a mysterious mansion where the three central characters coincidentally cross paths, and the story unfolds as they spend a few uncanny nights together. The chief allure of the film lies in its unusual storyline, which resists conventional categorisation. The movie features elements of a thriller, suspense, and drama, creating a dichotomy of the real and the unreal.

An important element of Jojo is its defiance of easy identification. Throughout the film, it’s not easy to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not, as the movie captivates through a sense of uncertainty and anticipation. The film masterfully knits together the individual stories of the characters, which are unravelled as the narrative unfolds, leading to unexpected twists and turns. This constant transition from the known to the unknown holds the viewer's attention.

In Jojo, the director also pays tribute to the theme of art and its profound effect on its creators and perceivers. Joe, an artist by profession, depicts an intricate play of colours on canvas. His paintings mirror his internal chaos, reflecting the parallel between art and the emotions of the creator. This layer of artistic intrigue adds an extra dimension to the film.

Performance-wise, Anirban Bhattacharya, Saayoni Ghosh, and Darshana Banik fully immerse themselves into their roles and pull together remarkable individual performances that leave a mark. Anirban Bhattacharya’s role as Joe sees him effectively balancing the sense of turmoil and conflict within his character, providing the necessary depth to his role. Saayoni Ghosh, as Jolly, beautifully encapsulates the grief and torment of her past. Darshana Banik, in the role of Jashmita/Ria, brilliantly contrasts two very different lives, displaying her versatility as an actress.

Visually, the film is striking and atmospheric, with cinematographer Subhankar Bhar creates an ambiance that enhances the mysterious tone of the narrative. Haunting and desolate, the mansion where the stories unfold augments the sense of mystery that is subtly sewn into each scene. Simultaneously, the film's music and background score, composed by Chirantan Banerjee, complements the mysterious and intense atmosphere of the movie, enhancing the viewing experience.

Overall, Jojo is a movie that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the complexities of identity, reality, and illusion. It successfully draws in the audience with engaging performances, a gripping narrative, and compelling visual artistry whilst challenging conventional storytelling by invoking the unknown.

It is certainly a welcome addition to the Bengali cinema for those seeking a viewing experience that is offbeat, challenging, and thought-provoking. This film certainly shows that director Sheershak Anand isn't afraid to push boundaries and break conventions in storytelling, making Jojo a film worth remembering.