Bagha Jatin Movie Review : Roaring Against the British Raj

Reviewed By : Souvik Saha

• Movie : Baghajatin
• Director: Arun Roy
•  Cast: Dev (Baghajatin), Sudipta Chakraborty (Vinodbala), Sajal Mondal (Arvind Ghosh), Sumant Roy (Hemchandra Das Kanungo), Sandeep Ghosh (Barin Ghosh), Collage Sengupta (Rasbihari Bose), Samiul Alam (Khudiram Bose), Sreeja Dutt (Indubala), Sreeja Bhattacharya, Carl A. Hart (Taggart), Rohan Bhattacharya (Chittapriya Ghosh)
• Music: Nilayan Chatterjee

Baghajatin roars onto the screen, depicting the audacious fight against the British Raj led by the courageous freedom fighter, portrayed compellingly by Dev. This film takes a bold step in bringing history to life, offering viewers a glimpse into the fierce battle for independence.

Acting Performances: Dev, in the central role, delivers an impressive performance, portraying the spirit of a freedom fighter with intensity and determination. Sudipta Chakraborty as Vinodbala stands out with her expressive eyes and silent acting, leaving a lasting impact. Sreeja Dutt and the supporting cast, including Sajal Mondal, Sumant Roy, Sandeep Ghosh, Kolaj Sengupta, Samiul Alam, and others, contribute significantly to the film’s overall appeal.

Direction and Cinematography: Arun Roy’s direction is commendable, capturing the essence of the historical era effectively. The film benefits from stunning visuals, especially in the VFX sequences, showcasing Jatindranath’s transformation into ‘Bagha.’ The cinematography beautifully complements the narrative, immersing the audience in the time period.

Music and Background Score: Nilayan Chatterjee’s music adds depth to the film, featuring patriotic songs that evoke strong emotions. The background score intensifies the on-screen sentiments, enhancing the audience’s connection with the characters and the story.

Makeup and Special Effects: The makeup artists, notably Somnath Kundu, deserve applause for their work, transforming actors convincingly into their characters. The VFX sequences, particularly the tiger slaying scene, are surprisingly well-executed, adding a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.

Missed Opportunities: Despite its strengths, Baghajatin misses some opportunities, particularly in character development. Certain supporting characters lack depth, leaving their stories incomplete. The climax, a missed opportunity, could have been a powerful moment but falls short of leaving a lasting impact.

Conclusion: Baghajatin is a commendable attempt at bringing a crucial chapter of history to the silver screen. Dev’s powerful performance, coupled with strong supporting acts and impressive visuals, makes this film a worthy watch. While it falls short in some aspects, it stands as a testament to the filmmakers’ courage and dedication. With a more focused approach on character narratives, it could have been an even more potent cinematic experience.