Ekti Raat (1956)

I have a few words to describe the effect Suchitra Sen had on me with her performance in this movie- (and I shall use them all together, regardless of coherence, because that really is the kind of effect she has had on me)- effortless, beautiful, magnetic, enchanting, gorgeous, supremely talented, graceful, hilarious, and above all, intriguing. I am honestly so captivated (another word!) by her that I feel like watching all her movies on Eros, which I recently got a subscription to (to watch April Okati Vidudala on my birthday, of course). And maybe I will, because I don't think I can have enough of her even then.

Anyway, moving on from the Suchitra Sen fangirling (in this "review" only, of course)- I really enjoyed the movie otherwise as well. It was a lot of fun, and didn't feel as dated as I was expecting it to be. The Suchitra-Uttam chemistry is every bit as good as the hype will lead you to believe, even in a movie where they only have a platonic relationship, and nothing beyond that. Or do they? Just kidding, obviously. (Or am I?) Most of the jokes involving the two of them (both together and individually) made me laugh out loud, and even now, thinking about Santana (Suchitra) and her Jhunushona is making me chuckle. However, I did feel that some of the other comedy scenes dragged a little bit too much, and I didn't much care for the Brojeshwar character. But since I am clearly not the intended audience for the movie, which was released 51 years before I was born, so I guess it really isn't my place to say anything. Plus, the songs are excellent, and Suchitra looks even prettier singing them, so who am I to complain, I'll take it all.

In conclusion, Ekti Raat was both comforting and new, a duality that is rarely done so well. I will definitely be checking out more Bengali cinema now, and I can't wait to fall even more deeply for Suchitra Sen, the mother recluse of all recluses ever (basically, my brand). Do give it a watch if you're into black & white movies!