Watch Madly Bangali

Madly Bangali is a Bengali-language film released in 2009, directed by renowned filmmaker Anjan Dutt. The movie revolves around the lives of six youngsters in their 20s, all of whom are struggling to come to terms with the socio-political turmoil of Kolkata in the early 2000s. The movie is set against the backdrop of the Nandigram movement, which was a political uprising in Nandigram, West Bengal, against the acquisition of land by the government for a Special Economic Zone. This movement has been portrayed in the movie as a metaphor for the larger issues of identity crisis, existentialism, and disillusionment faced by the youth of Kolkata.

The six central characters of the movie are a mix of students and working professionals who come from different walks of life. There is Joy (Soumyak Kanti DeBiswas), a die-hard Elvis Presley fan who works as a radio jockey and aspires to set up an Elvis Presley museum in Kolkata. Then there is Mithun (Tanaji Dasgupta), a young man from the small town of Purulia who is trying to make it big in Kolkata's film industry. His struggles are underscored by the fact that his small town background is a handicap in an urban setting that values style over substance.

Nipa (Sreelekha Mitra) is a nursing student who dreams of working in the United States. Her boyfriend Shuva (Sumeet Thakur) is a freelance photographer who is constantly trying to balance his artistic pursuits with the need to earn a living. Rumi (Rahul), on the other hand, is a wild card who never seems to be able to get his act together.

Finally, there is Ria (Anubrata Basu), a young woman who has just moved to Kolkata with her parents. Her family's financial struggles have a direct impact on her own outlook towards life, making her determined to break out of the cycle of poverty that she finds herself in.

The movie follows the lives of these six characters as they navigate their way through life in Kolkata, amidst the political upheaval and the changing social dynamics of the time. The film vividly portrays the city's cultural diversity, capturing the spirit of the city with its music, literature, and cinema.

Madly Bangali is a coming-of-age film that explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and rebellion. The film delves deep into the psyche of the youth of Kolkata, who are grappling with complex issues of class, gender, sexuality, and politics. The characters are relatable and multidimensional, with each of them representing a different aspect of the urban experience.

The movie is shot in a neo-realistic style, which gives it a raw and authentic feel. It is also music-driven and features a memorable soundtrack that includes both old and new Bengali songs. The movie uses music as a means to highlight the city's rich cultural heritage and the emotional turmoil of its characters.

In conclusion, Madly Bangali is a poignant and thought-provoking film that captures the spirit of Kolkata in the early 2000s. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Bengali cinema and the city's cultural scene. The movie is a tribute to the resilience of the youth of Kolkata, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of tradition and convention to find their own place in a rapidly changing world.