Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Why PROLOY is a must watch at DARPAN

We've been reading and protesting about the gangrapes in India...watch a film that borrows from true incidents...
As a part of showcasing films that portray community issues and social conditions DARPAN is proud to screen PROLOY ( with English Subtitles).. the newest addition to the festival bouquet.

The story revolves around a brave heart Barun Biswas who raises voice against numerous gang rapes in a village called Dukhiya. Dukhiya, where gang rapes had become a festival. These are celebrated by some political criminals. They do not even spare children and aged females. Police also will not take up any complaints against these powerful criminals. Will Barun be able to survive it all and raise his voice? Will the condition of women improve? In the light of all thats been happening in present times this film is a poignant commentary on community issues and power of the masses. The film has as its backdrop real life incidents and experiences.

Meet Director Raj Chakraborty and actors...speak to them...share your views at the screening...

Tickets to go on sale soon...watch this space...

Other film tickets on sale...look for *DFF when you book online at Cathay
http://www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg/movie_detail.aspx?status=coming&movie_id=1069

Sunday, August 18, 2013



Why MY BEST FRIEND is a must watch at Darpan 2013?



My best friend is the only English movie in Darpan 2013 and the only one which is a home grown Singapore production by Indian expats.

MBF is also one of the three movies in Darpan 2013 which deals with environmental issues.

The film showcases our century’s biggest problem, global warming, observed by rapid changes in weather patterns and one natural disaster hitting mother earth after another. The movie gives a strong message how planting trees and stopping deforestation is the only solution to fight this issue. 

My Best Friend (Language – English; Rating-PG) will be screened on 8th Sep, 2pm at Arts House Screening room, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why BAKITA BYAKTIGATO is a must watch at Darpan 2013?




This yet to released movie premieres at Darpan 2013.

The film is the only one in this year’s festival which falls in the documentary style format of film making.

Although BB is a social commentary film, it can be easily related as it’s about a man’s search for a partner and his ideology, wishing for a world where there is more time with loved ones and with nature.

This is a story about someone in search of true love. We all have this craving for the right kind of love, which is hard to find. Apparently, the film will look very simple. But the climax will get an epic treatment.

Bakita Byaktigoto (Language – Bengali (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – NC16) will be screened on 8th Sep, 1pm at The Cathay, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Why GANESH TALKIES is a must watch at Darpan 2013?




Ganesh Talkies got rave reviews upon release, couple of months ago and will fill the rib tickling section of Darpan 2013.

It’s directed by the multi talented Anjan Dutt – musician, singer-songwriter, director and an actor who won silverware in 1981 at the Venice Film festival.

GT is a laughathon drama based on two families belonging to crazily diverse communities, but ones who make Kolkata, what it is today – Bengalis and Marwaris. An aspect which was also  touched upon very recently in Maach Mishti and More.

The film centres on childhood friendship, a probable wedding and above of all the triumph of young love.

Pashupati the patriarch of the Bengali family lives gregariously but still in denial of his waning wealth. Whereas his neighbour, Pravin, has amassed a great deal of wealth over the course of years, yet lives a miserly life.

Differences of opinions, scheming family members, shifting cultural dynamics and a secret love that has blossomed despite all odds form the crux of this film.

The two families eventually unite and it seems that a wedding is in store after all!

“Ganesh talkies is wonderful, heart warming” – Times of India, 3.5 stars out of 5.

Look out for the luscious Raima Sen, the brilliant Rajesh Sharma (known for prominent character roles in plenty of Tollywood and Bollywood hits of 2012 and 2013) and Biswajit Chakraborty.

Ganesh Talkies (Language – Bengali (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – PG) will be screened on 8th Sep, 1pm at The Cathay, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why ASHARE GOPPO is a must watch at Darpan 2013?




Ashare Goppo, yet to be released worldwide, is the third premiere movie to be screened at Darpan 2013. It’s also one of the two rib ticklers of Darpan 2013.

The movie faced dual controversies during its making – initially it was embroiled in a chit fund trouble and then on accusations of copying the story by another writer. 

The story revolves around a film director aspirant, Shakya, who is struggling hard to find a producer for his dream project. Having failed to find a producer, Shakya makes a Bengali remake of a South Indian flick. Eventually the masala potboiler fares very well in box office and he is compelled to let go of his individuality and keep making several remakes of South Indian films.

