Watch Red Oleanders Raktokarobi

Red Oleanders Raktokarobi is a 2017 Indian drama film directed by famous playwright and director Shubhrajit Mitra, based on the play Raktakarabi by Rabindranath Tagore. Set in the early 20th century Kolkata, the movie follows the story of a young and talented painter named Binodini, who sells her art to pay for her mother's treatments. The movie stars Santilal Mukherjee as Nandakumar, Rahul as Nibaran, and Kaushik Sen as the ruthless businessman Amulya.

The story begins with Binodini, who lives with her mother and younger sister. Despite her talent, success has eluded her as she struggles to make ends meet. One day, she meets the charming and handsome Nibaran, who is drawn to her paintings and offers to help her sell them. Nibaran is a wealthy and successful businessman who takes an interest in Binodini's art and soon, in her.

Nibaran is a complex character with a love for art and a desire for wealth and luxury. He is torn between his genuine love for Binodini and his ambition to be the best. Meanwhile, Amulya, the ruthless businessman, sees an opportunity in Binodini's talent and hires her to paint for him, but he wants her to paint what he wants, not what she wants to express. Binodini resists his demands and refuses to paint his commissioned portrait, leading to a conflict that deepens throughout the story.

The movie's themes revolve around love, art, and power. Nibaran and Binodini's love story is beautifully portrayed, and their chemistry is palpable. The two characters contrast powerfully as Binodini represents the purity of art, while Nibaran represents the corruption of power, a conflict that will define their relationship. Their love affair is set against the backdrop of Binodini's struggle to earn a living and the corruption of the industrialist Amulya, who is ruthless and obsessed with power and control.

The movie's narrative is visually stunning, with a great attention to detail in regards to the time period's costumes, sets, and locations. The cinematography captures the essence of Kolkata, with its bustling streets and old-world charm. The music of the movie is also fitting, lifting the emotional weight of the narrative and adding to the narrative experience.

Overall, Red Oleanders Raktokarobi is a must-watch film for those who appreciate art and romance, and those who are passionate about literature and theatre. It's a movie that does justice to one of Tagore's most famous works and its themes, with its embodiment of the Bengali culture and its exploration of eternal human truths such as love, power, art, and ambition. The performances of the lead actors, Santilal Mukherjee, Rahul, and Kaushik Sen, are stunning and bring depth to the characters, making the audience feel invested in their journeys. The movie is a tribute to the timeless legacy of Tagore and his works, and it's a must-watch for cineastes and art-lovers across the globe.