Maacher Jhol

Simple yet interesting story, but not executed well enough. If you are making a film and you want to cater to the diverse audience then you need to give attention to details, sadly this movie will attract the urban Bengali, few non-Bengali foodies, maybe some French movie-enthusiasts and maybe some more category of audience, but they all will notice the poor acting, poor dialogue deliveries, poor editing, casting....overall poor direction. It really had a potential but they just couldn't get it right just like all of Ritwick's maacher-jhols (no pun intended). But that komala-maacher-jhol (fish curry with orange) does sound interesting enough and I am going to make it for sure. I gave it a 5 only because its a good attempt.

Another thing that kept going through my mind and is still baffling me is how did a guy like that make 3 seriously gorgeous women fall for him???

A flawless,sumptuous platter of acting and emotions served so beautifully.It tickles not only your palate but your senses and emotions so overtly and also so subtly and covertly.Each and every actor has portrayed his or her part so very beautifully and with great maturity. Ritwick has catapulted himself into that genre of actors who has left an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of Bongs for generations. Maacher Jhol is a simple yet a significant dish in every Bengali household. This film uses a simple yet a significant tale of self discovery and turns it into a beautiful cinematic experience that leaves behind a good aftertaste, something that only a handful of Bollywood and Tollywood films have managed this year. Kudos to the entire team. The way the camera romances the four forms of preparation of a simple Maacher Jhol makes me wish for having the dish tomorrow for lunch.

An almost flawless film, with a romance of life and food as it is. Particularly Bengalis will appreciate or for that matter any foodie who appreciates a broader palette but that is not all at all - its more of life and relationships, and our decisions in the wake of self discovery. Ritwick is marvellous, fluent and his body language speaks as much as his words. I thought why not 10/10 but then I think 2 or three things made it slightly less genuine - so much celebrity status of the hero is atypical of some Bengali movies I have seen. With Ritwick this wasn't necessary, all the characters were good but I think the father could have contributed more in the story and also I think Mamata is slightly overrated as an actor. Its 2:30 midnight but I had to jot something down - I am not always this elated after watching a movie! Please gimme more :-)

The film has a Bangaliana flavour. Which will attract any Bangalee. It's a sweet, soft & lovely film with some very lovely moments. If you observe it deeply, obviously you'll get some good message. Love towards mother & son, waiting for loving one, bad effects of arrange marriage, career choosing problem in Bengalis etc etc. A bad side of the movie is that 3 womens were unnecessarily connected with Ritwick's life. At least Maggie was needed to be eliminated. Ritwick & Paoli as usual given their best effort. Finally, it successfully delivers the message "Do whatever your mind says, instead of that it'll deliver you a great peace in mind".

Once, Rituparno Ghosh said 'I don't make Bengali films. I make international films in Bengali language'. And that's actually I sensed today while watching 'Macher Jhol'. A movie made for international market in Bengali language featuring veteran actress Mamata Shankar, Paoli Dam and Ritwick Chakraborty. Other popular actors who were roped in for Macher Jhol are Sauraseni Maitra and Sanjoy Nag.

This movie simply narrates our Bengali culture and masochism of it that forges wALL for blossoming flowers who aspire to achieve their dream.

Dream, five letter word same as your five fingers, if you are covetous to protect it, it will surely take you to zenith by holding your finger and evolving it into a punch for ALL. And that punch has been narrated in this film by Pratim. A real punch indeed! Not only this film will motivate you to aspire whatever thing you have in your heart and mind mutually, however will also inspire you to be independent while choosing your ambition/decision with a courage to share that talent later so that you can be also someone's motivation.

And about Ritwick Chakraborty, I was, am, and will always be his fan. I can't explain him. His works explain him. You really sway me Sir. Every piece is just a master piece. You are leaving a shelf of magnum opuses behind for the upcoming future.

And not the least, being a foodie I could haven't missed this movie. Enjoyed it. Learned too.

Thanks for reading.