Pariah Volume 1: Every Street Dog Has a Name

Pariah is a brave attempt for a Bengali masala film with a very different theme along with the style & treatment we usually get. Amidst the constant detective stories, treasure hunts, and family dramas this comes as a refresher. Kudos to director Tatagatha's vision. With its dark, intense, and violent portrayal, it actually pays homage to John Wick. The action sequences are raw & brutal, like there's literally a bloodbath and not taking place in a foreign location with guns and cars, but tools like axes, chainsaws, choppers in dark grim setting of a meat butcher shop. We surely haven't seen anything like that in the Bengali film industry. That builds up the tension. It's complemented by a gripping screenplay. Vikram Chatterjee's performance was great, and he completely reinvents himself as an action hero. Soumya Mukherjee as a villain was not only menacing but was raising some valid questions as well. Hope Pariah is a success and encourages makers to make more such movies in Bengal. Looking forward to volume 2.

The intention and the action displayed are appreciable, however, the execution fell short, leaving me quite shocked to be honest, as the overwhelmingly positive reception led me to bear much higher expectations.

The script is devoid of depth, especially in terms of character buildups and the emotions they carry. It's a technical misfire as well.

The editing is subpar, with noticeable 'frame' repetitions. The visual effects are not up to par, as evident in the looped footage of caged dogs in the climax. The background score, while suitable for the setting, ultimately became monotonous, deprived of variations!

Thankfully the performances hit the notes well, especially that of Soumya's. He had the most amounts of dialogue to throw and he did not disappoint in his deliveries! Vikram was competent in doing action but needed to better in dramatic portions.

Pariah (2024) is a Bengali action thriller that delves into the illegal dog trafficking trade in Kolkata. The film follows the journey of a reclusive man who discovers a cruel racket supplying stray dogs to North East India. Driven by a deep-seated love for animals, he embarks on a violent crusade to dismantle the criminal network and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The film is notable for its unflinching portrayal of violence and its unflinching exploration of the protagonist's descent into a world of brutality. The action sequences are intense and well-executed, showcasing the protagonist's transformation from a quiet observer to a ruthless vigilante. The film also features strong performances from the lead actors, particularly Vikram Chatterjee, who delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted protagonist.

However, Pariah is not without its flaws. The film's narrative occasionally veers into predictability, and some of the plot points feel contrived. Additionally, the film's graphic violence may not be suitable for all audiences.

Despite its shortcomings, Pariah remains a compelling and thought-provoking film that raises awareness about the plight of stray animals and the dangers of illegal wildlife trade. The film's powerful message and engaging action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Pariah (2024) is a gritty and intense action thriller that explores the dark underbelly of the illegal dog trafficking trade in Kolkata. While the film's narrative may not be entirely original, its strong performances, intense action sequences, and powerful message make it a worthwhile watch.

Pariah is a great example to show that the Bengal film industry also has capabilities. The storyline of the film holds the strongest plus point where it has maintained a serious tone throughout the movie also including an epic twist at the end. Not forgetting about Vikram's performance here, he completely proves himself as an action star rather than just some small serial actors. I would this is his best performance so far, that grumpy and intense look in his face, his body transformation, everything was in a different level. Considering the low budget, the VFX and CGI could be laid off. However, the execution of the story could have been improved. Other than that it was a top-notch experience. Loved the violence.

Brutal, honest and emotional- this film is a brilliant attempt at something new. I would have loved to see a stronger bond between the little black puppy and the protagonist but I think that's being saved for the later instalments. The grisly tone of the film perfectly depicts the plight that stray dogs go through. I myself feed them each night and I know the ordeals. I could see myself in the chainsaw-wielding, blood-soaked Lubdhak. It'd be amazing if the director can bring in Kaal Bhairav, Dharma and other elements from our shastras / pauranik kathas to this heady mix and make it all the more epic. Bibek Debroy's book Sarama would be a good repository to draw from. I loved how the director brought in the murky realism of Nabarun Bhattacharya (ode to his Bangla novel Lubdhak) and blended it with the gory aesthetic of Doga (the dog-faced vigilante from Raj Comics). Wonderful, wonderful attempt.

Bhairava is an avatar of Shiva. His blessings will be with the director. No matter what detractors may say.