Ahalya

The writer director has blatantly copied the entire concept of Room 8 and garnered accolades for himself.

Wonderful Scripting...Character names have reference to hindu mythology...such a beautiful interpretation. Indra, Ahalya, Goutam...loved it fully...The direction of the story will hold you to the last...very unpredictable conclusion...loved everything about it...

In Ramayana, Ahalya was deemed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. She was married to Gautama Maharishi, a man much older than herself. Once when Gautama was away, Lord Indra approached her disguised as her husband getting her involved in infidelity without her knowledge. She was cursed by the sage and turned into stone for her adultery.

In this brilliant make of Ahalya, a radiant young woman is seen married to an older man. When Inspector Indra arrives at the household of this couple while investigating a missing person's case, he is seduced by Ahalya's beauty. The household is mysterious, and there is something eerie and amiss about the accounts that Sadhu gives the inspector.

Amidst the interrogation, Indra's gaze is all over Ahalya. But this time, she is ready to turn the tables around. Would Indra give in to his desires over his morale?

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, this mystery short is a captivating episode which turns out to be one of many. The film is set in one house and the buildup of the story is effectively displayed, starting with very well portrayed sexual tension between the young police inspector who visits the place and its resident Ahalya, the gorgeous young wife of a much older artist.

The legendary Soumitra Chatterjee is excellent in a nicely ambiguous performance, and so is Tota Roy Chowdhury, who plays the increasing confusion of the moment really well. Obviously, Radhika Apte is awfully attractive as the young wife and does enough with her presence. It is her role that gives the film its core message of the natures of temptation.

Inspired by the Ramayana, the story and characters are well adapted into this modern-day yet classic setting, which is quite pretty, and successfully serve this metaphoric allusion. The mystery keeps growing gradually until it reaches its climactic highpoint. Despite the chilling conclusion I somehow expected a stronger, more cathartic resolution to the story.

In general, we are not very used to short films but now as the new filmmakers are full of new ideas and know their craft well enough, it is the right time for this cinema to make a mark. So here it is, AHALYA. Made within a duration of a bit less than 15 minutes, this film is a perfect combination of a good story and reasonably great direction by Sujoy Ghosh. Also, the acting of all the three lead actors goes well with the drama. The suspense which is revealed in the last minutes is breathtaking and beautifully executed. Finally, I would say this film will bring about an era of short films which is here to stay. Overall, 9/10 for this one.