The Bengali Detective (2011)

Very well executed

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Absolutely Fantastic

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Was lucky enough to catch a screening and director Q&A at the IFFI 42 - the International Film Festival India. We both really enjoyed it. Hear-warming, funny and truly sad in places, but a hugely entertaining, fact based bit of film-making. I'm reviewing this 6+ years later, and it still brings a smile to my face. See it if you can.

I have to admit I wasn't sure if this was real or not. But the filmmakers made it clear after the screening (in Berlin), that this was indeed very real. Which makes it even crazier, reading about a "remake" that is in the works (not due until 2014 according to IMDb). You kinda wonder what they want to achieve with that? It can't be a real documentary they remake then, can it? Back to this one, a movie that has it all. Comedy and tragedy. Life as it could be. And a real charming "detective" as the lead "character". He's surrounded by people who support him in every sense of that word. While the ending might not satisfy people (again in more than one sense), it does portray life, so it is unpredictable ... isn't it? (unless it is the remake of course)

Philip Cox's Bengali (although actually Bihari) detective Rajesh Ji, based in Calcutta (Kolkata), represents a typical middle-class Indian man, who unlike others, earns his living by taking a path which is dangerous in a country where neither the lawbreakers nor the lawmakers show much respect for human lives. There Rajesh's Detectives are Always ready to risk their lives for their fellow citizens as they collectively solve cases ranging from shampoo counterfeiting to murder. However, although Rajesh can outline his sleuthing action plans with a Sherlock Holmes like precision, he can not cope with the situation at home with a terminally ill wife and a hyperactive son. This is why he and his detective team relieve themselves of the stress through Bollywood style dancing. At times, the film is more sensational than a conventional documentary. The awesome camera work makes a powerful impression of Calcutta, the most culturally diverse and economically contrasting metropolis of India. The film has a very high potential and was widely appreciated by the audience at Berlinale, 2011.

This film was shown as the opening Staff/Volunteer screening at Sundance last night. All I can say is wow. The director used mostly hand-held shots allowing the audience to take part in the private investigations first hand, and he did it quite effectively. The comedic element of the film was often sharply juxtaposed with the sad and stark realities of current issues in India. Indeed, this film will have you laughing hysterically only to bring you near tears in the next scene. You will fall in love with the lead character, understanding his need for escape through dance, as well as his way of dealing with the unfortunate hand he has been dealt. I think it will definitely be a highlight of the festival. Definitely recommend it.