Well, the trailer and the 32-minute audio soundtrack had surely aroused a lot of expectations about the film and the numerous interviews and concerts perfromed by the "Dutt"s had put the 13th April release on the pedestal tagged "must-watch". And it is heartening to see Anjan dutt's brilliant return to his favourite genreof making musical dramas, this time with a subtle touch of common affairs of today's world.
The story revolves around seven lives and the crisis each of them face as they walk ahead in life. "Crisis" is perhaps the catchword here. Almost everyone today has some problem or the other, no matter how successful one might be in one's proffesional life. Crisis is not only in Syria but also in our minds and people around us. Likewise, the characters shown in this film also have their personal problems- a young girl who has been raped and is consequently, amidst a court case as well as psychological trauma; a higly successful lawyer who is on the verge of losing a case for the first time and hence is agonized; a daughter who has a bitter relationship with her mother and is leading a frustated life; An aspiring singer with all odds against him; a middle-aged separated man mostly absorbed in liquor, and others, who are associated to their lives by some connection. The protagonist here is of course, music. Songs from an "unknown, unheard songwriter" gradually enters the lives of these people and enables them in overcoming their crisis. They come in accidentally, as if the messengers of "good time" and hope of survival. How that happens and how music acts as a healing touch, forms the crux of the story.
The story thus, is a cobweb of relationships, some being bitter and some, sweet. All the incidents shown are relevant in today's world and the audience can easily connect themselves with the characters. There are several high points of the film, the foremost being the apt use of music. Indeed much has already been said about the songs previously-which talk of daily chores, human miseries along with the hope of returnig. to the loved ones, returning to one's roots and about our nostalgic memories that bring sadness and melancholy to our hearts. The songs are not made for the film, yet they are so well introduced that none of them seem to be forced in. The songs are placed according to the mood of the film's proceedings and become even more emphatic along with the film. Even the background score is in sync with the incidents shown on screen- showing the musical intellect of Neel Dutt.
Another highpoint is definitely, the acting department. Anjan Dutt (playing Ranojoy) has again proven himself as an actor; he is as natural on screen as he is outside of it. This can be deemed as one of his best performances, after those in Chitrangada, Dutta vs Dutta and Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona. Swastika too, as always has dished out a fine performance as an extremley career-oriented woman who is initially shown to be devoid of emotions. another person who should be mentioned is Anindya chatterjee, the man carrying the wave of music throughout the story. It is another brilliant performance of this young actor after playing a negative character in 'Asche Abar Shabor' and looks very fresh in the film. The scenes showing paternal emotions between Ranojoy and him are simply treats to watch. Kaushik Sen, Souraseni Maitra and newcomer Darshana Banik are also quite good in their portrayals. Further, Gairik Sarkar's cinematography adds to the beauty of the film; however, his play with colours in "Byomkesh O Agniban" was, too some extent, missed.
Thus, the film has been successful in stirring up emotions in the hearts of the audience. It reminds us that although we may be facing difficulties and crisis in our lives, we must not lose faith and hope of moving ahead. It is true that bad times come in our lives but they come on a temporary basis. It is here that music helps us to rejuvinate ourselves and sooth our minds. At tines of despair, music can overcome the melancholy and make us merry. Here we see a girl getting back the spirit of moving ahead with optimism on hearing her boyfriend singing "aami ashbo phirey tomar paraye" and thereby deciding to step out and enjoy life again. Complexity is simply a state of mind; we can make things simple for us if we intend to do so. We might not accept changes or the breaking of rules, but when we realise its necessity we give in. For instance, parents often do not realise the needs and aspirations of their children and tend to impose their dreams on them to achieve, forgetting the passion and liking of the child, leading to a crisis. Result? the child goes astray and tends to be unkind to other people around him, making him unsuitable for a social life. but music can help him to change. All these aspects have been aptly and subtly shown in this film, making it an epitome of the "filmmaker" Anjan Dutt. The reason for its appreciation primarily lies in the fact that the movie deals with "music-listeners" and not the makers, making it much relatable with our common lives.
Having said much, l would request all to watch "Aami Ashbo Phirey" - a film that will surely move you and strike a chord in your hearts. And big thanks to Anjan Dutt , Neel Dutt and SVF for a wonderful "Poila baisakh" present. Whether the work is a masterpiece might be debatable, one can surely say that #AamiAshboPhirey will always be remembered in the history of bengali cinema.
Footnote: The revelation of the "unknown unheard" songwriter is a sort of a climax of this film, which, I feel, has a close relation with the making of the music album of this film.
