Watch Basu Paribar

Basu Paribar is a classic Bengali film from 1952 that revolves around the Basu family, primarily Mr. Basu, his wife, two sons, and a daughter. The movie depicts the family dynamics and the struggles of each member trying to find their place in the world while fighting their own personal demons. Mr. Basu is an authoritative patriarch who wants to keep his family together but is unable to control his own vices. His eldest son is a successful barrister who is often at odds with his father's antiquated ways of thinking. The second son is a musician who struggles to find his footing in the world and is overshadowed by his brother's success. The daughter is perpetually caught in the middle, trying to please everyone while dealing with her own issues.

The movie begins with the Basu family gathering for a family function. The tension between Mr. Basu and his eldest son is evident from the start. The father dislikes the fact that his son is a barrister and not a doctor, which he considers a more worthy profession. He also disagrees with his son's liberal views and is constantly trying to impose his own conservative ideas on him.

The second son, on the other hand, is struggling with his music career. He feels overshadowed by his brother's success and is unable to make a mark for himself. His relationship with his girlfriend is also strained because of his lack of income and inability to provide for her.

The daughter is caught in the middle of all this tension. She is torn between her love for her father and her support for her brothers. Her own personal struggles include a secret love affair with her childhood friend, which she hides from her family.

As the movie progresses, we see each member of the Basu family deal with their issues in their own way. Mr. Basu's health gradually deteriorates, and he is forced to confront his own mortality. His eldest son comes to terms with his father's shortcomings and learns to appreciate the value of family. The second son finds success and recognition in his music career and is finally able to stand up to his father's expectations. The daughter gives up her secret love affair and learns to be true to herself.

The movie explores themes like family dynamics, patriarchy, identity, and societal expectations. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of a middle-class Bengali family from the 1950s and how they deal with the changing times. The performances by the lead actors, especially Bhanu Bannerjee as Mr. Basu, are outstanding and bring to life the intricacies of family relationships.

Overall, Basu Paribar is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic Bengali cinema. It is a timeless tale of family and the struggles that come with it. The movie has stood the test of time and is still relevant today, almost 70 years after its release.