Teere Bendho Na... (Unanchored, 2022): The symphony of human vulnerability

Teere Bendho Na.. is a short film by Niranjan Kumar Kujur, which unfolds as a pitiful tale that navigates the turbulent waters of Horipodo's (Arghya Roy) life, a humble local fisherman whose world is suddenly capsized by the unseen storm of fate. As Horipodo grapples with the harsh reality of his daughter Urmi's (Pratyusha Banerjee) heart condition, the annual health camp becomes a fateful turning point. The diagnosis casts a heavy net over his already strained relationship with his wife, creating ripples of despair and heartache. Once echoing through their modest home, Urmi's innocent laughter is replaced by the haunting silence of impending doom. 

The film gracefully portrays the protagonist's emotional turmoil as he defies social norms. In a pivotal hospital scene, he confesses to his wife, expressing that he grapples with personal issues but emphatically asserting that he is not inherently a bad person. Horipodo's confession serves as a compelling rallying cry for authenticity, encouraging viewers to discern the intricate melody of the human spirit amidst the clamour of expectations. His sincere endeavours to reconnect with his wife, weaving a narrative that reflects the intricacies of love tested by adversity. The coastal backdrop becomes a metaphor for the ebb and flow of emotions, mirroring the highs and lows of Horipodo's attempts at redemption. However, when it seems that the tides might turn in his favour, destiny orchestrates a cruel twist. The carefully woven threads of Horipodo's plans unravel as he confronts a harsh reality beyond his control. 

Kujur who has written the screenplay, developed from a story by the cinematographer of the film Joydeep Bhowmik,  attempts to immerse the audience in a sea of emotions that mirror the transience of joy and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The short film invites viewers to embark on an emotional rollercoaster, navigating the turbulent waters of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of hope. As the story unfolds, it leaves an indelible mark, echoing the profound truth that sometimes, despite our best efforts, we are mere sailors in the vast sea of destiny, at the mercy of the currents beyond our control. The film explores the profound irony of life, where hope and despair coexist, and the unpredictability of destiny leaves no one unscathed. Against the backdrop of the vast, unpredictable sea, Horipodo's journey becomes a metaphor for the unpredictable voyage of life itself. 

Joydeep Bhowmik's cinematography skillfully captures the rustic charm of South 24 Parganas, enveloping the narrative in a visual style where the images complement rather than overshadow the story's essence. The small settlement, where Horipodo's struggles unfold, is artfully framed to portray the chambers of poverty and destitution, presenting a stark reality from which there seems to be no respite. The cinematography becomes a silent storyteller, seamlessly weaving the backdrop into the fabric of the narrative without overpowering the central theme. Argha Roy, in the role of Horipodo, and Mouli Roy, portraying Kobita, form a captivating on-screen couple, embodying their characters with authenticity and delivering performances marked by a genuine, naturalistic quality. 

Teere Bendho Na..has been selected at the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival, 2024