Watch Calcutta 71

Calcutta 71 is a 1971 Indian Bengali film directed by Mrinal Sen, a renowned filmmaker in the Indian cinema industry. Set against the backdrop of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata), the movie portrays the social, political and economic issues that plagued the city during the seventies. The movie features a star-studded cast including Madhavi Mukherjee, Gita Sen, and Binota Roy, among others.

The film is divided into four parts, each telling different stories of people who live in Calcutta. These four stories are interconnected, and each one highlights the different aspects of the city's social and political scenario. The first part, titled "Anwar Ali," depicts the story of a young man who comes to Calcutta to achieve his dreams, but his dreams are shattered due to the harsh realities of the city. The second part, titled "Calcutta Police," follows the journey of a Police Officer, who is corrupted by the system and finds it hard to maintain his ideals. The third part, titled "Hospital," deals with the lack of proper healthcare facilities in Calcutta and the difficulties faced by patients and doctors alike. The final part, titled "Aquarium," tells the story of a newlywed couple and their struggle to cope with their daily lives.

Throughout the movie, Mrinal Sen explores the themes of poverty, corruption, unemployment, gender inequality and the struggles faced by ordinary people in Calcutta. The film provides an unflinching portrayal of the city's squalor, with scenes depicting overflowing open drains, slums, and people living on the streets. The film also highlights the various issues that plagued the city at the time, including political unrest, food shortages, and skyrocketing prices.

The director puts forth a strong critique of the ruling class, highlighting the unequal distribution of wealth and the rampant corruption that exists in the system. He also shows the difficulties faced by the working class, who are compelled to work in appalling conditions and for meagre wages.

One of the strengths of the movie lies in the powerful performances by the actors. Madhavi Mukherjee plays the role of a young woman who is victimised by her employer; her performance is both nuanced and convincing. Gita Sen, who plays the role of a doctor working in a government hospital, delivers a noteworthy performance. Binota Roy, who portrays the role of a Police officer, brings depth to the character of an honest man struggling against a corrupt system.

The film also features a memorable soundtrack, with music composed by the revered Bengali musician Salil Chowdhury. The haunting melodies of the songs "Aaj bikeler daake" and "Momo chitte niti nritye" are still celebrated as classics in Bengali cinema.

In conclusion, Calcutta 71 is a landmark film in the history of Indian cinema. It's an evocative portrayal of the socio-political climate of the seventies with a cast of powerful actors, a poignant soundtrack and, most importantly, a story that still resonates with audiences. The film is a reminder of the challenges and struggles faced by the people living in Calcutta and serves as a testament to the power of cinema in reflecting social reality.

Calcutta 71 is a 1972 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.