The spirit of Lalon

Raisul Islam Asad in the titular role

What might seem to be the principal attraction of a film based on the life of a mystic folk singer like Lalon, in fact, turned out to be the most incoherent element in the film Lalon. Tanvir has used a good number of baul songs in the film, but 'the songs seemed much too frequent than were necessary,' commented a spectator after the show.

Another aspect of the movie that falls short of becoming a 'movie' is that it lacks a good story line. Biographical films do not necessarily mean the portrayal of an event-less life. Except for the sequence where Lalon, after his return to his village after a long spell of small pox, was refused any place in the society, nowhere in the movie can be found the slightest bit of suspense, which make a film hold the audience's attraction.

The cinematography of the film is, however, very good as was expected from the renowned camera-wizard Anwar Hossain.

As regards the acting, Raisul Islam Asad seems to be soaring high in perfection. In comparison to his acting, that of Azad Abul Kalam, who portrayed the young Lalon, seems quite clumsy, especially in the sequences where Lalon sings and dance. Shomi Kaiser, however, has done very well in the role of Lalon's adopted daughter Piyarinnesa.

Among other actors performing in the film are Tamanna Yasmin Tithi, Khurshiduzzaman Utpal, Ramendu Majumdar, Wahida Mallik Jolly, Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay, Fakir Anwar Hossain Mantu Shah, Kartik Das Baul, Pagla Bablu, Fakir Bolai Shah, Fakir Selim Shah, Krishna Ghosh, Arko, Noirit and others.

One aspect of the film is very appreciable and that is the inclusion of a good number of real life Bauls who project some true features of the minstrels' lifestyle.

Renowned folksingers like Farida Parvin, Farida Yasmin, Kangalini Sufia, Kartik Das Baul have sung the songs used in the film. Besides, Chitralekha Guha, Bolai Shah, Syed Sabab Ali Arju, Tamanna Yasmin Tuli, Ashutosh Adhikari and Sultana Kaniz Fatema also perform many songs.