Bhaimon Da

I recently watched the biopic "Bhaimon Daa", and I must say I had mixed feelings about the film. In this review, I will begin by highlighting the aspects I found impressive before moving on to the areas where I believe the film could have been better.

To begin with the positives, the character selection was fantastic, with the exception of Zubeen Garg, whose portrayal didn't quite resonate with me. On the other hand, Gunakar Deva Goswami, Bondip Sarmah, and the actor who played Riju (the son of Bhaimon Daa) delivered truly commendable performances. The cinematography was also a strong point-visually captivating and aesthetically pleasing.

However, the film had its shortcomings. Firstly, I found issues with the background music, especially in the first half. At several moments, I felt distracted by the music, which was more melodic than evocative. It failed to enhance the emotional depth or mood of those scenes, and frankly, it didn't help me connect with the time period the film was trying to portray. In contrast, the second half had a more theatrical and synchronised score that matched the visuals more effectively.

Secondly, I noticed inconsistencies in the costume design. For instance, the style of the "churidar" worn by Bhaimon Daa's sister at the beginning of the film did not seem appropriate for the era being depicted.

Thirdly, I found the editing somewhat immature. The film could have benefited greatly from a more refined and professional editing approach. Additionally, the selection of Assamese fonts used in the cast credits lacked polish. The duration of the supers (text information shown at the bottom) was so brief that it was almost impossible to read them in time.

Another area that could have been improved was the colour grading, which I found to be poor and inconsistent throughout the film. This inconsistency disrupted the visual harmony of the movie.

Furthermore, the dialogue delivery of some characters felt unnatural and carried a theatrical tone that didn't fit well with the scenes. This became especially evident when compared to the performance of Ashish Vidyarthi, whose dialogue delivery was natural and impactful. This is a critical aspect where the directors of Assamese films need to focus more closely, ensuring that delivery remains authentic and grounded.

Finally, I felt that the script lacked cohesion. It appeared fragmented at times and could have been smoother and more intact in terms of flow and structure.

These are my personal observations, and I fully acknowledge that others may have different perspectives. I appreciate and welcome any opposing views, as discussions around cinema always enrich the experience.

Thank you.

Was watching again yesterday. It's really incredible to see that even on the third week, there was not even a single seat empty in the theatre. Director has done an incredible job in this movie. The characterization, screenplay, music and every other aspects of the movie is incredibly beautiful. Assamese cinema is back on the track with this Movie hopefully. From the second day of release, every show of the film is houseful and this is the third week.

It's a cinematic marvel in terms of picturization, screenplay, characterization, music, acting, etc. Being the first biopic in Assamese language, it has really set the bar real high.

A very well-crafted tribute to Munin Barua and Assamese cinema. Loved the actors who played Zubeen Da, Jatin Da, and HBS. 👍👏💐

A journey through the great Assamese cinematic era. The movie, themed around giving opportunities to newcomers, is something for which I offer my sincere appreciation. I enjoyed the performances of the actors portraying Zubeen Da, Jatin Da, and HBS.

It was a journey through a significant period in Assamese cinema, effectively showcasing Munin Barua's commitment to providing opportunities for new talent. The transitions between plot points could have been smoother.

I hope Assamese cinema continues to flourish and achieve even greater success.

Bhaimon Da is a respectful and emotionally charged cinematic tribute to one of the most influential figures in Assamese cinema - Munin Baruah. Directed by Sasanka Samir, the film traces the personal and professional journey of the iconic filmmaker, shedding light on his contributions, struggles, and enduring legacy.

The title, Bhaimon Da, affectionately refers to Munin Baruah's nickname, and the film attempts to encapsulate the essence of his persona - warm, humble, creative, and deeply committed to storytelling. From his early days of hardship to his eventual rise as a director who revolutionized Assamese popular cinema with hits like Hiya Diya Niya, the narrative evokes nostalgia while also offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges of regional filmmaking.

Bhaimon Da is more than just a film - it is an emotional journey that resonates deeply with both the youth of the 1990s and the older generations who grew up admiring Assamese cinema's golden age. For us '90s kids, the movie evokes a strong wave of nostalgia - from iconic film references to the recreation of moments that shaped our childhood memories.

Kaushik Bharadwaj delivers a standout performance as Jatin Baruah, portraying the visionary Munin Baruah with sincerity and depth. Nilim Dutta's uncanny resemblance to Biju Phukan brings an added layer of realism, reminding viewers of the legends who defined an era.

With over 100 characters woven into the narrative, each role - no matter how big or small - is played with dedication, bringing the story to life in an authentic and respectful manner.

The surprise introduction of Zubeen Garg's character is a highlight that received spontaneous applause from the audience - a perfect cherry on top of this heartfelt tribute.

Bhaimon Da is a proud celebration of Assamese cinema's soul, leaving viewers with misty eyes, warm hearts, and a renewed appreciation for its cultural legacy.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings (my personal view only): 1. Excessive Depiction of Alcohol Consumption: A notable flaw is the overuse of liquor scenes, which feel unnecessary and repetitive. While a few may have served the plot, the frequency with which characters are shown drinking tends to dilute the emotional gravity and can be off-putting for family audiences.

2. Incomplete Character Arc of Ravi Sharma: The movie initially establishes that actor Ravi Sharma is reluctant to work in Hiya Diya Niya. However, though the film later shows him working in the movie, it completely skips over how he was eventually convinced. This missing transition affects narrative continuity and leaves a noticeable gap in character development.

3. Underutilization of Iconic Assamese Artists: Despite being a film that celebrates Assamese cinema and its legacy, Bhaimon Da surprisingly sidelines two of its most respected veteran actors - Abdul Mazid and Chetana Das. Their minimal screen presence feels like a missed opportunity to honor and fully utilize their stature and experience, especially in a film that otherwise draws heavily from regional nostalgia.

To truly grasp this biopic on Munin Barua, one must already be deeply familiar with the people and moments that shaped his cinematic journey. The film offers no character introductions or context, making it confusing for anyone unfamiliar with his life or works. What unfolds on screen feels more like a patchwork of loosely connected vignettes, stitched together without rhythm or clarity. The narrative structure is haphazard, and the storytelling suffers from poor pacing and arrangement.

While the film rides high on Assamese sentiment, it falls short in terms of cinematic substance. Much of the attention it has received seems driven more by regional pride and nostalgia than by its own merit. Personally, I watched it out of my affection for Munin Barua's classics like Hiya Diya Niya, Nayak, and Bidhata, as well as for the timeless music of Zubeen Garg during that era.