Rainbow Jelly

Rainbow Jelly is a 2018 Bengali movie that portrays an enriching and inspiring story of hope, resilience, and the power of innocence. Written and directed by Soukarya Ghosal, the film brings to life a fairy-tale fantasy with a realistic touch, making it an exceptional work of cinema. The esteemed ensemble includes Mahabrata Basu in the lead role, supported by brilliant acting veterans like Sreelekha Mitra and Kaushik Sen.

The movie primarily revolves around Ghoton, a mentally-challenged orphan, beautifully portrayed by Mahabrata Basu. Ghoton, an innocent and pure-hearted child is mistreated and exploited by his evil and deceitful uncle, Gondaria (Kaushik Sen) who is also his guardian. Gondaria is a narcissist who takes pleasure in Ghoton's hardship and uses him for menial tasks, hurling insults and punishing him for slightest mistakes.

The plot further intensifies as we see Pori, a woman from a parallel cloud universe portrayed by actress Sreelekha Mitra, entering this grim world of Ghoton. Pori is portrayed as a visiting angel with the ability to manifest herself only to those she chooses to reveal herself to. Throughout her interactions with Ghoton, they form a special bond that unfolds in a series of magical events.

Ghoton's life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a magic cookbook that was a family heirloom. This cookbook reveals to him an ancient recipe for a meal that can make the consumer observe the world in a unique way, including seeing seven fairies that fulfil seven wishes of the consumer. Empowered by this newfound knowledge, Ghoton embarks on a mission to source each ingredient for this meal. His adventurous journey is presented beautifully, symbolising his struggle and highlighting his determination.

The story provides an engaging exploration of childhood’s reality against the magical backdrop of dreams and fairy-tales. Through Ghoton's quest and his unwavering spirit, the film uncovers deeper societal narratives associated with exploitation, poverty, and resilience, instilling the viewers with a mix of emotions.

Rainbow Jelly is a rare cinematic feat that realistically portrays socio-economic disparities while simultaneously imbuing the narrative with hope, dreams, and supernatural elements. This equilibrium between realism and fantasy sets Rainbow Jelly apart from its contemporaries. Beyond its magic, the film also explores malnutrition, child abuse, and poverty – heavy topics that are concealed under the guise of a fairy tale.

Soukarya Ghosal demonstrates remarkable storytelling skills, adeptly weaving the grim realities of life with the vibrant threads of fantasy. In terms of execution, each directorial decision comes together to create an emotional viewpoint for the audience, including sharp cinematography and warm, brilliant colors that are particularly noticeable in scenes depicting the fantastical elements. Furthermore, the background score by Nabarun Bose enhances the feel of the film, matching the fluctuating mood and engaging the audience into every scene.

Performance-wise, the young actor Mahabrata Basu captivates the audience with his performance as Ghoton, displaying a wide spectrum of emotions that resonates with the viewers. Kaushik Sen, as the wicked Gondaria, successfully brings to life a character that one loves to hate. Sreelekha Mitra adds an ethereal charm to the film that stays true to her character of Pori.

Rainbow Jelly is a refreshing narrative that radiates the possibilities of a world filled with hope, dreams, and resilience. Its thought-provoking undercurrents combined with the innocence of Ghoton might compel you to rethink societal norms. The film captures the spirit of childhood and magical realism; it’s a must-watch for those who enjoy original storytelling garnished with incredible performances and a profound message.