Watch Bagh Bahadur

"Bagh Bahadur" is a 1989 Indian art film directed by Buddhadeb Dasgupta. The film tells the story of Janardhan, played by Pawan Malhotra, a poor, illiterate man from a rural village in Bengal who trains and transforms himself into a dancer who portrays the role of a tiger on stage. He is deeply fascinated by the animal's grace and strength, and begins to emulate it in his daily life, earning him the nickname "Bagh Bahadur", or "the brave tiger".

The film opens with Janardhan's daily routine in the village - tending to his buffalo, chopping firewood, and visiting the local fair - all while imitating the movements of the nearby tigers in the jungle. He catches the eye of a visiting theatre group, who are looking for someone to play the role of a tiger in their upcoming production. After much persuasion, Janardhan agrees to join the troupe and begins to train under the tutelage of the director, a Burmese man named Ishwar.

As Janardhan undergoes his transformation, he also falls in love with a young girl named Radha, played by Archana. However, his new lifestyle as a performer comes with its own set of challenges, as he must navigate the social and cultural norms that come with this new role. He struggles to balance his newfound love and his duty to his wife, who he left behind in the village, as well as the expectations of his community.

The film is a meditation on the relationship between humans and the natural world, as well as the tension between tradition and modernity. Janardhan's journey from a simple villager to a performer in the city raises questions about the definition of progress and the sacrifices that must be made in pursuit of it. The role of the tiger, both in Janardhan's performance and in his daily life, serves as a metaphor for his own struggle for power and agency in a world that often denies it to him.

The film is notable for its stunning visuals and surreal imagery, which lend a dreamlike quality to the story. The landscapes of rural Bengal and the city of Calcutta are captured in stunning detail, as are the elaborate costumes and makeup used in the theatre productions. The film is also notable for its use of traditional baul music, which serves as a haunting backdrop to Janardhan's transformation.

Overall, "Bagh Bahadur" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores complex themes with nuance and subtlety. The performances of the cast, particularly Pawan Malhotra in the lead role, are powerful and affecting, making it a must-see for fans of Indian cinema and art films alike.