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.

Bhaimon Da is not just a film-it's a tribute, a heartfelt journey, and a cinematic salute to one of the most beloved icons of Assamese cinema. This biopic is a masterclass in storytelling, emotion, and legacy-building. From the very first frame, Bhaimon Da immerses you in the vibrant world of Assamese cinema, seen through the eyes of a visionary who dared to dream big. The film beautifully traces Munin Baruah's humble beginnings, his deep love for storytelling, and his relentless efforts to uplift the Assamese film industry-even during its most difficult times.

The performance of the lead actor portraying Munin Baruah is deeply moving and sincere. He captures not only the mannerisms and expressions of Bhaimon da, but also the emotional weight of his journey-the struggles, the sacrifices, and the soaring successes. Supporting performances are equally powerful, with characters representing real-life legends from the industry, creating a nostalgic and emotional resonance throughout.

The film's direction is outstanding. The narrative flows effortlessly between different phases of Munin Baruah's life, capturing both his personal and professional worlds with authenticity and warmth. The screenplay is filled with touching moments that will make audiences laugh, cry, and applaud-often all at once.

Visually, Bhaimon Da is rich and nostalgic. The cinematography pays homage to classic Assamese films while maintaining a modern sensibility. The music, infused with Assamese soul, enhances the emotional depth of the story and lingers long after the credits roll.

What makes Bhaimon Da truly special is its heart. It is evident that this film was made with immense love and respect for Munin Baruah. It honours not just the man, but an entire era of Assamese cinema that he helped shape. It reminds us why cinema matters and how one person's passion can inspire generations.

For anyone who has ever loved Assamese films, or simply believes in the power of dreams and dedication, Bhaimon Da is a must-watch. It is more than a film-it is a celebration of a legend, and a reminder that true artists never fade, they live on through the stories they leave behind.

Bhaimon Da is a cinematic gem and a fitting tribute to the irreplaceable Munin Baruah. Don't miss this beautiful homage to the man who gave Assamese cinema its golden moments.

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.

The film depicts the lives of not only Munin Barua but his whole family, wrapped in the craft of filmmaking. It's a little melodramatic, but it works fine.

I loved three performances in particular - the first being Samudragupta Dutta as Shiv Prasad Thakur. Every time he appeared on screen, his aura filled it. I'm not sure how accurate his portrayal is, but it perfectly reflected the presence of a commanding figure in Munin Barua's life. Then Geetartha Sarma steals the show as Manash 'Rijju' Barua, and Bonodip Sarma does true justice to his respective role.

The BGM, especially the flute piece, was emotional, and the songs do justice to the tone. The entire "Xur Bahini" and Jayanta Hazarika segment was very strong.

That said, the film does have some irregularities in editing and writing. It jumps too often between different scenes with completely different plots, making some points feel abrupt and unexplained. The costume design, while melodramatic, has a few noticeable flaws. The "Hiya Diya Niya" composition part felt cheesy and forced, along with a few scenes in the first half. Also, I missed seeing a few prominent people I was expecting to have a feature.

Overall, it's a very good attempt to pay tribute to perhaps the most visionary director of Assamese cinema. It's not a masterpiece or a perfect biopic, but it has certainly reached a level Assamese movies hadn't touched in a long time.

(PS: My first review on IMDb - wanted it to be for something special. I guess "Bhaimon Da" has filled that void.)

Bhaimon Da is a biographical film that chronicles the life of the legendary filmmaker Munin Baruah. The narrative begins with his youth and progresses through various stages of his life until his final days. While the film ambitiously attempts to cover his entire life, this broad scope leads to a disjointed storyline with several unnecessary scenes that could have been omitted for a more focused narrative.

The editing lacks finesse, and the screenplay could have benefited from tighter structuring. The film gains momentum with the entry of Zubeen Garg, adding some much-needed energy. However, the humor is sparse, and the story often jumps between events without clear transitions.

A more effective approach might have been to concentrate on a specific period of Munin Baruah's life, particularly starting from his first film, to provide a more in-depth exploration of his career. The initial portrayal of his early years seems superfluous and detracts from the core story.

Overall, Bhaimon Da is not a bad film, but it falls short of its potential due to its scattered focus and weak screenplay. A more concentrated narrative could have offered a more compelling tribute to Munin Baruah's legacy.