Watch Abhijan

Abhijan is a 1962 Indian Bengali-language film directed by Satyajit Ray. The movie stars Soumitra Chatterjee, Waheeda Rehman, Ruma Guha Thakurta, and Rabi Ghosh. It is based on a short story by Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay. The film tells the story of Narsingh (Soumitra Chatterjee), a taxi driver in Kolkata, who is struggling to make ends meet. He lost his taxi, which was his only source of income in a gambling game. One day, he meets a beautiful woman named Gulabi (Waheeda Rehman), who is a dancer in a brothel. Narsingh falls in love with her, and she decides to help him get back his taxi by winning money in a dance competition. The two begin a journey together, facing various obstacles along the way.

Throughout the movie, Narsingh's character is portrayed as a man who is down on his luck, but who still maintains his dignity and integrity. He is faced with many temptations and difficult decisions, but ultimately chooses what is right. Gulabi, on the other hand, is initially dismissed as a prostitute with no moral compass. However, as the story progresses, the audience sees her as a strong, independent woman who is also trying to escape her circumstances.

The movie is not just a love story, but also a commentary on the socio-economic conditions of the time. Kolkata in the 1960s was a city in transition, as it sought to modernize and keep up with the changing times. The city is depicted as chaotic and in disarray, with a stark divide between the rich and poor. The stark contrast between Gulabi's luxurious lifestyle and Narsingh's poverty is one of the main themes of the movie.

Another significant theme is the role of women in society. Although Gulabi isn't accepted by mainstream society because of her profession, she is shown to have morals and values that are just as valid as those of any other person. The character of Rama (Ruma Guha Thakurta), Narsingh's former lover, also challenges traditional gender roles. She isn't content to simply marry and settle down, but instead aspires to become a successful businesswoman.

The film's pacing is leisurely, and it takes its time telling the story. However, this allows for the characters to be fully fleshed out and for the audience to become invested in their journey. The cinematography is gorgeous, showcasing the beauty of Kolkata, both in its brighter and more somber moments. The music is haunting and emotional, and it adds greatly to the film's overall impact.

In conclusion, Abhijan is a classic Indian film that explores themes that are still relevant today. Satyajit Ray directs the film with a deft hand, and the performances by Soumitra Chatterjee, Waheeda Rehman, and Ruma Guha Thakurta are excellent. The movie's portrayal of the lives of everyday people in Kolkata is poignant and thought-provoking. It is definitely a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema, and for those interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships.

Abhijan is a 1962 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.