Bandini [1963] : Bimal Roy

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Another great & classic cinema on the Bengal fight against British Raj in the golden era of Indian cinema. Another embodiment of Bengal narrative stream in the Bombay film industry. Another solid & unforgettable artistic stature of Bengal neo-realism in neo-liberated India. Another illustration of East Bengal cultural and intellectual tradition in South Asia.

Putting aside the legends and cults, I found Bimal Roy’s Bandini [1963] exclusive and rich with artistic and intellectual touches. There are visibly three-act narrative densely packed with social and national consciousness under the oppression of European colonialism, the balanced and liberal idea of reformative punishment at the backdrop of romantics and finally the sky-high suspense of Kalyani’s [Nutan Behl] resolution to stay with a uncertainty and despondency of Bikash, the revolutionist starred Ashok Kumar and to go with the luxury and certain happiness of Devendra, a prison doctor played by Dharmendra.

 

Very few films have succeeded to keep the story disjointed and give a sure feeling of harmony of the whole. The film can be broken down into three separate short narratives. Firstly, the period of prison and the narrative tension between Kalyani and Devendra. Secondly the period of the village in Bengal and the dramatic suspense and romance between Bikash and Kalyani. The third part where previous ones are mixed up but don’t communicate between Bikash and Devendra. This part is one of the most enchanting dramatic acts I have seen rarely.


🎥Bandini [1963]

[Hindi: बन्दिनी]

Bimal Roy

Hindi, India

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