Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei

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.

It's hard to imagine any remake or adaptation rivaling the seminal courtroom classic "12 Angry Men," yet here I am, witnessing something that manages to build on Sidney Lumet's vision and take it to new heights.

Admittedly, my bias may show since the film is in my native language, but there are certain nuances and a unique expression of emotions that only the language of Tagore can capture, and which Shakespeare's language simply cannot.

The stellar cast of actors were equally enthralling though felt underutilized at times, delivering powerful performances to bring Srijit's vision to life. In the poignant words of Parambrata, "Amar jonyo oke keno shasti dicho" beautifully illustrated the cognitive and confirmation biases inherent within the characters in this movie, highlighting how our past experiences biases us towards our present judgments.

In conclusion, it was a pleasure to witness Bangla film-lore leapfrogging back to its Heydays through the lens of this future 'El-Classico'. A masterpiece on jurisprudence.

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.

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...

A neat adaptation of the Classic '12 Angry Men' by Sidney Lumet. Brajeswar Dutta, a Lawyer gets a case where a 19 year old allegedly killed his own brother and is to be in hearing tomorrow, with plenty of 'evidence' on him- An old man who heard him running after the murder and a lady who witnessed this murder through her window. The story is similar to the original, but the jury takes place on the lead actor's head and happens at fascinating places- An Art Gallery, Middle of a flyover, On a movie theater, beach and a forest. Dialogues were sharp and performances were extraordinary. Recommended! But could have bought in some new plot as for those who watched 12 angry men, it could be repetitive.