Noukadubi

A cinematic retelling of a Tagore classic where the predecessor (cinematic) boasted legends like Soumitra, Aparna Sen, Utpal Dutta & Rabi Ghosh is no mean feat. Rituporno Ghosh has attempted and succeeded in the hard task of presenting Tagore to a new generation of viewers bought up in this cyber era. Before you start watching you would wonder how a cast of Jishu Sengupta and the Sen sisters would hold up to the aforementioned cast. You would think that this endeavor would fall flat on its face due to the apparent inexperience of the present cast when compared to the old one but you would do well to trust the eccentric genius of Rituporno. Even though he has a habit of taking cinematic liberties (Chokher Bali for instance)this time he has stayed true to Tagore and interspersed the entire film with Tagore references and delightful selection of Rabindra sangeet. Its like a love song - a poetic tribute to our beloved bard. His knowledge of all things Tagore seems unparalleled. Its his effort that hides the acting inadequacies of this young cast. His presentation of this beloved tale makes you ignore that. You hardly even notice the lack of histrionic talent.

For a Tagore sophomore like me it was mesmerizing. And gut wrenching!! Tagore, through his work, had this ability to provide the entire spectrum of sheer joy and heart stopping pain. Such beauty! No wonder his work still outsells any modern work in Bengal. This movie combines the best of both world - Tagore's writing and Rituporno's direction. It should be watched by everybody who calls and thinks themselves Tagore lovers. This one linger long in your mind. Vintage Rituporno!! Feels like Tagore works are experiencing a renaissance....

Bhengeche Duaar, esheche jyotirmoy

Tomari hok joy!!!

Just as specifically mentioned right at the beginning, this movie is not simply an adaptation of the Tagore classic. This is hugely inspired and then intricately woven into a beautiful film by Rituparno Ghosh.

Similar to other movies by Ghosh, this one too is a very mature movie and may not get along well with everyone. The sheer complexity and at the same time the purity of human emotions have been portrayed magnificently through the four titular characters. On one side there is a picture of the prejudiced society entangled in it's rituals and customs and on other side there is a face of a rational society free from those burdens which are all tied together by the melancholy verses of Rabindra Sangeet.

In short one of the under rated cinematic brilliance of Mr Ghosh.

Great quality movie. Stunning direction & excellent acting by all the actors!

This is another masterpiece by Rituparno Ghosh. I had intended to watch the Hindi version but accidentally stumbled upon the Bengali one. However, I'm glad I did, as this version retains the original essence. During the first half, I suspected it might be a remake of the 1960 film "Ghunghat," but I later learned that both were inspired by the same novel. Honestly, this is the best adaptation of the novel. While "Ghunghat" is decent, "Noukadubi" has more emotional depth, aesthetic value, and less of a commercial feel. Even though the movie is quite slow-paced, you won't feel bored for a single moment.

This was my first time watching a film with any of these cast members. Believe me, they were absolutely brilliant and natural. From dialogue delivery to appearance, everything was perfect. Raima Sen and Riya Sen acted brilliantly in their respective roles, and it makes me wonder where we can find such natural actresses nowadays. Jisshu Sengupta was excellent throughout the film; give him any role, and he will nail it completely. Prosenjit Chatterjee also had a great performance in the film. I was surprised to learn that Raima Sen and Riya Sen are real-life sisters and the granddaughters of the legendary Suchitra Sen. No wonder they looked naturally beautiful. Dhritiman Chatterjee and Ammu Chatterjee also gave their best to their characters.

The cinematography is appealing, with enchanting views of the riverside.

The soundtrack by Raja Narayan Deb didn't have much of an impact on me, as most of the tracks are poetic and slow-paced. However, this allowed me to be more drawn to the plot than the soundtrack. This is a major difference between "Noukadubi" and "Ghunghat," where "Ghunghat" had a more commercial soundtrack that might have detracted from the plot. However, the background score in "Noukadubi" is absolutely amazing.

In conclusion, "Noukadubi" is an aesthetic film that you must watch in your lifetime.

Posting here a review if Hindi version of this movie. The movie is an adaption of Tagore's novel Nauka Dubi. The story has the Tagorian hallmarks such as poetic style social realism, emotional conundrum, tohubohu of relationships and a reformist take on the rigidity of 20th century marriage institution. His women are self-assured and prepollent.

Rituparno Ghosh's craftsmanship is evident. Superb art direction by lndranil Ghosh who brings 1920s Bengal to life. All artists deliver powerful performances and esp both the Sen sisters; Raima Sen as and Riya Sen are superb. Perfect casting. Gulzari's songs (I believe in Original version, it is Rabindrasangeet) and Sanjay-Raja music are like an icing on the cake. A good watch.