Set in Bengal in the early 1900s, the film (based on Tagore’s novel) draws an analogy between the British colonization of India and the subjugation of women. Narrating the nations’ freedom movement in parallel, it asserts the importance of individual freedom from the caged life. The effect is made more pronounced by the simultaneous background score with the ongoing emotions.
An educated and beautiful woman, Binodini becomes a widow within a year of her marriage, but she does not accept the constraints imposed on a widow by the society. The film has a beautiful look to it. But its real strength lies in the portrayal of her strong character with its subtle combination of idealism and cunningness.
It very effectively depicts the simultaneous portrayal of the lusty human instincts and its destructive effects and the nobler human emotions and its uplifting purifying effects on the central protagonist- Binodini. Her deliberate temptation of Mahendra was a result of hurt ego that Mahendra chose the far inferior Ashalata to marry. Bihari, however, inspired Binodini’s abiding love and respect and this gave her strength to resist Mahendra’s lust and also Bihari’s marriage proposal as this would have led to the latter’s defamation and social isolation.
The movie has a certain natural pace to it and does not seem to lag at any time. The story elaborately deals with the Bengali society & that too in a very naturalistic manner with contemporary music & visual effects. All in all, a well made movie definitely worth watching. Director Rituparno Ghosh transformed the acclaimed literature into a delightful visual treat.