Watch Bandini

Bandini is a 1989 Bengali film directed by Aparna Sen, starring Prosenjit and Moushumi Chatterjee. The film revolves around the story of a young woman named Sibani who is sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her husband. The film delves into the complexities of human emotions, the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, and the power of love and forgiveness.

Prosenjit portrays the character of Ashim, a young doctor who falls in love with Sibani. Sibani, played by Moushumi Chatterjee, is a simple and innocent girl who is married off to a man who tortures her physically and emotionally. The film portrays her journey from being a victim of domestic violence to a woman who stands up for her rights and fights for her freedom.

One of the most striking features of Bandini is its portrayal of the prison life of women. The film shows the harsh living conditions and the emotional turmoil of the prisoners. The audience is introduced to a world of incarcerated women who have been abandoned by their families and society. The film also exposes the corrupt practices of the prison authorities and their exploitation of the prisoners.

Another significant aspect of the movie is the depiction of societal norms and expectations. Sibani's suffering is a result of the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. The film sheds light on the patriarchal mindset of people and their lack of empathy towards women who try to challenge the norms.

Though the primary focus on the movie is on the relationship between the two leads and the difficult circumstances that they are in, there are several subplots that add layers to the film. One such subplot involves Ashim's mentor, a doctor who is falsely accused of questionable practices. The consequences of his actions add an extra layer of complexity to the already multi-layered plot.

The film's narrative is largely driven by its powerful performances. Prosenjit shines in his role as a sensitive and empathetic doctor who falls in love with Sibani. His sincerity in portraying the character is evident in the way he delivers his dialogues and his body language. Moushumi Chatterjee's portrayal of the protagonist, Sibani, is soulful and emotive. She manages to evoke empathy from the audience and convey the pain and anguish of her character without overdoing it. The supporting cast including Utpal Dutt, Lily Chakraborty and Sandhya Roy deliver strong performances and add depth to the film.

The film is a visual treat as well, with beautiful cinematography and art direction. The prison scenes are stark, gritty and capture the darkness of the environment. The outdoor shots are beautiful and capture the tranquillity of small-town life. The music, composed by Debojyoti Mishra, adds an extra layer of emotion to the film with its soulful and melodious tunes.

Overall, Bandini is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that resonates with the audience even after all these years. It portrays the struggles of women in a patriarchal society and emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness in healing emotional wounds. The film is a testament to the power of human emotions to overcome even the most challenging circumstances, and the message it conveys is as relevant today as it was when the film was made.