Ashare Goppo (Language – Bengali (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – TBA) will be screened on 7th Sep, 6pm at The Cathay, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why HEMLOCK SOCIETY is a must watch at Darpan 2013?





Made on a meagre budget of 3 crores, Hemlock society has garnered 13 awards and 65 crores since its release, two months ago.

However that didn’t surprise pundits as director Srijit Mukherjee has upped the bar very high with his filmography which includes the impressive Baishe Srabon, Autograph, Shobdo, Maach Mishti and More…and more!

Hemlock Society fills the satire component of Darpan 2013. It is the story of a man, Ananda (Parambrata Chatterjee) who runs a school which teaches aspirants how to successfully commit suicide. He develops a bond with one of its students, Meghna (Koel Mallick), a depressed and dejected woman, and what follows is an unforgettable and life-changing journey for both.

HS exploits dark comedy well to showcase the importance of living life with courage than bow to the cowardly step of suicide. It gives a strong insight into psychological dilemma about the primal existence of life. It reiterates the fact that ‘can you shock someone by letting her know that death is impending and inescapable.’

After it received rave reviews, several Non profit organizations have used this film to motivate people from disadvantaged and difficult backgrounds to keep fighting with life.

The name of the movie is inspired by the erstwhile Hemlock Society, a society which was based in Santa Monica, US. The primary mission of this society included providing information to dying persons and supporting legislation permitting physician-assisted suicide.

Hemlock Society (Language – Bengali (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – TBA) will be screened on 8th Sep, 3:30pm at The Cathay, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Why BALAK PALAK is a must watch at Darpan 2013?




Balak Palak is the only Marathi film in Darpan 2013 and deals with the sensitive subject of sex education. Despite the boldness of the subject, the makers have sent across  their message in a comedy drama format, bordering on satire, at times.

The story is about four teenage friends who over hear that a friend has left their colony, as she had brought “disgrace to her family”.

Having received unsatisfactory explanations from their parents, the teens make it imperative to find out what exactly was her “disgraceful act”.

In this journey to discover, they end-up bonding a little too much with their seniors from school who inturn enlightens them by introducing them to blue films.

Balak-Palak (meaning Children-Parents) is directed by Ravi Jadhav and produced by Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh,

The initials formed by the title of the film (BP) also make a secondary reference to a 'blue picture' or low-quality pornographic videos that were available on videotape in the 1980s in South Asia.

The movie received rave reviews and most experts agreed that it’s a “must watch for parents”. So much so that Deshmukh plans to make a Hindi language remake of the film.

Balak Palak (Language - Marathi (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – PG13) will be screened on 7th Sep, 2pm at Arts House Screening room, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why KURMAVATAR is a must watch at Darpan 2013?



Kurmavatar is the only Kannada movie in Darpan 2013 and received the 2012 National award for best feature film in Kannada, apart from recognition in several other film festivals.

Shot in just 15 days, the film is about Anand Rao, a government employee who at the edge of retirement, happens to play the role of Mahatma Gandhi in a television serial. Unknowingly the qualities of Gandhiji imbibe in him.

Anand Rao undergoes a subtle inward journey of acquiring a better understanding of his faith and principles which are ultimately challenged in a materialistic environment.

The film is a powerful comment on the new socio economic order that has emerged post-independence and the ambivalence of robust Gandhian Values in 21st century India. The film also contrasts the value systems of the new generation with the previous one while showing the innocence and vulnerability of children.

 The rampant misuse of Gandhi’s iconic image with total disregard to the message of the great soul is also underlined.

Kurmavatar (Language - Kannada (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – PG) will be screened on 7th Sep, 7:30pm at Arts House Screening room, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why PAPPILO BUDDHA is a must watch at Darpan 2013?




Pappilo Buddha deals with multiple social issues which are amongst biggest challenges facing the real India – Gender inequality, casteism and atrocities committed against certain castes.

 The story deals with the discrimination against landless Dalits (considered a lower strata of society in India) and the politics of suppression of their struggle against the upper castes and other powerful elements of the society.

It explores the life of a group of displaced Dalits in the western coastal belt of India and probes the new identity politics based on Ambedkarism.

