Watch Jeeban Trishna

Jeevan Trishna is a 1957 Indian Bengali romantic drama film, directed by Asit Sen and stars the legendary Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen, and Bikash Roy. The film is based on the novel “Madhabi Kankan” by Nihar Ranjan Gupta. Jeevan Trishna is considered one of the classics of Bengali cinema and is known for the brilliant performances of its lead actors.

Set in the pre-independence period, the story revolves around the lives of two young people, Madhabi (Suchitra Sen) and Sambhu (Uttam Kumar). Madhabi, an educated and modern young woman, falls in love with Sambhu, a simple villager who works as a boatman. Despite their differences in social standing, the two fall in love and vow to be together. However, societal norms and family pressure forces Madhabi to marry a wealthy and educated man, Nilkanto (Bikash Roy), who is a scholar.

Despite her marriage, Madhabi still longs for Sambhu and they secretly carry on their affair. Sambhu ultimately leaves his job as a boatman and goes to Kolkata to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. Things take a turn for the worse as tragedy strikes Madhabi's family, and she is left with no other option but to go to Sambhu for help. This reunites the two lovers, but their happiness is short-lived as the events that follow lead to a heartbreaking climax.

The film's music, composed by Hemanta Mukherjee, remains popular to this day. The popular song "Ei sundar prithibi chhere" sung by Hemanta Mukherjee is a memorable representation of the film's essence.

The chemistry between Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen is palpable in every frame, and they both deliver stellar performances. Suchitra Sen's portrayal of Madhabi was a departure from the typical depiction of women in Indian cinema at the time. She played a modern and independent woman who was not afraid to make her own choices, even if it meant going against society's norms. Uttam Kumar was at his peak as an actor during this period, and his portrayal of Sambhu is considered one of his best performances.

The film's director, Asit Sen, is known for his ability to tell complex stories with great sensitivity. Jeevan Trishna is a testament to his vision as a director. He beautifully displays the struggles of the two lovers, as well as the societal pressures and expectations that they face. The film's themes of love, societal norms, and class divide are as relevant today as they were when the film was released over six decades ago.

Overall, Jeevan Trishna is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its exceptional performances, music, and storytelling. The film's portrayal of societal norms and struggles that individuals face in love and relationships remains relevant today. Jeevan Trishna is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great cinema.