Watch Antarjali Yatra

Antarjali Yatra is a 1987 drama film directed by Indian filmmaker Gautam Ghose. The film stars Vasant Choudhury, Promode Ganguly, and Rabi Ghosh in pivotal roles. The movie is set in the years before India got its independence in 1947, amidst the turbulent times of British Raj. The story revolves around a young girl, Basanti (played by Sumitra Mukherjee), who is a resident of a small village in Bengal. Her father is a zamindar, but he is heavily in debt, and as a result, the family is constantly under tremendous pressure from the lenders. Thus, to help her family, Basanti marries a middle-aged wealthy merchant, Gopinath Ganguli (Vasant Choudhary), who is kind-hearted and promises to clear her family's debt.

As time passes, Basanti and Gopinath develop a strong bond, but this is not well-received by the people around them, especially Gopinath's brother-in-law, Brajagopal (Promode Ganguly), who is highly critical of their relationship. Brajagopal views Basanti as a gold digger and is not afraid to express his opinion.

The film further explores the lives of characters who are directly impacted by the societal norms prevalent during the British era in India, and the cultural tensions that arise at the time. The deep-rooted and ingrained notions of caste, class, and religion have been depicted in the movie quite effectively, highlighting the subtle nuances of the conflicts that arise as a result.

Antarjali Yatra is set against the backdrop of the Bengal Famine of 1943, one of the most devastating periods in India's history that left millions dead due to starvation. The famine is portrayed vividly in the movie and its impact on Basanti and Gopinath's life is distressing.

The film is not just a commentary on Indian society but also preaches how social structures can become the perpetrators of gender-based violence. The film highlights the importance of female agency and empowerment, especially in a society that is grossly patriarchal.

One of the most striking features of this movie is the excellent use of the music in the film that accentuates the emotions of the characters. Bengali folk songs have been employed skillfully throughout the film, adds depth and richness to the story. The song "Jao pakhi bolo tare" from the movie became an instant hit and is still considered to be one of the most soulful and emotionally charged songs in Indian cinema.

Antarjali Yatra is a well-crafted movie that is a masterpiece of Indian cinema. It has won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film, and the FIPRESCI Prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1987. The movie has left an impact on the Indian cinema, as well as the minds of the people, because of its portrayal of the social and cultural realities of the pre-Independence era. The movie is truly a cinematic experience for the ages.