5 recent films where Durga Puja is central to the plot

Durga Puja, an iconic festival in Bengali culture, has played a pivotal role in many landmark Bengali films, propelling the narrative and adding depth to the storylines. As the festival draws near, let's delve into five contemporary films that have intricately woven Durga Puja into their narratives.

Directed by Mainak Bhaumik, "Ekannoborti" centers on three generations of women: Malini, her mother, and her daughters, Shila and Pinky. As they congregate in their ancestral home to celebrate Durga Puja, the festive atmosphere is tinged with unsaid truths each woman grapples with. The arrival of Abhradeep Dutta, a filmmaker, brings a refreshing change to the dynamics of their relationships.

Drawing inspiration from a real-life event in 2015 where a gigantic Durga idol led to law-and-order issues in Kolkata, "Asur" is a romantic thriller crafted by Pavel. While it is framed against the backdrop of the frenzy this idol generated, the film delves deeper, portraying a love triangle between Kigan, Aditi, and Bodhi. Moreover, the film pays homage to the legendary sculptor Ramkinkar Beij, adding a layer of historical significance.

An extension of the Sonada franchise, this adventure thriller helmed by Dhrubo Banerjee revolves around Sonada, Abir, and Jhinuk. Their journey begins as they attend the Durga puja at Damburopani Deb Roy's ancestral house. Enshrouded in family lore is the story of a massive treasure bequeathed by Raja Krishnachandra Roy to Durgagati, Damburopani’s great grandfather. The onus of unearthing this treasure lands on Sonada, with the Deb Roy family’s unique Durga puja traditions providing essential clues.

Directed by Soumik Sen, "Mahalaya" is anchored in an iconic radio program - Mahisasurmardini, which has echoed Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s soulful voice chanting slokas since 1931. However, during the Emergency era, there was an attempt to replace Bhadra’s voice with that of the legendary Uttam Kumar. The repercussions of this decision and the public's reaction form the crux of the film. With commendable performances by Subhasish Mukherjee as Bhadra and Jisshu Sengupta as Uttam Kumar, the film is a poignant exploration of cultural identity and change.

Inspired by the touching story of Evan Leversage, a terminally ill boy from Canada who wished to witness one more Christmas, "Uma" is an emotional tale of a young Bengali girl named Uma. Living in Switzerland with her father, Himadri, she has grown up hearing enchanting stories about Durga Puja in Kolkata. As her health deteriorates, her only wish is to experience this grand celebration. Himadri, determined to make her dream come true, is aided by kind-hearted residents of Kolkata, showcasing the true essence of community spirit.

The Ranjan Ghosh-directed metaphorical drama is a retelling of mythology while exploring the theme of gender violence. The film, starring Parambrata, Saswata and Rituparna in the lead, has been presented in the form of a seven-act play. The characters, the performances, the dialogues, the staging, the use of props, the lighting and the shot-taking have all been arranged to assimilate elements of theatre into the cinematic language of big screen. The film introduces a diverse group of characters under one roof on the night just before Sashthi in at an old house of an Air Force pilot.

In essence, these films not only showcase the grandeur and significance of Durga Puja but also depict complex human emotions, relationships, and the indomitable spirit of the Bengali culture. As you gear up for the festival, immersing yourself in these narratives might offer a deeper connection to the festivities.