Watch Antareen

Antareen is a 1993 Indian Bengali-language drama film directed by Mrinal Sen starring Anjan Dutt, Dimple Kapadia, and Tathagata Sanyal. The film starts off with a breezy background score and some of the most stunning visuals of Calcutta, and slowly transitions into a simmering drama packed with human emotions. The story revolves around Sudhin (Anjan Dutt), a successful photographer leaving behind his wife, Rupa (Dimple Kapadia), and career in Mumbai to visit Kolkata after years. The journey is motivated by a deep urge to explore and rediscover Kolkata, his old home. Sudhin finds himself in a compartment with Dr. Dasgupta (Tathagata Sanyal) where they start conversing about the city and the people who inhabit it.

Upon arriving in Kolkata, Sudhin is welcomed by a woman who is a journalist and had a relationship with him in the past. From there, the film takes us on a journey that is a reflection of the city, the people who live there, and their lives. The film explores the different dimensions of human emotions and relationships, presenting a kaleidoscopic view of life in Kolkata.

Sudhin's journey takes him to different parts of the city, and he meets different people along the way. He meets his old neighbor who is now a prostitute, and after a brief conversation, he realizes that her circumstances have not changed but has gotten worse. He also meets a filmmaker who is struggling to make a film and a woman who works in a coffin shop, and he is taken aback by the irony. He also meets an old friend who now heads a political party, and this meeting leads to Sudhin becoming embroiled in a power struggle.

Throughout the film, we see Sudhin dealing with his past and the void left behind by his wife, ultimately leading up to a climactic scene with his wife Rupa. This scene is filled with longing, love, nostalgia, and pain as the two confront their past and the reasons behind their separation.

The entire film uses the city of Kolkata as a character, making it an essential part of the story. We see the magnificent Howrah Bridge and its reflection in the river, the vibrant markets, the dingy lanes, the overcrowded buses, and the crumbling buildings. The cinematography of the film is one of its strengths, and this is evident in every shot. The lighting and the use of shadows add to the depth of the film and the chiaroscuro technique adds to the melancholy and gloom.

The film tackles some significant themes like urbanization, economic disparity, and political turmoil, but at the heart of it, Antareen is a story about human emotions and relationships. This is a film that celebrates the human spirit and the power of love, and at the same time, takes an honest and unflattering look at the city of Kolkata and the society that resides within it.

Overall, Antareen is a powerful and important film that is a must-watch for anyone interested in Bengali cinema or Indian cinema in general. The film stands the test of time and still resonates with audiences today. Mrinal Sen has crafted a masterpiece that is both introspective and universal, making it a timeless classic.