Obhishopto Nighty

Obhishopto Nighty is an intriguing and riveting 2014 film directed by Birsa Dasgupta. The cast is studded with familiar names in the Bengali film industry, such as Tanushree Chakraborty, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, and Paoli Dam. This unique movie is a spirited, offbeat, and at times humorous exploration of various threads of social, historical and personal notions of the sensual, all tied together by the presence of a certain 'cursed nighty'.

The movie revolves around a pink satin nighty, a night dress that strangely stitches together the destinies of the numerous characters that come into contact with it. The specific nighty was manufactured in the year 1985, and it is believed to bring a strange kind of luck, mainly related to sensuality, to those who possess it. This underlying supernatural element introduces a quirky and fantastical aspect to the storyline, which is handled with a spirited sense of humour.

The storytelling is intricate and significantly character-driven, pulling together narratives from quite diverse timelines. These narratives traverse a span of three decades and several entirely contrasting socio-cultural contexts. From a 1980s actress (played by Paoli Dam) to a 2010s newlywed couple (played by Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Tanushree Chakraborty) each story is cleverly connected by the influence of a 'cursed nighty' that mysteriously moves from person to person, affecting their lives in drastic and unexpected ways.

In this whirlwind narrative that spans generations, director Birsa Dasgupta masterly employs a touch of magical realism. The seemingly ordinary nighty owns a supernatural power that challenges society's norms and twists the concept of freedom and control.

Parambrata Chattopadhyay, who already has an impressive body of work behind him, offers a convincing performance in the role of a distressed husband, effortlessly embodying the confusion and frustration of his character. Tanushree Chakraborty is refreshing in an interesting role that requires her to display a wide array of emotions. Paoli Dam showcases a different set of theatrical virtues playing an actress from the era of the mid-1980s to perfection. Her talents shine through, adding depth and weight to the narrative.

More than just a story of a mystical nighty, Obhishopto Nighty also subtly explores the socio-cultural shift of Kolkata from the 1980s to the present, taking the audience on a journey across time. Through these shifts, the film asks intriguing questions about sensuality, societal norms, and how these have changed and evolved over the years. As the nighty shifts hands, the story expertly peels back the layers of society's perspectives on such issues.

The film is shot seamlessly, with tastefully done cinematography that brings the different timelines and settings to life. The makeup, wardrobe, and art direction teams have done an exceptional job rendering authenticity to different periods and their respective aesthetics. The background score sets the mood without overpowering the narrative, which adds a delicious harmony to the film.

Obhishopto Nighty is an engaging and entertaining blend of comedy, drama, and light-hearted supernatural elements, backed by impactful performances and innovative storytelling. It will have viewers associating satin nighties with a whole lot more than just a piece of clothing. The movie maintains a fluid and dynamic pace, creating an engaging cinematic experience for the audience.

Finally, Obhishopto Nighty is a refreshing take on the exploration of social constructs and personal notions revolving around lust, desire, and sensuality. The differently paced narratives in the film wonderfully come together, creating lingering curiosity. One of the significant triumphs of the film is how it layers multiple perspectives of an era, bringing out an interesting originality that makes you question norms as you snigger at the proceedings. From start to finish, it is a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking exploration of desire and society that definitely makes for an entertaining watch.