Mukherjee Dar Bou

Mukherjee Dar Bou is a Bengali drama film directed by Pritha Chakraborty and was released in 2019. The movie features talented actors such as Aparajita Adhya, Koneenica Banerjee, and Biswanath Basu. It represents Bengali cinema's first significant foray into the introspective exploration of interpersonal relationships within the household, with a particular focus on the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamic.

Set in an archetypal Bengali middle-class household in Kolkata, the film delves into the lives of its primary characters: a wife and an elderly mother-in-law united by their relation with the common man in their lives, Mukherjee, absent from the narrative physically. The title in itself is unique, meaning, ‘The Wife of Mr. Mukherjee’, transcending the individual identity and personality of the wife, submerging it under the identity of her husband.

Aparajita Adhya dons the role of the matronly figure controlling the household, while Koneenica Banerjee is cast as her daughter-in-law. Not just confined within the household, the narrative expands to their lives beyond this familial attachment. It ingeniously showcases the societal implications on a woman's identity before and after marriage and subtly highlights matrimony's effects on a woman's individual identity.

Mukherjee Dar Bou is unique because of its intention to look beyond the clichéd portrayal of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship and their incessant quibbles. Instead, it tries to bisect the intricate layers of their personality to explore their individual lives, their thwarted aspirations, and how their identities are influenced by societal norms and expectations.

This film also challenges patriarchal norms at every step. It tells the story of two women who become aware of their individual identities beyond their roles as a wife and mother-in-law when their common link, the man in their lives, becomes indifferent. The transition of these women and others in the story is slow and nuanced, never rushing, thereby offering a delicate representation of their evolving personalities.

Anashua Majumdar is the psychologist in the drama who plays a substantial role in stirring the boat of transformation. She guides these women towards self-exploration despite societal resistance, helping them embrace their unique identities away from the inflicted identities of 'wife' or 'mother-in-law'. Biswanath Basu delivers a stellar performance, donning the role of a supporting husband who helps propel this journey towards self-discovery.

While keeping the film rooted in traditional Bengali culture and backdrop from its music, aesthetics, dialogues, to the vibrancy of Kolkata during Durga Puja, director Pritha Chakraborty masterfully subverts the conventional stereotypes attached to domesticity. She attempts to unravel the nuances of interpersonal relationships, encapsulates the suppressed voices and dreams of women confined within the societal roles.

Moreover, the director paints a beautiful picture of feminine camaraderie and compassion among the women in the film. It reflects the potential of women empowering each other against odds, emphasizing the necessity of understanding, communication, and empathy to mitigate the differences that often separate women.

To conclude, Mukherjee Dar Bou represents a fresh perspective in the contemporary Bengali cinema industry, with its mission to break stereotypes while maintaining the charm of traditional Bengali middle-class society. It stands out for its engaging narrative style, gripping performances, and a story that resonates across cultures and societies. This is an enriching drama that not just entertains but leaves behind essential life lessons to ponder over. It is a must-watch, especially for those seeking a narrative that gracefully fathoms the depths of female characters and their relationships.