Charachar

Watch Charachar

  • NR
  • 1993
  • 1 hr 37 min
  • 7.4  (116)

Charachar is a Bengali drama film released in 1994. Directed by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, the movie stars Shankar Chakraborty, Indrani Haldar, and Rajit Kapoor in lead roles. The film is based on the novel Chariot of Jagannath by Sudhin Dutta. The story is set in a small village in West Bengal, India. The protagonist, Ravi, played by Shankar Chakraborty, is a freelance journalist who lives in Kolkata. He returns to his native village after receiving the news of his father's death. Ravi's father was a fisherman, and his sudden death leaves Ravi with a debt that he must pay off.

In the village, Ravi meets his childhood friend Uma, played by Indrani Haldar. Uma is a widow who runs a small tea shop in the village market. Ravi's reunion with Uma rekindles their childhood memories, and they gradually fall in love.

But their love story is not an easy one. Ravi's father's death has left him with a huge debt that he must repay, and he has no means to do it. The only way to pay off his debt is to sell his ancestral land, which is the only source of livelihood for the villagers.

The story takes a dramatic turn when an outsider named Kapil, played by Rajit Kapoor, enters the picture. Kapil is a businessman who is interested in buying Ravi's land to build a resort. He offers Ravi a hefty amount for the land, which will help Ravi pay off his debt and also improve the villagers' living conditions.

But Ravi is torn between his duty towards his fellow villagers and his personal needs. He must decide whether to sell the land and improve his financial condition or lose everything but maintain his principles.

The film also delves into the lives of other villagers, including a mute boy who learns to speak after he witnesses a tragedy, a young girl who faces social ostracism after her father's death, and a woman who was once sold off by her husband to pay off a debt.

Charachar is a beautifully crafted film that depicts the struggles of the common people and the complex reality of life in rural India. The director, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, has successfully captured the essence of the novel and has presented it on the screen with perfect finesse.

The performances by the lead actors are outstanding. Shankar Chakraborty and Indrani Haldar have portrayed their roles with great conviction. Rajit Kapoor, who plays the antagonist in the story, has also delivered a commendable performance.

The film also has exceptional cinematography and a haunting background score that beautifully captures the mood of the story. The village setting and the traditional music used in the movie make it a quintessential Bengali film.

Charachar is a melancholic tale that leaves a lasting impression on the viewers. It explores the themes of love, loss, and human values in a captivating manner. The film is a must-watch for all those who appreciate good cinema and want to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of life in rural India.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1993
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 37 min
  • Language
    Bengali, Bangla
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (116)