Beline

A compact storyline with an intelligent making, visually pleasing film.

Treatment, cinematography, edit and background music especially make the film strongest in cinematic aspects.

This Independent relatively "small film" transcends the realm of a typical psychological thriller, immersing YOU , the viewer into a hall of mirrors .

At a time when Bengali Cinema has been going downhill for years , this is the kind of film that might just bring in a different conversation, a different perception and a HOPE.

Hope for maybe better time at the movies, perhaps.

If there's one Bengali film you watch in 2024, let it be Beline .

We didn't know Samik Roy Choudhury until Beline. And what an introduction, a powerful debut. I went after seeing youtube reviews, they were raving about it. So I decided to give it a chance, and it was definitely worth it. The language of the film is unknown to bengali audiences. A storytelling that is so clean and strong that there is no doubts at the end of it. Thrillers in our country very rarely has a clean ending, and Beline is one of those rare film. The BGM is great and so is the cinematography. But the editing is outstanding. All the departments are so strong and they worked in details. This film is definitely going places and winning accolades.

Beline isn't your typical movie. It's like a mind-bender wrapped in a character study, all with some seriously gorgeous cinematography. Think Inception meets Donnie Darko, but with a way more relatable story. The characters grapple with some real stuff, and the acting is on point.

Just a heads up, this movie isn't a fast-paced action flick. It takes its time, which lets you sink into the story and really connect with the characters. It's definitely not boring though, the suspense keeps you guessing, and there's this whole other layer of meaning you can unpack if you want to. Honestly, Beline left me thinking for days. It's not a movie with all the answers, but that's kind of the point. It makes you question things and see the world a little differently. If you're up for a trippy ride with some powerful emotions, Beline is a must-watch!

While watching the film, I experienced an intellectual engagement similar to solving a challenging math problem. Instead of solely focusing on the director's intentions, we can gain a deeper understanding by examining the symbols, motifs, and metaphors presented and analysing them through our life experiences and imagination. This approach allows our subconscious to connect with the movie, creating a more meaningful cinematic experience.

The film explores themes such as loneliness amid others, the physical limitations of ageing, curiosity about others' private lives, and how an obsession with the virtual world can alienate individuals from reality. It creatively illustrates how fictional worlds can act as an escape from real life. The director's innovative use of visual language to address these themes is commendable.

Paran Bandopadhyay, a prominent figure in Bengali acting, beautifully portrays the lonely older man in this film. The supporting cast also provides strong performances.

Since the director also wrote the screenplay, his overall control over the film is evident. I highly recommend this movie.

The actors are phenomenal in their characters. Their performance is so raw and real, it pulls you right into the story. The visuals are amazing too - they create this dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the emotional abstractness of the storyline. Beline isn't a feel-good movie, but it's a powerful one. It's a film that will stay with you long after you watch it, making you think about life, loss, and what it means to be human...the whole existential crisis thing. But it does it in a way that's both honest and hopeful. I have never seen a Bengali psychological thriller so well crafted and technically sound in recent years.