Harano Sur

Harano Sur is a famous Bengali movie from the Golden Age of Bengali cinema. It stars one of the favorite screen couples of that era, Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen, as Alok and Rama. But how does it hold up 60 years later?

In many ways, this movie is very progressive in its treatment of women. Rama, the main character, is a highly educated woman with a degree in medical psychiatry. She is a firm and outspoken advocate for the rights of her patients. In conversations with her father, it is clear that he respects her and supports her ambitions. He very reasonably worries about her when she chooses to work in Alok's house as a governess, but, importantly, he respects her decision to do so.

Alok himself is also respectful towards Rama. One of my favorite parts of the movie is when (pre-second accident) he affectionately calls her "Doctor-babu." "Babu" is a term used to show respect in Bengali, and is generally reserved for men. Its use in this context demonstrates that Alok respects her as a medical doctor and as a person. Then, when she begins to work in his house, he treats her with respect despite the fact that she is his employee. In fact, it is this respect which arouses Lata's suspicions.

At the same time, Rama faces many instances of overt sexism over the course of the film. The way she handles them indicates her strength of character. For example, at the beginning of the movie she is scolded for questioning another doctor's treatment plan. This scolding is not just because of her relative inexperience, but also (and more importantly) because she is a woman who has the audacity to contradict a male superior. When faced with the option to either shut up or quit, she opts for the latter. Never mind that she will be hard pressed to find another job that suits her skills so perfectly; she will not stay in a situation that she finds morally reprehensible.

I enjoyed this film as an example of early Bengali films that were not directed by Satyajit Ray. It was a nice story about a strong female character, even if the love story was a bit sudden. The acting and filming was also lovely, although Uttam Kumar could do with a bit less makeup.

The one thing that made this movie less enjoyable was the pacing. Harano Sur is 162 minutes long, and it feels like it. On the one hand, this pacing is OK: it was the style at that time, and it allows the characters to breathe and really show their emotions. But on the other hand, it makes the movie difficult to sit through. I had to finish it in several sittings.

The plot of this one might have been played and rehashed over & over again in various Indian movies (bollywood & elsewhere). 'Sadma' starring Kamal Hassan & Sridevi comes to mind. One of the characters develops amnesia because of some kind of accident.Meanwhile they fall in love with each other.Then bang!The memory comes back and all hell breaks lose!!My point is that we have seen similar plots or variations of it many a times but this is one that started it all and it had Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen at their very best. That and that alone gives one the reason to pick out 2 hours from their busy lives to watch Uttam & Suchitra paint the screen red. The acting is gooood and you feel it(the love) inside you. Uttam doesn't have much of an opportunity to display his thespian talent as he is the one who loses his memory but Suchitra does. She's the one who went through all of that pain. Overall this is a fantastic movie. Watch it and i guess you wont regret!

Random Harvest.

This is the name that comes to mind when we watch this movie. This one is 'inspired' by the Ronald Colman and Greer Garson classic. But that is not all, as a matter of fact its only the beginning.

In fact, the story has been Indianised to such an extent that at times it will give you a feeling that the reverse might also be true. Uttam Kumar, the epitome of the Bengali male and the ever beautiful and graceful Suchitra Sen are the best on screen couple to have graced the silver screen in India.

The first time I watched this movie was with my Grandmother. Uttam Kumar represents the icon of her generation she took me to this one and I've been struck by Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen ever since. The songs can transport you to a distant land where everything is perfect and happiness, never ending.

Be careful, this movie is a very captivating one and one remains under its spell for a long long time.

I've given a vote of 9 out of 10, because its copied, otherwise it probably deserves more than 10.

Suchitra Sen and Uttam Kumar - thats what this movie is about. Its their charisma, their chemistry, their presence which will captivate you. The movie itself has a pretty run of the mill story line. Man loses memory, woman nurses him back, man loses recent memory, woman's love survives the obstacles to win him back. There is nothing else special about this movie. I'm surprised it won awards. I'm guessing it was primarily due to everyone being starstruck. Uttam Kumar looks great. He's the only male sex symbol from Bengal I know of. His face, structure, demeanor, grace and vulnerability are irresistible. Suchitra Sen is a classical Indian beauty. More said about her beauty, the less.