Summary: Unishe April is a famous Bengali film directed by the renowned filmmaker, Rituparno Ghosh. The movie portrays the complex relationship between a mother and daughter and their inner turmoil that unfolds during the daughter’s death anniversary. It’s a heart-wrenching story that explores the themes of love, loss, and grief through brilliant storytelling.
1. The Plot
The film revolves around a young girl named Aditi who passes away at the age of twenty-three, leaving her mother, Keya, and father, Subhendu, devastated. Every year on her death anniversary, the family observes mourning, but this year is peculiar as Aditi’s childhood friend, Diya, decides to visit them. As the three individuals reminisce about the past, they unbury hidden secrets and confront their emotional wounds.
Rituparno Ghosh masterfully intertwines the present with the past as the characters’ memories take center stage. Slowly, the viewer gets a glimpse into their family’s dilemmas, misunderstandings, and broken relationships. The story not only unveils the complexities of a mother-daughter bond but also how society restricts women’s growth and desires.
The last scene of the movie is ethereal and leaves the audience in tears, as the mother finally lets go of her guilt and grief.
2. The Cast
The cast of Unishe April is impeccable, with actors portraying their roles to perfection. Aparna Sen plays Keya, the mother, who is a famous dancer and prefers fame over her daughter. Debashree Roy plays Amita, Keya’s estranged sister who also happens to be a renowned dancer. They have conflicts in their creative vision and personal lives, which forms a backdrop of the story.
Chiranjit, who plays Aditi’s father, portrays the emotional turmoil of a bereaved parent with extraordinary finesse. The young and beautiful Dipankana Halder plays Aditi, who has a pivotal role as her memories drive the entire story, even though she appears in flashbacks. Lastly, June Maliya, playing Diya, Aditi’s childhood friend, smoothly blends into the ensemble cast and brings a sense of comfort to Keya’s grieving heart.
Each character has a distinct personality, and their chemistry resonates on screen, giving the story a realistic touch.
3. The Direction
Rituparno Ghosh was known for his excellent storytelling skills, and Unishe April is one of his best works. He not only directed but also wrote the script, which is inspired by the classical Sanskrit play, Shokuntalam. The movie won the National Award for the Best Feature Film in Bengali, and it is easy to see why.
The director infuses Bengali culture and philosophy throughout the movie using elements such as Rabindra sangeet, poetry, and the quintessential Kolkata adda. He frames each scene with precision, capturing the actors’ expressions and emotions in closeups, which add to the intensity of the story.
He handles delicate themes such as mental health, societal pressure, personal growth, and human relations with sensitivity, wit, and masterful storytelling.
4. The Music
Unishe April has a compelling soundtrack, with Rabindra sangeet and classical music enriching the scenes. Rabindra Sangeet is an essential part of Bengali culture, and the songs used in the movie resonate with the story’s ethos. The title track, “Unishe April,” is sung by Kabir Suman, and the film’s score is composed by Debajyoti Mishra.
The music complements the story’s mood, creating a melodious harmony that transcends the cinematic experience and touches the audience’s hearts.
Unishe April, with its musical interludes, takes us on a nostalgic journey through Kolkata and Bengali culture.
5. The Legacy
Unishe April earned critical acclaim and continues to be one of Rituparno Ghosh’s most celebrated works. It was screened at the International Film Festival of India, Mumbai Film Festival, Vancouver Film Festival, and other prestigious platforms worldwide, winning accolades.
The film’s portrayal of a mother and daughter’s bond is universal, resonating with audiences worldwide, who have faced similar dilemmas. It has touched hearts and has left a lasting impression because of its poignant storytelling, reputed acting, soulful music, and delicate direction.
Unishe April is a masterpiece that will continue to remain relevant for generations to come.
Conclusion:
Unishe April is more than just a movie; it is a work of art. Its portrayal of complex human emotions and relationships lingers in our hearts long after the screen fades to black. Rituparno Ghosh’s direction, the cast’s performances, the music, and the story are a testament to the Bengali cinema and its cultural richness. The movie’s legacy transcends borders and language, making it a must-watch for every cinephile and a classic for everyone else.
