Watch Grihajuddha

Grihajuddha, a Bengali movie released in 1982, directed by acclaimed director Ritwik Ghatak, is a stirring depiction of the Naxalite movement in West Bengal. The film portrays the plight of the common people who were caught in the crossfire between the two opposing factions of the society- the rebels and the state. Set in the aftermath of the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, Grihajuddha portrays the atmosphere of political turmoil and the ensuing violence that engulfed the state of West Bengal during the late 1970s.

The movie revolves around the character of Shyamal (Anjan Dutt), a young idealistic engineering student, who becomes disillusioned with the system and gets drawn towards the Naxalite movement. Shyamal, along with his group of comrades, engages in armed struggle against the state as they believe in the superiority of the communist ideology over capitalism.

The film also delves into the personal life of Shyamal and his love interest, Sharmistha (Mamata Shankar), a college student who supports the leftist movement but is reluctant to take up arms.

As the story unfolds, we witness the inner turmoil faced by Shyamal and his comrades, who struggle to balance their personal relationships with their commitment to the revolutionary cause. The conflict between their ideals and the harsh ground realities force them to choose between love and loyalty, duty and personal desires.

The film's narrative portrays the movement from both the perspective of the revolutionaries as well as from that of the state officials. We see the police officials breaking the law in the name of national security, indulging in brutal violence and summary executions to suppress the Naxalite movement, while the revolutionaries, in turn, engage in violent activities such as kidnapping and bombings.

The film's main character is Shyamal, who is portrayed by Anjan Dutt, an adept actor who captures the inner conflicts of a young man drawn towards the revolutionary cause. His portrayal of Shyamal, who veers between idealism and disillusionment, is powerful and poignant.

Mamata Shankar, who plays Sharmistha, also delivers an impressive performance as a woman who wants to contribute to the cause but is hesitant to take up arms.

Goutam Ghose, known for his excellent direction and cinematography, has done justice to the film, by brilliantly capturing the mood of the film. The cluttered conditions of the poor living in Kolkata's slums are depicted with striking realism, while the countryside of West Bengal is presented as the region where the revolutionary struggle is focused.

The movie is widely regarded as one of the most realistic films depicting the Naxalite movement in West Bengal. Grihajuddha is a powerful portrayal of the violent times of the Naxalite struggle, and captures the idealism, passion, and chaos of revolutionary movement. Since the film was made during the time of the controversial Naxalite movement in West Bengal, it was banned by the government for some time.

Overall, Grihajuddha is a must-watch for moviegoers who are interested in realistic depictions of historical events. It is a powerful, thought-provoking, and poignant film that explores the complexities of conflicting ideologies, personal relationships, and the cruelty of violence. The film truly stands apart, as it sheds light on the events that are now part of India's history.