Watch Padakshep
- 2008
- 1 hr 33 min
Padakshep is a Bengali drama film, directed by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Gautam Ghose. The movie stars Soumitra Chatterjee and Nandita Das in the lead roles, portraying the story of a father-daughter relationship, caught amidst the conflict of personal ideals and social norms. The storyline revolves around Nandini (Nandita Das), who is an intelligent and ambitious young woman, aspiring to become a doctor. Her father, Samaresh (Soumitra Chatterjee), is a retired school teacher, who believes in the orthodox values of his community and is hesitant to let his daughter break away from the traditional roles assigned to women in their society.
Despite the resistance from her conservative father, Nandini clears the entrance exams for medical college and moves to Kolkata to pursue her education. However, as she starts experiencing the challenges of being a female medical student and fighting against the prevailing patriarchy, she begins to question the bonds of family and tradition.
Meanwhile, Samaresh's health deteriorates, and he comes to stay with his daughter in Kolkata. The forced proximity between the two eventually leads to a clash of ideas, values, and expectations that pushes them towards a mutual understanding of each other's perspectives.
As the story progresses, the movie explores various themes such as gender inequality, parent-child relationships, societal expectations, and personal aspirations. The characters' portrayals are nuanced and multi-dimensional, with Soumitra Chatterjee and Nandita Das delivering exceptional performances.
The cinematography of Padakshep is also noteworthy, with a vivid portrayal of Kolkata's streets and daily life, capturing the essence of the city. The movie is further elevated by the accompanying soundtrack, with soulful melodies that complement the mood of the narrative.
Overall, Padakshep is a beautifully-crafted film that delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal structures. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant drama that leaves a lasting impact on the viewers.