The film is so hard hitting that it was denied censorship, initially, due to visuals and dialogues which denigrated Gandhi. In one scene a group of irate Dalits burn and effigy of the Mahatma which prompted the British Film Institute to express shock and disbelief in their notes.

The film won awards at Athens international film festival and Kerala state awards. It’s the only Malayalam film in Darpan 2013.

Papillo Buddha (Language - Malayalam (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – M18) will be screened on 6th Sep, 7:30m at Arts House Screening room, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why MUKTODHARA is a must watch at Darpan 2013?




Muktodhara gives a strong message of rehabilitation; about prisoners of a correctional home; about the need for social acceptance to help ex-convicts live on with dignity.

Niharika is the unhappy wife of public prosecutor Arindam, a dominating, male chauvinist husband. She organises a party for girls who are physically challenged like her own daughter. There, she meets new IG  of correctional cells of West Bengal. The latter requests Niharika to use her talent, skills and organize an event which will execute his ideas of reforming convicts of the correctional cells. Niharika agrees to the proposal with a condition that her husband needs to be kept in the dark.

Niharika plans to stage Tagore's Valmiki-Pratibha involving the inmates of the correctional cells. In the cellular jail, Yusuf Mohammad, the dreaded criminal, is convinced to become Niharika's main protagoinst in the stage play. Mohammad Yousuf gradually changes as Niharika keeps training them. They plan to escape from the jail at the day of the play. But, the feeling of guilt encompasses  Yousuf and though they got out of the jail through a tunnel, they return back and complete the play.

Rituparna Sengupta stars in this movie.

Muktodhara (Language – Bengali (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – TBA) will be screened on 7th Sep, 3:30pm at Cathay Cineleisure, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why SHOBDO is a must watch at Darpan 2013?





Work Life balance anyone?

Shobdo deals with a foley artist so obsessed with perfection in his work that his ear drums become recipient to sounds while ignoring vocals. Medically, there is nothing wrong with him (as per doctors), but his life keeps falling apart.

Bengali cinema has now made two movies on the importance of sounds in recent years, Nisshabd being the other classic.

Shobdo is the current best Bengali movie around as it won the National award this year.

Shobdo adds to an impressive Kaushik Ganguly’s filmography - others being C/O Sir, Rang Milanti, & Arekti Premir Golpo!

Get to meet the actors and director of Shobdo at the screening!

Oh yes and do you know what’s a foley artist? One who creates ambient sounds for  movies/plays/theatres/tv  – the creaking of the door, the thud of a falling apple, the clinking of clashing vessels, the sound of a slap and many more!

Why AATMA is a must watch at Darpan 2013?






Aatma brings variety to Darpan 2013 for two reasons  - it’s the only hindi film to be screened and the only one of the horror-thriller genre. 

It features, arguably, Bollywood’s most talked about actor, currently,  Nawazuddin Siddique. Popularly known as Faizal Khan of GOW2, Nawazuddin is such a bankable asset that you know his film can’t be bad and he will put a lot of life to any role played by him.

You can meet the actor at the screening too on 6th September evening at Cathay Orchard...

Aatma also features the most successful Bengali actress imported by Bollywood ever, the ravishing Bipasha Basu.

Aatma  (Language – Hindi (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – NC16) will be screened on 6th Sep, 9pm at Cathay Cineleisure, as part of the Bengali International Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Why ABORTO is a must watch for all Satyajit Ray fans?




Its first time director Arindam Sil’s tribute to the great master. All the five protagonists in the movie are characters heavily influenced from ones in Ray’s movies.

There’s  a  Charu who will remind you of Charulata; a Duli who will remind you of Santhal Duli;  Two men stuck in corporate rivalry and a cricketer cum womanizer, making up the five.

Aborto focuses on the relentless pursuit of prominence in professional career, and the resulting alienation from loved ones in terms of sensitivity, feeling and emotion.

The film is a commentary of the values of being close to loved ones and treasure family life

Aborto (Language – Bengali (Indian) with English subtitles; Rating – NC16) will be screened on 6th Sep, 7pm at Cathay Cineleisure, as part of the Indian Film festival - Darpan 2013.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Why NOUKADOOBI is a must watch?

