Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei

I don't remember writing a detailed film review in IMDb, but this film deserves one due to two primary reasons: 1. This is the best film of Srijit Mukherji that I've seen in theatres.

2. This is the comeback of this extremely talented filmmaker that as fans, we had all been waiting for.

When it was first announced that Srijit Mukherji was going to adapt '12 Angry Men' in Bangla, I was very skeptical, given SM's track record over the last few years ('Padatik' was very good, and 'Tekka' too I liked). This was serious business. Adapting one of the greatest films of all time is a risky proposition. I didn't find the teaser or the trailer very unique, but the film convinced me to become a fan of SM once again.

Positives: 1. The performances: I would be doing the film a disservice if I didn't start with performances. EVERY SINGLE ACTOR WAS BRILLIANT! I don't want to take individual names here, because then I have to write all the 12 names, which is, frankly speaking, unnecessary. Every single one of them perfectly understood the tone and pitch of their individual characters and performed to perfection.

2. The screenplay: This has been one of my recurring complaints regarding SM's recent films (barring 'Padatik'). This film has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 mins with an absolutely tight screenplay. Not a single scene feels boring or unnecessary while giving every single character space. That's a tough balance to strike with a multi-starrer like this.

3. The cinematography: Every single scene is shot beautifully. There are a few location changes, and those have a reason (won't reveal that here because that would be a spoiler). The frames are pretty good and the camerawork, especially at two points at the end of the film, is superb.

4. The dialogues: SM's films always have good dialogues, and here every single character has got some great lines. The humor, especially in the first half, is unexpected, and it really works.

5. The music: The film has two songs, both placed impeccably in the film.

6. The overall concept of integrating the jury: As we know, the jury system has been abolished in India a long time ago, but the technique that has been used to integrate that in this film, I found that to be pretty ingenious.

7. The easter eggs: A scene showing 'Ek Ruka Hua Faisla' being performed on stage, small references to a few of SM's previous films, and a beautiful Tenida reference were beautifully integrated with the screenplay.

Negatives: 1. This film has one major negative point for me, which is actually a little important with respect to the screenplay, but it is a problem that cannot be really helped. The backstories of a number of characters have been shown here. Although that does provide context behind the reasoning of these characters, it also somewhat takes away the shock element of every revelation and decreases the overall philosophical impact of the film. It feels a little predictable, that is all.

2. At certain points in the film, it feels like the reasoning of quite a few characters is forced, that is, they already have doubts, but still are doggedly sticking to their original decision, which feels a little unrealistic at times.

Overall, I have to say, this is Sijjidda's true comeback. I was mighty impressed by the film and the scenes are still etched in my brain. I hope he continues this streak and keeps making films of this, or an even higher level.

9/10.

Srijit Mukherji's "Shotti Bole Shotti Kichu Nei" boldly reimagines Sidney Lumet's iconic 12 Angry Men & it's indian adaptation "Ek Ruka Hua Faisla" , blending Bengali sensibilities with contemporary relevance. By transporting the story to the realm of a judge's subconscious, Srijit circumvents the constraints of stage-like storytelling, transforming the courtroom into a dynamic dreamscape-sometimes set in theaters, jungles, or crashing seashores. This clever artistic liberty infuses the film with visual grandeur while remaining deeply rooted in the philosophical core of justice and morality. This movie gave that level of goosebumps & flavours of Srijit's initial films like "Baishe Srabon", "Chotushkone", "Hemlock Society" etc.

The screenplay impressively marries timeless themes with modern socio-political commentary. From the rise of Hindutva ideology to racial and linguistic biases, the film reflects the prejudices haunting present-day society. Through sharp dialogues and vivid character sketches, it delves into the personal histories that shape individual ideologies, making its characters hauntingly real.

Parambrata Chatterjee delivers one of his finest performances as a marginalized figure whose layered portrayal lingers long after the credits roll. Anirban Chakraborty, as an outsider battling his linguistic and cultural insecurities, also leaves an indelible mark. While stalwarts like Kaushik Ganguly and Kaushik Sen stay within familiar territories, the ensemble cast complements each other beautifully, creating a symphony of conflict and introspection.

The film's art direction, from zodiac-themed chairs to striking cinematography by Prosenjit Chowdhury, elevates the narrative into a visually poetic experience. The unexpected inclusion of Bengali Baul music adds cultural depth, making the dream sequences richer and more resonant.

Finally, Shotti Bole Shotti Kichu Nei is a cinematic feast-intellectually stimulating, emotionally stirring, and aesthetically vibrant. Srijit serves up a layered, buttery dish of storytelling-rich in flavor and surprisingly easy to digest. A bold experiment that reminds us why the courtroom of human conscience is timeless.

Terrific, Violent, Screaming. What would externally appear as a mere judge's verdict has been portrayed brilliantly as a take on The Jury of the human mind. Doubt creeps in beyond all convincement, combatting against unshakable biases and beliefs of what's true and false, and in the end, the truth loses its existence! How the Jury of the mind has to go through a violent frenzy, conflicting with each other, delving deeper layers and finally uncovering the surface together, an individualistic aggressive tussle becoming unanimous to arrive at the final verdict regarding anything for that matter. Once again, a masterpiece worth of justice none other than the Aantel of Bengali Cinema, Srijit Mukherji!

After watching #ShotyiBoleShotyiKichuNei I am convinced that Srijit Mukherji is back!! What an adaptation....

I don't think I am qualified enough to comment on his art, but as an avid movie lover of all kinds, I think Srijit Sir has once again proved that he is the ruler...

About the actors, Parambrata Chattopadhyay , Kaushik Ganguly , KoushikSen and Ritwick Chakraborty are the pillars, like I said, they are masters of their trade and don't need anyone's signing off - but the others have all contributed in the right measure like a beautifully orchestrated symphony... Sauraseni Maitra you nailed it in a single scene, Kanchan Mullick my respect for you keeps growing, Anirban Chakrabarti so good to see you in a different kind of a role, Ananya Chatterjee the voice...loved it...kudos to everyone...

Brilliant vision, brilliant directorial creativity, excellent cinematography...I can go on and on...

IT'S NOT JUST A MUST WATCH .. IT'S A CELEBRATION OF CINEMA...

Lets break it out.

Pros- 1. Cinematography was quiet good it's has a very beautiful style of shooting that never happened before in tollywood.

2. The whole zodiac was quite accurate as in 12 signs with their personality.

3. Acting was good from every actor as you can expect from srijit's movie 4. This version of 12 angry men gave the charector more saturation.

So 4 starts. Now why not 6 stars.

Now cons- 1. The just use orenge and tile combo for color tuning. Feels very forced and kind of cheap shortcut for visual.

2. When you give a straight man to act as a gay they will do very over saturated hermaphrodite acting and that definitely the case. Every actor did a good job but still feels like their were more potential with the script and actor that left unused.

3. The overall commercial approach on the dialogues. No depth in the dialogue just slang. Yes though I found those slangs unfunny unnecessary comic releaves many was laughing at it.

4. No charactor growth for any charactor thought all the charectors' debate were in mind but it would be nice to see.

Don't go to cinema hall to watch this. Wait for hoichoi.