Watch Chokher Bali

Chokher Bali (Sand in the Eye) is a 2003 Bengali film directed by Rituparno Ghosh. The movie is an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's novel of the same name. The story is set in the early 1900s, during the British Raj. The movie stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Binodini, Prasenjit Chatterjee as Mahendra, and Raima Sen as Ashalata. Chokher Bali begins with the wedding of Mahendra and Ashalata. Binodini, who is also present at the wedding, becomes good friends with Ashalata. Binodini is a beautiful and intelligent widow who lives with her brother-in-law. She is well-read, articulate and self-confident. She shares her opinions on literature, politics, and social issues with Mahendra, who is intrigued by her intelligence.

Mahendra is a privileged young man who is used to getting whatever he wants. His marriage to Ashalata is arranged by his mother, and he does not have strong feelings for his wife. However, his life changes when he meets Binodini. She becomes his confidante and advisor, and he begins to depend on her.

As the story unfolds, we see Mahendra's marriage falling apart. Ashalata becomes suspicious of his relationship with Binodini and begins to distance herself from him. Mahendra, on the other hand, becomes increasingly dependent on Binodini. He confides in her and seeks her advice on his marriage and other matters.

Binodini, who is also secretly in love with Mahendra, finds herself caught in a dilemma. She wants Mahendra to be happy, but at the same time, she can't help but feel jealous of Ashalata. This jealousy turns into resentment when Mahendra's mother blames Binodini for the problems in his marriage.

Chokher Bali is a story of love, jealousy, and betrayal. It explores the complex relationships between men and women in a patriarchal society. The movie is beautifully shot and features stunning performances by the lead actors. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is particularly impressive in the role of Binodini. She brings depth and nuance to the character, making it easy for the viewers to empathize with her.

Overall, Chokher Bali is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys period dramas and complex character studies. The movie is a poignant and thought-provoking adaptation of Tagore's novel, and it stands as a testament to the enduring power of his literary works.