Baandhon (2012)
Director: Jahnu Barua
Cast: Bishnu Kharghoria, Bina Potongia, Jatin Bora
Jahnu Barua is synonymous with Assamese cinema, and as shameful it is, hailing from the state of Assam, I have never watched any of his films before - a mistake I have realized and trying to rectify it for the last couple of days. Of course, I have heard Jahnu Barua's name many times over the years, as a pioneer of Assamese cinema, and even Indian cinema (not the commercial sector). Baandhon is one of his masterpieces that left me numb-struck for a while after this film was over.
Baandhon can be divided into two parts - the first part fills you with innocent laughter, while the second part leaves you heartbroken, isn't it the irony of life? The film is about the lives of two elderly couples, who have been in love since schooldays yet fight over silly things, even decide to file a divorce in a rather silly but humorous confrontation, however deep inside, there is still unconditional love. The first half mainly deals with the couple's little adorable disputes filled with loads of humor. The second half takes an absolute tragic turn after their only parentless grandson goes missing in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. The subsequent events are devastating that leaves with so much sadness as if you could feel for these characters. It is one of those few films that made me live the story, and I could contemplate.
The film might lack the technical finesse or the visual aura, which is understandable as the budget for a regional Indian film is even less than a Bollywood item song, but it hardly matters before Jahnu Barua's masterful storytelling and direction. The chemistry between Bishnu Kharghoria and Bina Potongia, as the elderly couple, is so real and adorable, you can't help but fall in love with them. Bishnu Kharghoria outshines everyone with his performance, coincidentally it happens to be the second film I watched back-to-back, which features Bishnu Kharghoria in a film directed by Jahnu Barua. Jatin Bora also lends a decent supporting hand.
Baandhon was produced by Assam State Film Finance & Development, and it also won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese award in the 60th National Film Awards along with many other accolades. Baandhon may not be for everyone, especially the commercial audience, but if somebody can connect to it, then it is sure to leave goosebumps - I had plenty.
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