Cinema... Seriously!

On 30th December, Bengali film director Mrinal Sen passed away. Luckily I came to know about his great films while writing a research paper. I have seen two of his great films, Khandhar(ruins) and Ek Din Achanak. Both the films have greatness of his cinematic art. The plot and story of the films reminded me ‘Waiting for Godot’ an absurd play by Samuel Beckett.

Khandhar describes the story about the ruined place as well as ruined life of Jamini (Shabana Azmi) who is waiting for her would be husband Niranjan to take her away from that Khandhar. Jamini’s old mother mistakes Niranjan with other man Subhash. The staying of Subhash at Khandhar- Jamini’s village, gives her hope. Subhash, in his conflict of forced identity tries to think about Jamini but as he is visitor, cannot help Jamini to come out from the ruins. Instead of dialogues, silences have more value in the film. Shabana Azmi is master of conveying emotions through silence. The images speak more than moving pictures. The watching experience of the film is extra-ordinary though describing ordinary story.

Ek Din Achanak has no story at all like Waiting for Godot. A history Professor just vanishes without note and his children and wife interpret the reason of his exit on their own. Once again casting is superb. Shabana Azmi played role of professor’s daughter. The film ends a year after the same incident of professor’s exit. The film is full with interpretations even without story like Beckett’s absurd play. The one line note of professor telling, “कुछ दिनों से अच्छा नहीं लगता” presents his anxiety. The reason Shabana Azmi daughter of professor, finds out is that he was feeling too ordinary. The feeling of ordinariness made him too anxious. Once again, the legendary actors like Shabana Azami, Shreeram Lagoo have performed their best. Shabana Azmi, who is acting with her eyes or the images of darkness, background sound of clock made the film masterpiece.

Mrinal Sen and his films have profound place in Hindi Cinema. May we have some good films and film makers this year who will not make us miss the legend.