Watch Mahatirtha Kalighat

Mahatirtha Kalighat is a 1976 Bengali drama film directed by Shakti Samanta. The movie, which tells the story of a family and their struggles, features Asitbaran, Krish Bose, Robin Majumdar, and Shipra Mitra in leading roles. The movie takes place in the holy city of Kolkata, where the Kalighat temple is located. The temple is one of the most renowned and respected temples in the city and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. The movie revolves around the life of a family living near the temple, whose ancestors had been the caretakers of the temple for generations.

The story begins with the sudden death of the head of the family, leaving his wife, daughter, and son to take care of the temple. The family, being staunch followers of the goddess, believes that it is their duty to take care of the temple, and they continue to do so with great devotion. However, the family begins to experience setbacks and misfortunes, leading to a decline in their finances and status.

The son of the family, who is educated and forward-thinking, tries to find a way to increase the family's income and restore their reputation. He starts a printing press and also introduces new technologies to improve the temple's infrastructure, but his efforts are met with stiff resistance from the conservative members of the family.

As the family struggles to keep the temple running, another family moves into the area and tries to take over the care of the temple. This results in a bitter conflict between the two families, with the son of the first family fighting tooth and nail to protect the temple. Alongside, he also struggles with his own personal issues, including love and loss.

Mahatirtha Kalighat is a movie that explores religious devotion, family values, and the struggle to maintain tradition while also adapting to modernity. The movie offers a glimpse into the struggles of the marginalized people living in the shadow of the temple, whose entire lives revolve around the maintenance of the temple. It also offers a commentary on the importance of education and the need for progressive thinking in changing times.

The film features strong performances by the lead actors, especially Asitbaran, who portrays the role of the son with conviction and sincerity. The direction by Shakti Samanta is solid and keeps the audience engaged throughout the movie.

The movie is also known for its soulful music, composed by the legendary musician Salil Chowdhury. The songs are an integral part of the movie and capture the mood and emotions of the characters perfectly. The poignant lyrics of the songs also contribute to the movie's overall appeal.

In conclusion, Mahatirtha Kalighat is a classic Bengali movie that offers a glimpse into the lives of the people living near the Kalighat temple. The movie's exploration of religious devotion, family values, and modernization makes it relevant even today. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys classic drama movies and is interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of India.