Chorabali (2012 movie)- Review

Directed by: Redoan Rony
Released: 2012
Country: Bangladesh

Main cast: Indraneil Sengupta, Joya Ahsan, Sahidujjaman Selim,  ATM Shamsuzzaman,  Iresh Jaker, Piya Killol

Genres: Action, Thriller, Drama, Crime, Romantic

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

Redoan Rony's attempt at making a sophisticated commercial picture has been quite successful. ''Chorabali'', his first motion picture, is a good and praiseworthy film, though not flawless.

First of all, the striking cinematography, followed by the storyline, the presentation, and the performances, along with some of the music, make it a tasteful movie. But more of that later. First, the story!

Some of the first things we see are Sumon, a killer, kidnapping crime reporter Noboni Afroz, as she had written many reports against their criminal organization. His boss, Osman, is eagerly waiting for him.

But there's more in the story. Then starts flashbacks. Through flashbacks, we come to know more about everything. Sumon is a killer and is very loyal to his boss, who had sheltered him when he was a homeless and helpless and endangered orphan. His boss, Osman, had taught him everything in the criminal world, and now he is the most loyal, dedicated, and trusted to his boss.

Many events happen, which should not be revealed as they would be spoilers, and a heinous incident slowly makes Sumon realize about the illegal things done by his boss, about how he has been doing terrible heinous things for such a long time. He starts developing humane qualities and also repentance for his past crimes.

When his boss orders him to murder journalist Noboni Afroz, he is hesitant, but nevertheless agrees. The film returns to it's present time as Sumon is driving the car, and Noboni is unconscious at the back seat. On phone Sumon tells his boss that he has killed Noboni and has threw the remains at the river.

Why has Sumon lied? Where is he taking Noboni? Has he repented? Will he, with the support of Noboni, become a good person?

These are not the only incidents; there are loads of important incidents happening amidst all these, which I won't reveal as they would be spoilers.

The narrative of the film is sort of nonlinear, with some flashbacks within flashbacks, but the film actually never gets confusing. Rather, it gets far more interesting as the past is revealed to us.

The first-half of the film is excellent, with most of the elements being so very likeable and serious. The first-half of the film is interesting enough to keep the audience look at the screen expecting what would happen next. The surprises and sudden thrills that are present are impressive enough.

But the second-half of the film is far from being excellent; rather, it is fairly good. The unrealistic fight scenes are ridiculous. Despite being emotionally intense, the second-half is not as good as the first-half. Furthermore, the second half tests our patience because of the length.

The length is also a problem, as it is a bit too lengthy. Another negative side is the item song, which is, though well-made, ridiculous and unnecessary. During the item song I looked at the screen and kept laughing almost the entire time.

But oh, it's such a brilliant film, so good that it makes you so curious. The first-half was so excellent, and I though it definitely deserves 4 out of 5. But then the second half was not as good, and unrealistic fight scenes were ridiculous (and also the item song, which was in the first half), for which I gave the film 3 and a half.  But believe me, it's a talented film by Redoan Rony, and the presentation is good very good! Since ''Guerrilla'' (that was back in 2011), it is perhaps the most brilliant Bangladeshi movie I've seen.

As for the acting, Indroneil Sengupta ( ''Kahaani'') is superb as Sumon, and the boy who played the young Sumon is also fabulous. Joya Ahsan seemed a little weak at first, but later gave a truly powerful performance, and in the very last scene, her performace was touching. In 2011, she had impressed us in her role as Bilkis Banu in ''Guerrilla''. In ''Chorabali'' as well she gives a powerful performance.

Sahidujjaman Selim gives a great performances as Osman, as the villain, the boss of Sumon. Piya Killol gives a powerful performance as model/actress Sujana, an important character. Iresh Jaker is good enough, Sohel Rana gives a good performance, and ATM Shamsuzzaman is present in a small role. All others give good performances.

One of the most delightful things about this film is the cinematography. The film is a delight to look at. The camera works are fascinating and and excellent. Wonderful cinematography!

Music also deserves special praise. The background music is very good, generally, and all the songs (except the item song) are good.  I especially liked the song ''Carefully Careless''. Well, the other songs are good, except, I repeat, the item song, which is unnecessary (but it is well-made, though).

Overall, Redoan Rony's first motion picture is a very impressive one. It is a very good movie with such a good storyline, a great presentation, great cinematography, good music and songs. There are a few problems which I discussed in length above, but the overall movie is nice. A brilliant film from Redoan Rony.

3.5 out of 5