Chittagong

Written by Bedabrata Pain and Shonali Ghosh, Chittagong is the adaptation of the book by the same name and describes the events that led up to the revolt of the 20th April 1930. Surya Sen (Manoj Bajpayee) who is also known fondly as Master Da because he runs the local school was the brain behind the entire process of challenging the British oppression in Chittagong.

Master Da asked of the people some basic questions. One of them being – the British do not expect us to attack them because they believe we do not have the required backing for this atrocious thought. Isn’t that reason enough for us to actually think of it. What would be more surprising that that?

And then there is the aspect of not using the regular red card holders – the people who were known to be involved in rebellious activities. Instead, with a very heavy heart he accepts the possibility of using a bunch of young teenagers for the purpose. Was that the right thing to do or a horrible thought? Master Da took the debate with him to the gallows. But he didn’t die with a regret because a few days into a not so successful attempt to annex Chittagong, he asks the boys to go back home.

The entire story is told through the voice of Subodh Roy aka Jhunku (Delzad Hiwale). Jhunku was one of the teenagers who was heaving influenced by Master Da. He came from a family which was quite pro-British and was well set for a stint at Oxford. But peer pressure and his fascination with Master Da prompts him to take the revolutionary way. The conflict in the mind of a 14 year old has been shown quite well.

Most of the characters in this real life incident continuously grapple with choices. Master Da with the choice of using teenagers for his war. Nirmal Sen (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) for his choice between expressing his love for Pritilata Wadedar (Vega Tamotia) or not. District Magistrate Wilkinson (Barry John) between following the instructions of the Raj in quelling the revolution and being a human being. All of these have been bought to life very well by first time director Bedabrata Pain (Producer of Amu – starring Konkona Sen).

I am not a huge fan of freedom fighter movies and those about the so called Indian freedom struggle because it makes me cringe. More because of the way we have as a generation really abused what a whole bunch of people fought for. A pity that what Master Da and Nirmal Sen and gang believed in has been bought to naught.

Overall a well made movie. Much better than the previous attempt called Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se starring Jr. Bachchan & Deepika. Some rock solid performances from the reliable names like Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. And equal to the task was Delzad Hiwale. I liked the movie. Not too many people will though. 7 on 10. Worth a dekko.

Watch the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C7sOtAgpns