"Idiot" - the Bengali commercial release showcases a new pair, Ankush and Srabanti. It's of course, quite a refreshing news, but one thing must be said, at times, Srabanti looked a bit too old compared to Ankush. Maybe Srabanti's experience and long screen presence are responsible but this is a very personal feeling.
Rajib is a director, whose name creates a wave of terror among many cine-fans. No, not because he will give stiff competition to others. No, that's completely not the case. In fact, Rajib gave such a film called "Paglu" that he can be called solely responsible for the disillusionment of Dev, the actor. His "Phande Poriya..." was also quite over the top. I wonder when this man will learn to make quality cinema!! But of course, he improves a bit in this film. But, I would say his sense of imagination remains negligible as before. He brings to the scenes the same cliches, the same age-old story, and the same dialogues.
Then what's the difference? Well, the villain who has been brought simply cannot don any expression and is very blank in most cases. Even during the fight sequences, he can't bring life to his character.
Performance-wise, this is a good film, while we concern our discussions to the acting of the lead pair. Ankush has improved greatly but needs to work more to bring out maturity in expressions. Srabanti is by far the best actor in the film. Her character was crispy, delicate and humble...with a sudden, refreshing raw freshness.
Sri Pritam had composed songs of Bikram Singha. He had shown his capabilities there. Here too, he does not disappoint. "Toke Hebby Lagche", "Radha" and "Pagli Tore" are dance numbers. Ankush is a good dancer but the fact is, many of his dance steps have been copied from previous films. Have choreographers, due to incessant remakes, forgotten to introduce new steps in the dance moves too? "Pagli Tore" is a complete replica of "Paglu Thora Sa Karle Romance" though expressionwise, neither Ankush nor Srabanti go anywhere near Dev-Koel. Glimpses of "Sedin Dekha Hoyechilo" can be found in a melodious number "Sajna Pas" but they are more acceptable as romance is a universal language.
With Rajib around, we get what we expect...though I'd not like to be too cynical. Debutante Shankaraiyya gave us the wonderful "Khokababu" but it's a wonder that Rajib, despite spending so many years in the industry, does not attain knowledge about the basic nuances of filmmaking. His inability and inefficiency caused many to be disappointed after watching "Paglu", which, otherwise, could have been a landmark event in Bengali commercial cinema. If Rajib wants to compete with Sujit Mondal (famed for wonderful "Romeo" and "Paglu 2"), Raj Chakrabarty (a director par excellence in "Ley Chakka" and "Dui Prithibi") he must hone up his directorial abilities.
Novelty in work has long been forgotten by filmmakers of Bengal. Hope in future things will brighten.