Pankaj-3

When I had seen 36 Chowrangee Lane directed by Aparna Sen, I could feel some influence by Satyajit Ray in her work.

This film once again has clear influence of Ray's style on Sen. Some of the scenes from Pather Panchali are reflected in several scenes of Sati, especially an old widow lady, a village hut with cows, thunderstorms. Of course, here they are beautifully colored, blue background in the thunderstorm nights seem to be Sen's favorite theme, remember Mr and Mrs Aiyer? Coming to the theme of the film, it is a solid critique of social oppression especially against women in 18th and 19th century Bengal. Film starts with a widow being burnt by Hindu upper caste folks led by a Brahmin religious leader who is portrayed as a villain throughout.

Shabana Azmi as a mute lady is married to a tree, wonderful acting by her again.

Overall, a masterpiece!

Sardar Patel played the same role what Chanakya did in classical India. This movie shows it in detail. How he united more than 500 smaller kingdoms into one nation which came into being in 1947 after centuries of foreign rule. Paresh Rawal plays a rare historic role in this film. It shows all the intricate details of creation of India and Pakistan as two separate nations. At times, he is very tough against Jinnah's demands. At times he concedes to them, applying all the political and diplomatic tactics. Sometimes, Sardar even ignores Gandhi and his non-violence and appeasement to Muslims. Ketan Mehta's direction is tight. Cinematography and art direction are appropriate. Some use of Gujarati songs is also done.

After Mr & Mrs Iyer, this was my second movie by Aparna Sen. And as the other reviewer noted, I see her work as being influenced by Satyajit Ray - depth of human emotions captured by powerful camera work and extremely sensitive direction.

Film also reminded me of SWAYAM, directed by Mahesh Bhatt, acted by Waheeda Rahman. A similar old mother and deserted by her children. In the end, in both the films, the mother emerges lonely. While Swayam shows Waheeda as a more independent and powerful character, Jennifer Kendal in 36 Chowringhee Lane is portrayed as more sensitive, delicate and brimming with human emotions. Even Satyajit Ray's Aparajito emerges to be much more independent and powerful compared to Jennifer here.

All the comparisons apart, Aparna Sen gets the full marks for one of the most sensitive and sentimental films of India. Climax will make you cry for Jennifer and will remind you of your own parents.