Ek Je Chhilo Raja

Based on the extensive research material compiled into the book "The Princely Impostor" written by Partha Chatterjee, Ek Je Chhilo Raja is a gripping narrative of facts of the intriguing Bhawal Sanyasi case. It dispels the myths that most of us from my generation have grown up with. The king wasn't godly, he was human - he had more vices than virtues and had contracted a disease that Uttam Kumar would have shuddered to portray on screen and die hard fans would probably have torched the cinemas if depicted. There is no affair between the queen and the doctor, but a gravely sinister plot operating at the background. The return of the Bhawal Sanyasi is shrouded in mystery too - how all the bodily marks recorded over 2 decades ago all matched to prove that he indeed is the heir apparent, and yet his inability to communicate in his native Bengali dialect raised concerns about his identity.

The facts aside, credit must be given to Jisshu for portraying the Raja and the Sanyasi with vehement credibility. It takes courage to be seen on screen as a Naga hermit with just a loin cloth. Even the act of the Raja is immensely believable. Jaya Ahsan as the younger sister plays her role to utter perfection and balance. Anirban Bhattacharya and Rudranil Ghosh add menace to the proceedings. Anjan Dutt and Aparna Sen play out the courtroom battle with precision and gravitas, only that their personal equation, relationship and the agenda of feminism and liberation were neither required nor appreciated as the whole subplot is extraneous to the main narrative.

Kudos Srijit Mukherjee for bringing Bengal to terms with reality and making Ek Je Chhilo Raja stand on its own two feet, breaking away from its inevitable comparison with the cult classic Sanyasi Raja. Salute your courage.

Ek Je Chilo Raja(2018)

Another Remake of an Uttam Kumar classic?Srijit has made it a habit to recreate Uttam Kumar's films for example -Autograph(Nayak),Jatiswar(Antony Firingee),Shah Jahan Regency(Chowringee) and this one from 'Sanyasi Raja'.However the upcoming projects of Srijit is devoid of any remakes. This time Srijit has not only taken an uphill project but also a controversial topic to present on silver screen.The facts he gathered around for the sake of this film were accurate and devoid of creative liberties except the creation of the dramatized courtroom scenes(which he actually tells us in the beginning).The film has a vastly competent script but a good script needs to be supported by equipotential screenplay and performances.The script has given space for every characters to blossom . This film is the magnum opus for Jishu Sengupta,the way he talks,walks,his silence all reflects the royalty of a King.He has mastered the accent intricately and thanks to directors like Srijit and Anjan Dutta for revamping Jishu's career.Jaya Hasan has been phenomenal and among all, her 'bangal' accent seems so normal because she is indeed a Bangladeshi,the passion with which she captures the emotions of a loving sister deserves equal mention.The scenes between Jaya Hasan and Jishu are the type of moments which will remain in the hearts of authentic and earnest audiences forever. Anirban is what everyone knows him to be ,with his magical voice he inches to perfection every scene he is in.Rudranil is impressive as he always is,reaching the peak whenever needed.Anjan Dutta is the man who never falters to deliver ,wait for the scene when he counters his counterpart in the most enigmatic way.Aparna Sen is good but the way she is presented by Srijit is disappointing.There are some scenes in which there is a hint of some relationship between Anjan Dutta and Aparna Sen which distracts the film and unnecessary.Rajnandini quite shines in her role irrespective of the short screen time she has got.The comical relief of the court scenes or more precisely the effort of comical reliefs has failed and hampers the integrity of the script.The different dimensions of every characters are highlighted very ably.The camera movement has been quite impressive in some scenes.Indradip Dasgupta has taken the film a few notch higher with his music and background score and last but not the least the makeup has been over the top and deserves to be awarded.The songs "Maharajo" and "ke ami kothay" are symbolic and beautiful.

7.5/10

Very exceptional story. Just mind blowing. Incredible!

Its too hearttouching and real history of India and Bangladesh . Acting is soo good . And story is Mindblowing . I cried sometimes bcz it feels so real . AND THE SHOOTING PLOT IS MURSHIDABAD KATHGOLA RAJBARI . SO #westbengal-jindabad.

The plot of the movie is good but it has been overstretched by the director. Good performance by all the actors and recreation of the era are a few positive things of the movie.