Watch Chowringhee

Chowringhee is a classic Bengali film from 1968 starring the legendary actor Uttam Kumar as Shankar Das, the manager of a famous hotel in Kolkata. The film is based on the novel "Chowringhee" by Shankar, which revolves around the characters living and working in the hotel. The movie begins with the introduction of Shankar Das, who is a popular figure in the hotel because of his wit, humor, and ability to solve any problem that arises in the hotel. The hotel is portrayed as a microcosm of the society, as it accommodates various people from different classes and backgrounds.

The plot of Chowringhee is divided into several subplots, each of which explores the lives of individuals who live in and around the hotel. The first subplot revolves around Karabi Guha (played by Supriya Choudhury), a young and beautiful Anglo-Indian woman who works as a receptionist in the hotel. She is the object of affection of Sata Bose (played by Biswajit Chatterjee), a wealthy and influential businessman who frequently stays in the hotel. But Karabi is in love with Shankar Das, who sees her as a younger sister and nothing more.

The second subplot follows the life of a struggling writer, Shombhu Bose (played by Subhendu Chatterjee), who takes up a job as a clerk in the hotel to make ends meet. He befriends Shankar Das and shares his dream of becoming a famous writer someday. Shombhu becomes a part of the hotel's inner circle, which includes the manager, the receptionist, the bellboy, the chambermaid, and the cook.

Another subplot revolves around the life of a rich businessman's daughter, Mona (played by Anjana Bhowmik), who stays in the hotel with her husband. Mona is unhappy in her marriage and seeks refuge in the company of Sata Bose. They begin an affair, which causes a stir in the hotel.

The film also showcases the socio-cultural divide between the hotel's guests and staff, highlighting the struggles of the lower-class workers. The bellboy, Nityahari (played by Rabi Ghosh), who dreams of becoming a successful singer, faces rejection and ridicule from the upper-class guests who stay in the hotel.

Chowringhee is not just a film about a hotel, but it's a story about the people that live in it. It portrays the human emotions- love, friendship, guilt and longing. The film is a character-driven narrative, with each character having a unique story to tell.

The music of Chowringhee is soulful and unforgettable, with the likes of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle lending their voices to the film's soundtrack. The iconic song "Sondhya Bela Elo Na" and "Ami Shunechi Shedin Tumi" are still remembered and loved by audiences even today.

The film's visual aesthetics are also worth mentioning. Director Pinaki Mukherjee brought to life the Kolkata of the late 1960s with its bustling streets, iconic trams and the iconic Victoria Memorial.

Chowringhee is a timeless masterpiece that portrays the complex human emotions that underlie every facet of our lives. Its relatability and character-driven narrative make it an enjoyable watch even today. For anyone looking to dive into the world of classic Bengali cinema, Chowringhee is a must-watch.