Watch Capital I

Capital I is a 2015 Indian experimental film directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya. It tells the story of a filmmaker named Arijit who returns to his hometown in Eastern India to finish his long-pending debut independent film. The film revolves around Arijit's internal struggles with his own self-doubt, creative conflicts, and insecurities, as he tries to complete his film against all odds.

The movie starts with Arijit's arrival in his hometown, where he takes up the task of shooting his film, which he has been scripting for several years. In the process, he reconnects with his old friend Sayan, and also finds himself attracted to a local shopkeeper's daughter, Srijita. While juggling between shooting his film and his personal life, Arijit starts having surreal and haunting nightmares that begin to blur the line between his reality and his imagination.

The narrative of Capital I is a labyrinthine one, as it shuttles between periods of dreamlike sequences and moments of stark reality. Throughout the film, there are continuous questions raised about the nature of identity, creativity, and self-exploration. The themes of the film are layered and complex and require the viewer's attention to follow the story arc.

The unique style of the film is another standout feature, as it uses experimental techniques to create a deeply immersive experience for the viewer. For example, the film is shot entirely on an iPhone and often employs a hand-held camera to create an intimate and personal atmosphere for the audience. The sound design is also impressive, with the use of ambient sounds and a haunting background score that elevates the film's mood and tone.

The performances of the cast members are noteworthy, as their naturalistic acting style adds to the film's realism. Herjeit Alax, who portrays the lead character of Arijit, gives a captivating performance as a filmmaker struggling to find his voice amidst his own doubts and fears. The supporting cast comprising of Amrita Chattopadhyay, Shiv Pandit, and Sidharth Goutam, also deliver strong performances that help elevate the overall quality of the movie.

One of the most striking features of the film is its visual style. The movie is filled with surreal and dreamlike visuals that play out like an abstract painting at times. From the opening scene of Arijit's arrival in his hometown to the ending sequence, the film is nothing short of a visual feast for the viewers. The cinematography is breathtaking, with the use of natural light and shadow to create a haunting ambiance.

The film's pacing may be a challenge for some viewers, as it builds slowly towards a poetic climax. However, the ending has a profound impact on the viewer, leaving them with much to ponder over. The message of the film is a profound one, as it explores the duality of a person's identity, and how one never truly knows oneself as well as they think they do.

Overall, Capital I is an impressive debut effort of Amartya Bhattacharyya that showcases his directorial prowess. The film's unique approach to storytelling and its stunning visuals make it a must-watch for anyone looking for something different than the typical cinema fare.

Capital I is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.