Most Read

A saga of self realisation

10 March 2006, 18:00 PM
LIFESTYLE
By Cultural Correspondent
10 March 2006, 18:00 PM
A scene from the movie
Sohel (Rifaqat Rasheed), a British born Bangladeshi, who has grown up in the materialistic social structure and Internet culture, returns to his motherland after receiving the news of his father's death. The story follows the transforming experience of Sohel as well as his divorced mother Shireen (Sara Zaker) as they, in their different ways, try to come to terms with this loss. For the son, the return to Bangladesh is a journey of self-actualisation and rediscovery. For the mother the journey is a mix of nostalgia and anxiety in anticipation of a difficult reunion. Generations of family members holding diverse cultural and social values face each other.

In this sense Tareque and Catherine Masud's latest movie Ontorjatra is an intimate exploration of the complex issues of dislocation and identity in a chaotic world.

As the subplot Ontorjatra deals with issues such as oppression of women in the family life, change of lifestyle as an impact of unplanned urbanisation of Old Dhaka, the 'Bihari crisis' and others.

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

Best part of the movie is its splendid cinematography to portray the colours and chaos of Old Dhaka and the lush greenery of Sylhet. The symbolic shots, camera framing has made the movie unique amongst hundreds. Moreover, Dolby digital 5.1 surround system gave a realistic touch to the cacophony of Old Dhaka as well as serenity of the tea gardens.

Sara Zaker, Rokeya Prachi, Harold Rasheed, Rifaqat Rasheed and Raisa Nawar were impressive in the major roles. However, Abdul Momen Choudhury, Jayanto Chattyopadhyay and Nasrine R Karim could have been more convincing.

Ontorjatra was screened recently at the inaugural of the 3rd International Film Festival, Bangladesh.