Patalghar

The film by an débutant director is quite good.It borrows a considerable amount of ideas from Ray like dialogs in poetry or the concept of annihilating pistol.The original story line by Sirshendu has been changed but for good though.The theme has been made contemporary & treatment is good.The character of Begum is bit childish & impractical, though relevant. Actingwise the film has been almost flawless.The most attractive aspect of the film has been art direction.The realism with which the basement has been portrayed is really excellent.Camera-work has been sound and the script has been sleek and easy to digest.The insertion of interesting characters has enhanced the humor of the film.The film also should be given a credit for its melodious songs.The film comes in a time when Bengali children film has become an alien concept and so the director should be given a pat on the back for reviving the almost lost art-form

To think that this fantasy-adventure-comedy was made 17 years ago! The director had adapted the much-loved novel beautifully. With winning performances, intelligent writing and some really good music, the film has definitely aged well.

Patalghar is one of the best movies I've watched in recent times.The cinematography is excellent.The songs are funny and highly enjoyble.Suspense is retained till the very end.

I highly recommend this movie.

Summary (as printed in the DVD booklet):

*Patalghar revolves around the invention of a machine.Aghor Sen, a scientist lived 150 years ago in a village, Nischintipur.While inventing a rat disposal machine,he accidentally designs a device whose sound waves can put people to sleep. Vik exiled from planet Nyapcha, lands with his spaceship near Nischintipur.He gets to know about the machine, and tries to steal it but Aghor puts him to sleep.With Aghor's death , the device is lost. 150 years later , Dr Bhootanath Nandy finds Aghor Sen's diary mentioning this device which he reads in a convention.Others too come to know about the machine.Begum, a gang leader sends her goons to search or it. Aghor Sen's device is in his laboratory - the Patalghar.To reach there , one needs to solve the riddle mentioned in the diary. Vik wakes up and starts hunting the village for the device as well. *

There is a trace of "Professor Shanku" (created by Satyajit Ray)in the character of Aghor Sen.