Watch Jiban Niye

Jiban Niye is a Bengali film from 1976 that tells the story of a man named Ratan, who becomes an unlikely hero as he struggles against injustice and the oppressive forces of society. The film is directed by Sukhen Das and stars Haridhan Banerjee in the lead role, along with Jahar Ganguli, Arun Kumar, and Manish Kumar. Set in Calcutta, the film follows Ratan, a simple and innocent man who works as a clerk in a government office. Despite his meager salary, he lives with integrity and dignity, and is deeply respected by his colleagues for his honesty and kindness. However, his peaceful life is shattered when his wife dies in childbirth, leaving him to raise their newborn daughter alone.

As Ratan struggles to cope with his grief and the challenges of single parenthood, he becomes embroiled in a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to destroy him. His boss, a corrupt government official, tries to force him to do his bidding by threatening to take away his job and his daughter. Ratan, who is a man of principles, refuses to comply and instead decides to fight back against the system.

With the help of his friends, including a bumbling but kind-hearted lawyer and a benevolent businessman, Ratan launches a campaign to expose the corruption of his boss and others like him. He becomes a leader of sorts, inspiring others to stand up for their rights and fight against injustice. Along the way, he also finds love and support in the form of a young woman who shares his ideals and his passion for justice.

The film is a powerful commentary on the social and political conditions of the time, and explores themes such as corruption, poverty, and the struggle for survival in a world that is often hostile to the poor and the marginalized. It also highlights the role of ordinary people in bringing about change and making a difference in the world, even when the odds are stacked against them.

The performances in the film are excellent, with Haridhan Banerjee delivering a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Ratan. He brings to life the character's inner conflicts, his struggles to do the right thing, and his indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Jahar Ganguli and Arun Kumar, who play Ratan's boss and the bumbling lawyer respectively, provide comic relief and contribute to the film's overall charm.

Overall, Jiban Niye is a compelling and thought-provoking film that holds up well even today, more than four decades after its release. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and culture of Bengali cinema, as well as for those who appreciate stories of courage, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity.