Mayurakshi

Mayurakshi is a 2017 Indian drama film directed by Atanu Ghosh. The veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee and Prosenjit Chatterjee, two of the biggest names in the Bengali film industry, grace the screens in the lead roles. Indrani Haldar, Sudipta Chakraborty, and Gargee Roychowdhury are other notable actors in the film. The story revolves around an ailing father and his son who shares a complex yet heartwarming relationship. The movie was highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike for its powerful performances, brilliant direction, engaging narrative and emotional punch.

Mayurakshi starts with Aryanil (Prasenjit Chatterjee), a successful middle-aged man living in Chicago, falling into a whirlpool of complex emotions upon receiving news about his father's deteriorating health. His father, Sushovan (Soumitra Chatterjee), once a well-known academic scholar and professor, has been battling dementia in his old age. A sudden call from Kolkata compels Aryanil to return to the city he left many years ago.

Throughout Aryanil's visit, the audience is given glimpses into their past, revealing the memories, conflict, and love that lingers between a father and son. Each scene meticulously divulges layers of their relationship, bringing to light various emotions that are relatable and poignant.

Sushovan, a man of prodigious intellect, now fails to recognize people around him due to the ravages of dementia. His world, a blend of the real and the unreal, is held together only by the slender thread of some half-remembered facts and favorite words. Aryanil, in order to cope with this, tries to immerse himself on his father’s daily life.

The titular river ‘Mayurakshi’, around which the film is based, provides a backdrop for the narrative and acts as a metaphor for the father and son's relationship. Like the river, their relationship has ebbed and flowed amidst the chaos and calm of life.

From conversations about Sushovan's favorite word 'Ghyan’ (meaning knowledge in the Sanskrit language), Aryanil's guilt, regret, and unexpressed love for his parents to the story focusing on how a child becomes a parent to his own father, Mayurakshi brings forth intricate connotations about life, time, and generation gaps.

The movie beautifully encapsulates the question of mortality, human relationships, and the truths we live with. It daylights the intergenerational challenges and emotions, age-old dilemmas which are beautifully portrayed with heartfelt conversations, without shedding romanticized sentiments.

Credit goes to the director, Atanu Ghosh, who has beautifully painted the canvas of Mayurakshi with subtlety and sensitivity. The screenplay strives to maintain a balance between showing the struggles of the elderly and their role as parents. The cinematographer, Soumik Halder, has done a commendable job in capturing the mood and essence of each scene.

Moreover, the raw acting prowess of Soumitra Chatterjee and Prosenjit Chatterjee is simply extraordinary. They both have delivered deeply layered performances that touch your heart. The impeccable casting and strong performances of supporting cast, notably Indrani Haldar and Sudipta Chakraborty, further enhanced the quality of the film.

Lastly, the soulful background score by Debojyoti Mishra seamlessly merges with the narrative, enhancing the emotional gravitas while anchoring the storytelling. The music guides the audience through the intimate moments, thereby providing a profound emotional depth to the film.

In conclusion, Mayurakshi presents the journey of a father and son through a gamut of emotions, evoking a profound sense of empathy and understanding. It stands as a glowing testament to the power of masterful storytelling and stellar performances. With a touch of melancholy and heartfelt drama, Mayurakshi is likely to linger in your memory long after the credits roll.