There are occasions when one sits down to watch a particular film without expecting much from it. But gradually, the film slowly starts to engage. And by the end of the running-time, the film turns around to pack such a punch, that one is simply left in a trance! This in short, describes my experience of viewing Asit Sen's 'Uttor Falguni'.
I always tend to avoid non-comedy Bengali films of old-times, as they often seem to be quite boring and monotonous; besides lacking the glamour of Bollywood. Even here when the film begins with an exhausting rendition of a classical track in a courtesan's courtyard (shot in dimly lit inferior picture quality); one is left bracing for the worst. But with the passage of time, one is irresistibly drawn towards the gripping narrative of the film!
The script is easily the king of the film. Different from the run-of-the-mill romantic dramas, the story captivates throughout. From the sober track of Pannabai and her story, to the light-hearted romance of Suparna and Indranil and finally to the court-hearings, the film is thoroughly engrossing. The film has a fast pace (quite uncharacteristic back then) which makes it all the more gripping.
Those were the times when Suchitra Sen had created her own brand of heroine-oriented films with back-to-back hits like 'Deep Jweley Jai', 'Smritituku Thak', 'Sandhyadeeper Sikha', etc. 'Uttor Falguni' was perhaps her biggest blockbuster in this genre and quite rightfully so. She is quite graceful in her portrayal of the courtesan, Pannabai and charming as her bubbly daughter, Suparna. Needless to say, she looks gorgeous as the later. But it's her performance which carries the film through.
Despite being the producer, Uttam Kumar shied away from playing the male-lead as he was wary of the audience-reaction when he would have to play the uncle to Suchitra! As a result, the role went to Bikash Roy and he puts in a stellar act as the selfless lover and a doting uncle. This has to be one of the best acts of his career! Dilip Mukherjee has a limited role; but his light-hearted romantic-track with Suparna offers a much needed relief in an otherwise grim tale.
Out of his handful of films that I have had the fortune of witnessing, this is clearly Asit Sen's best. The execution of the particular scene where Debjani's husband lets a stranger into her room, gives goosebumps! The narrative also never wanders off the main-plot. Even though the picture-quality could have been better, the production values were still good for those times. The cinematography was praiseworthy in the courtroom sequences which were easily the highlight of the film.
Asit Sen remade the film in Hindi as 'Mamta'(1966) with Mrs.Sen reprising her double-role in what became one of her most successful Bollywood ventures. Being a die-hard Bollywood-buff, I am thirsting to catch that one now!
