The Eunuch and the Flute Player

Nagarkirtan (2017) written and directed by Kaushik Ganguly is a sensitive essay of Puti's (Riddhi Sen) life. Puti is actually born as Parimal, a trans woman who faces hurdles and gender identity issues from the very childhood. Having faced deception in a relationship early in life, Parimal escapes from Bagnan to Kolkata, where he is inducted into a clan of eunuchs and other trans women and earns a living from begging. Love blooms yet again in his life in the form of Madhu (Ritwick Chakraborty), who doesn't care about Puti's sexual identity but wants to lead a life together. Nagarkirtan charts their journey as they plan their own little bubble where outsiders will not be able to judge them, and how Puti will undergo the physical and hormonal transformation to achieve his own desired gender identity.

In a place like India, it's still early days, and albeit there may be sympathisers and broad minded individuals, they remain far and few. Puti and Madhu's journey isn't an easy one - as they find themselves cornered by the insensitive and uninformed population that pushes them to the edge of a tragic consequence.

Riddhi Sen is simply awe inspiring. His performance is well nuanced, delicate and evokes instantaneous compassion with the character. Ritwick Chakraborty is natural with his flair for realism as always, helping Riddhi Sen bring out the very best. Together it's a crackling combination that stirs up a degree of discomfort initially, and then blends in empathy to the extent that makes us root for the couple and a happy ending. Nagarkirtan finally belongs to Kaushik Ganguly for his competent direction, costume design by Gobinda Mondal, cinematography by Sirsha Ray and a classic editing by Subhajit Singha.

"Nagarkirtan" is affectionate, revolutionary & immanently shattering all at the same time. An unconventional story of love that knows no bounds. A daring narrative challenging the very foundation of Gender norms & Societal acceptance.

Harnessing moral values underneath, the storyline consists of two human beings deeply in love with each other! Separating themselves from so called social criterion, in the name of Love. Kaushik Ganguly's poignancy in direction helps to craft an ethereal tale, sculpting inmost longings of an innocent soul. And a dithering young bloke, struggling to come to terms with his sexual preferences.

Technically it's as good as it gets. With astutely conducted social commentary aside, Cinematography speaks volumes! The Soundscore deriving nuances from Kirtan; a recitation of chants or songs that express loving devotion to deities! Those Soulful notes gently tugging the heartstrings!

When the performances are concerned, the name of 'Riddhi Sen' comes first. What an exemplary, awe-inspiring act; take a bow! Playing a Transgender character, in that tender age; audacious to say the least! He won the National Award for this role and I'm not surprised. Ritwick Chakraborty as the second lead plays his part with enough proficiency. Handily complimenting such arresting feat from Riddhi!

Sad to say, for few of the notable lapses as per the backstories of these two lead go and a somewhat abridged annotation regarding the betterment of the LGBTQ community restrained me from giving the perfect mark here! Albeit I revere the importance of the message it delivers and the righteous value it bears!

In the world full of cliché love stories, Kaushik Ganguly delivers a love story which doesn't remain an ordinary love story. I haven't seen such a movie in a decade or two. Ritwik Chakraborty and Riddhi Sen, who plays a transgender have put up a show which is beyond imagination. They have outdone their roles with so much ease. Every frame, every moment, every scene is directed so beautifully by Kaushik Ganguly. This will surely create a benchmark in the history of Indian cinema.

In one word it's a Masterpiece. A movie which is beyond reviews and awards. If you haven't watched it yet, please do catch this movie ASAP, for Madhu and Puti will stay with you even after you've left the theatres.

This movie indeed deserves international awards. The way riddhi sen acted, i cannot Imagine better acting than this.

A tale of true magic of love... that draws our attention about the social prejudices & persecution...which acts as an eternal curse for those who are in love.

With 'kirtan' (devotional songs reciting about the love affair of Krishna & Radha) this film poetically depicts the passionate romance between (Krishna-Radha) Madhu-Punti in three phases 'pronoy', 'abhisar' & 'biroho'.

SCREENPLAY: Three timelines were overlapping with each other & running at a pace of perfect brilliance. So, when it approaches the climax the audience will surely feel the ache of 'Punti' that echoes with the cry of 'Radha'.

ACTING : Director 'Ray' had his 'Soumitra'. 'Kaushik Ganguly' has 'Ritwik'. 'Riddhi Sen' played the perfect female lead...As 'Aparna' for 'Apu'...(As when Sharmila Tagore paired with Soumitra Chatterjee in silver screen for Ray's Apur Sangsar/The World of Apu).

SOUND DESIGNING: Quintessentially appropriate. Communicates every deep emotions of this cinema.

EDITING : Played the most vital part to carry out the tone of this cinema from different timelines into a perfect continuum.

DIRECTION : After 'Cinemawala', 'Shabdo', 'Arekti Premer Golpo' & 'Chhotoder chhobi ', this film is another big contribution to world cinema from the director.

STORYLINE / PLOT : A simple love story which we were denied for 100 years of Indian cinema . India loves cinema & mainly cinema with love stories...no doubt all those thousands of love stories in Indian cinema created us , as who we are. The "story" of this cinema historically is a turning point for Indian cinema which provides us with the magic of love in it's truest sense.

It also removes the blindfold of illusion & lies which was created around love for last 100 years by Indian Cinema.

At the end of the whole journey ... With this spiritual upliftment, you as a person will surely be much more pervious to love & understand LOVE for what is.

A Must watch film...hopefully will be released in netflix for cinephiles around the globe.