SoumikBanerjee1996

"Charulata" had all the right elements, plus Ray's undeniable technical skill, to create a compelling tale that could have explored the fragility of human emotions and the stigmas attached to particular relations bound by social norms and structures.

However, the script and limited dialogue held back its true potential, preventing it from reaching the heights I expected.

Frames and composition are impressive, as they typically are in any Ray directorial but the political pokings and character development didn't come across as clearly as I would have liked here.

What really carried the film for me was the captivating presence and dedication of the lead cast, especially Madhabi Mukherjee, as Charulata, who dominated every frame she featured in.

I did not really connect with the deadpan humor or the understated romance; I felt no attachment to the characters, or the motivations driving their respective arcs which made their journeys feel emotionally distant and flat.

Also the story's eventual transition towards political commentary, worker exploitation, societal corruption, and the moral decay rooted in generational trauma didn't quite come together for me, it all felt hollow and lacking in rhythm.

I wouldn't call it pretentious, as I'd still like to think the creators had naive intentions; it's just that their message didn't hit home for me at all.

The bizarre situations or specifically the oddity surrounding the core subject is what kept my interest throughout this frustratingly long ordeal.

A docu-drama that dives deep into Bengali cuisine and its impact on our everyday lives, while also shining a light on the incredible women responsible for making those delicious delicacies for us; our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and sisters.

I appreciate how the tale emphatically honors their unwavering dedication to feeding their families, while also showcases their tougher realities and often overlooked sacrifices they make to fulfill their household obligations.

The framing and composition are some of the best I've seen from an indie production. Sure, there are moments that feel a bit gloomy and dark, but overall, the colors, composition, and tone blend quite seamlessly with the thematic underlinings.

The contrast between the underprivileged and middle-class families was definitely intriguing, but it would have been even more compelling if they had included a wealthier household and the daily activities brewing inside of it.