How many stories are you aware which have been told again and again on celluloid – to be exact, seven times in 100 years? Eternal could be the right word to describe such an occurrence. Noukadoobi 2011 is the seventh time in our cinema history that this Tagore classic novel has been retold; twice in Hindi - Milan (1946) and Ghunghat (1960); four times in Bangla – 1932, 1947, 1979 and 2011. Noukadoobi (2011) is directed by the legendary late Rituparno Ghosh, whom we lost earlier this year. This year also happens to be the centenary year since the first non-European ever won a Noble prize – India’s pride Rabindranath Tagore in 1913 for Literature. Tribute to Tagore, tribute to Rituparno, tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema - Noukadoobi (2011), with English Subtitles, kicks off Darpan 2013. 

Get to meet the actors and presenter and interract with them on the opening night...mark your calendars for the 5th of September 2013 at The Cathay at 9pm. Did You Know: Rabidranath Tagore renounced knighthood (previously conferred on him) in 1919 in response to the Jalianwala Bagh massacre

Amaar Bangla...Shonaar Banglaa....(My Bengal My Golden Bengal)

Darpan prompted me to reflect.

Reflect on my roots; on the sound of passenger train chugging past my childhood in Midnapore; on the smell of wet grass next to the rice fields; on my instincts which caught unaware grasshoppers aplenty; on Anandabazaar Patrika’s gossip provocation capabilities; on the “hole-in-the wall” next door shop which sells the world’s best jilapi & singhara.

It’s true that the Bengali in me is a decade older than me, and as is, likely to perish off sooner, than what I imagine. Such a shame. I never bothered teaching “mother tongue” to my kids – “learn english, learn mandarin – they will dictate the world for coming centuries” …have often argued…with same zeal as normally demonstrated by members of my community.

My visits to Calcutta (that’s the way I last know) are no more than transit halts. Visit to my roots or relatives are now restricted to marriage ceremonies (and even there I look for excuses) and the only people I speak in my local dialect with, aside my wife, are ones with whom I have no other medium to communicate.

Such a shame.

But Darpan prompted me to reflect. Because aside food, if there has been one connect constantly alive in me. Its in our movies.

This may sound laughable, because Tollywood isn’t a rage in her own kingdom. Notice the domination of Bollywood songs blaring from loudspeakers during festivals or occasions – amply reflected in most Bengali movies, including Chaplin (which was in Darpan last year).

Much of the current depressive state of the Bengali in me is due to a resignation that Calcutta, or even Kolkata, will just continue to disintegrate. In an age where cities are growing in as superpowers of their own (even Bollywood has movie titled ‘Shanghai’), I can’t think of any other modern city which has fallen apart so much. From a city which was a capital of a land stretching from Ceylon to Burma, it’s importance is now even below the Hyderabads and Punes. And it continues.

But while everything about the city has stagnated, Bengali cinema continues to evolve.

Again. this may sound laughable. The standards set by the first person to have put Indian movies on global map, Satyajit Ray, and the baton carried by Mrinal Sen, Ritwik Ghatak, Shyam Benegal, Tapan Sinha, Gautam Ghose and their ilk would possibly look insurmountable.

That hasn’t been the case. Bengali cinema is one rare industry, globally (mind you) where within budgets and in the ‘parallel cinema’ genre they have constantly manufactured highly acclaimed movies (in popular terminology 4stars-4.5stars/5 movies) year on year.

The reason, and the only reason, behind this is the uniqueness in storylines, plots which this inventory brings. It is said that when some of your senses start weakening, all energies get diverted to your strongest sense. The analogy may be working for Kolkata - with everything else falling apart, all energies have gone in harvesting the intellect even further.

A foley artist (person who reproduces sounds in films, video games, televison) seeking for perfection; A small time mimic artist risking a lifetime opportunity to celebrate his son’s birthday; An army of ghosts protecting their only abode; An aged rock musician’s tryst with alcoholism and young women; A suspended cop’s way to get back at his department – these are storylines which seldom hit you.

Darpan had one such lineup last year, and it prompted me to reflect; to keep aside the jalebi and the samosa.

About DARPAN

Singapore's only multicultural film festival!

Visit our web page : www.darpansingapore.com