Antarmahal: Views of the Inner Chamber

This is by far the worst film of the filmmaker. Probably a pivotal point in his career when he became obsessed with sex mania and the need to gratify the same on the screen. It is difficult to sit through the film. One just cannot connect with the characters, even though a lot of things happen in the film. Voyeurism, sex mania, focusing on anything that could cause titillation, you have it all. The worst part is imparting a completely different angle and shade to a nice story by Tarashankar Banerjee. He must have turned in his grave had he been buried.

You would run out of negative adjectives in defining the film. To summarize - Disgraceful. Distasteful.

Ghosh adapted this story from a short story 'Pratima' by Tarashankar Bandopadhyay. Set in a British ruled Indian village during Durga Pooja, this movie tells the story of the position of a woman and an outsider in superstition-infested bengal. To to bring this again and again, but not telling about the awesome dubbing would not be justified for this movie especially, where the majority of the cast was from the hindi film industry. Two things can be suggested here. This movie has some shocking scenes which rocked the namby pamby facade of the then bengali film critics and their self made taboos. Secondly, this can be watched as a double feature with 'Devi' by Satyajit Ray because of the thematic connections.

Ghosh's 'Antarmahal' takes us to the inner chambers of a Zameendar's mansion, that is filled with dark and bizarre sexual secrets. Most of the stunning screenplay takes place in the house. Through colourful images and words we are hinted with hidden messages left for us to discover. The background score is haunting. The subtle portrayal of the events (especially the rituals) is disturbing indeed. The film does have its light moments which are conveyed through dark humour. The women are mere sex objects and their use is to produce an heir. Due to the fact that the zameendar is unable to conceive with his first wife, he brings a second wife (and has a mistress) but remains unable to conceive with either women. Then, taking the advice of priests the zameendar engages in bizarre sexual rituals with his women. In term of performances, Roopali Ganguli (the first wife) steals the show. Roopali brings the first wife's mischievous pranks and her wisdom with a certain class and frivolity while Soha does it by bringing out the naivety and innocence of the second wife. However, the dubbed voice hinders her performance. Jackie Shroff is adequately frightening as the evil Zameendar. Yet he also brings a human quality in the scenes where he questions his actions. Abhishek Bachchan is hardly impressive. 'Antarmahal' is indeed a very disturbing film and it demands that the viewer be able to absorb the subject but it is worth watching.

I appreciate this movie from artistic point of view. This movie needs a very different view to understand it. From feminine point of view, it depicts the problems and feelings of a woman and need of a child in olden days. You will also find feelings of BritishRaj that how the title of Rai Bhadur became important during Queen Victoria's time.

Anyone who see this movie please see it completely. Listen the song which runs in the end of the movie.

You will find the oppression women suffered at the hands of their so called 'Masters' husbands and priests. A lively portrait of nineteenth century Bengal. Abhishek Bachchan's role is just limited as a potter but he leaves the message and ends the movie.

Some amazing acting portrayed by all of the leads, especially from the older and younger wives. An intricate story set within the confines of one residence but you do not feel claustrophobic at all due to the clever cinematography and engaging storyline.

A rich landowner in 19th century Bengal has married for the 2nd time after his 1st wife hasn't been able to give him a child (more specifically a son) after 12 years of marriage. His 2nd wife is unable to produce a child either. Not even thinking that he might be the one lacking in fertility he tries taking advice from priests on how to get an heir. Also, he's trying to get a title from the viceroy so his plan is to replace the goddess Durga's face with Queen Victoria so he's bought in a young virile sculptor to do this task.

I found a lot of black humour in this film, I'm not sure, though, that it was intentional. I wasn't sure what to expect at the start of the film as I haven't watched a Bengali film for maybe 20 years. This pretty much changed my views of Bengali film-making but the ending of the film left me feeling angry and depressed and also somewhat happy if that's possible!