''Baishey Srabon'' (''22 Shey

Srabon Srabon or Shaon ( bn, শ্রাবণ ''Srabôn, শাওন Shaon'') is the fourth month of the Bengali calendar and one of the two months that make up the wet season, locally called "Barsha" ( bn, বর্ষা ''Bôrsha''). Artisans star ...

'') is a 2011 Indian

Bengali Bengali or Bengalee, or Bengalese may refer to: *something of, from, or related to Bengal, a large region in South Asia * Bengalis, an ethnic and linguistic group of the region * Bengali language, the language they speak ** Bengali alphabet, the w ...

neo-noir Neo-noir is a revival of film noir, a genre that had originally flourished during the post-World War II era in the United Statesroughly from 1940 to 1960. The French term, ''film noir'', translates literally to English as "black film", indicating ...

psychological thriller film Psychological thriller is a genre combining the thriller and psychological fiction genres. It is commonly used to describe literature or films that deal with psychological narratives in a thriller or thrilling setting. In terms of context and co ...

directed by

Srijit Mukherji Srijit Mukherji is an excellent national award winning Indian film director and screenwriter who predominantly works in Cinema of West Bengal, Bengali cinema. His regular collaboration with veteran actor Prosenjit Chatterjee brought him into the ...

. it was his second film. The cast consists of

Prosenjit Chatterjee Prosenjit Chatterjee (born 30 September 1962) is an Indian actor and producer. He is widely regarded as one of the leading actors in modern Bengali cinema. He predominantly works in Bengali cinema . He is the son of veteran Bollywood actor Bisw ...

Parambrata Chatterjee Parambrata Chattopadhyay (born 27 June 1980) is an Indian actor and director. Parambrata started his career with Bengali television and films. He has acted as the fictional character Topshe from Feluda under Sandip Ray's direction. He made his ...

Raima Sen Raima Sen (born Raima Dev Varma on 7 November 1979) is an Indian actress who is known for her work in the Hindi and Bengali films. Early life Raima Sen was born on 7 November 1979 in Bombay (now Mumbai) to Moon Moon Sen and Bharat Dev Varma a ...

Abir Chatterjee Abir Chatterjee (born 18 November 1980) is an Indian actor who mainly works in Bengali cinema. He is the son of theater personalities Phalguni Chatterjee and Rumki Chatterjee. He started his career with Bengali television and made his debut i ...

and director

Gautam Ghose Goutam Ghose (also spelled Gautam Ghosh born 24 July 1950) is an Indian film director, Actor, music director and cinematographer, who works primarily in Bengali cinema. He is the only Indian to have received the "Vittorio Di Sica" Award, Italy ...

, making a comeback after a 29-year absence. The film centers on two journalists and two police officers (one suspended) chasing a vengeful

psychopath Psychopathy, sometimes considered synonymous with sociopathy, is characterized by persistent Anti-social behaviour, antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and Boldness, bold, Disinhibition, disinhibited, and Egotism, egotistical B ...

, who leaves behind couplets from Bengali poems. ''Baishe Srabon'' received positive reviews from critics, and was one of the highest-grossing Bengali films of 2011. The film received an A certificate from the

Central Board of Film Certification The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory film-certification body in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India. It is tasked with "regulating the public exhibition of films under the provision ...

for explicit violence and adult language. This film brought back the Thriller genre to Bengali Cinema after a long time. The core plot of the movie is loosely based on the 1995 crime-thriller ''

Seven 7 is a number, numeral, and glyph. 7 or seven may also refer to: * AD 7, the seventh year of the AD era * 7 BC, the seventh year before the AD era * The month of July Music Artists * Seven (Swiss singer) (born 1978), a Swiss recording artist ...

'' and 2008 drama-thriller

Righteous Kill ''Righteous Kill'' is a 2008 American action thriller film directed by Jon Avnet and written by Russell Gewirtz. The film stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino as New York City Police Department detectives on the hunt for a serial killer. It is the ...

''.'' A sequel of the film was released on 23 January 2020, titled

Dwitiyo Purush ''Dwitiyo Purush'' (দ্বিতীয় পুরুষ) is the second solo album by Indian singer-songwriter Anupam Roy. Phanka Frame & Ami Ajkal Bhalo Achhi were later featured in Srijit Mukherji's film Jaatishwar & Zulfiqar respectively ...

directed by

with

Parambrata Chattopadhyay Parambrata Chattopadhyay (born 27 June 1980) is an Indian actor and director. Parambrata started his career with Bengali television and films. He has acted as the fictional character Topshe from Feluda under Sandip Ray's direction. He made his ...

and

reprising their roles.

Plot

Several murders have taken place throughout

Kolkata Kolkata (, or , ; also known as Calcutta , the official name until 2001) is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River west of the border with Bangladesh. It is the primary business, comme ...

, for which a

serial killer A serial killer is typically a person who murders three or more persons,A * * * * with the murders taking place over more than a month and including a significant period of time between them. While most authorities set a threshold of three ...

is believed responsible. The murderer strikes in accordance with verses of

Bengali poetry Bengali poetry is a rich tradition of poetry in the Bengali language and has many different forms. Originating in the Bengal region of South Asia, the history of Bengali poetry underwent three successive stages of development: poetry of the ear ...

, which he leaves next to the victims. The police are baffled; chief detective Abhijit Pakrashi (

) struggles to solve the case, which takes a toll on his relationship with girlfriend Amrita Mukherjee (

). Pakrashi's superior ( Rajesh Sharma) brings back an ex-cop, Prabir (

), to help solve the case. Prabir, earlier suspended for his violent methods, is notoriously ill-tempered and foul-mouthed. Prabir and Pakrashi work together, while Amrita (a television journalist) and colleague Surya Sinha (

) research serial killers for a series whose thirteenth-and-final episode will be about a contemporary murderer. Meanwhile, eccentric poet Nibaron Chakraborty (

Gautam Ghosh Goutam Ghose (also spelled Gautam Ghosh born 24 July 1950) is an Indian film director, Actor, music director and cinematographer, who works primarily in Bengali cinema. He is the only Indian to have received the "Vittorio Di Sica" Award, Italy ...

) who considers himself part of the

Hungry Generation The Hungry Generation ( bn, হাংরি জেনারেশান) was a literary movement in the Bengali language launched by what is known today as the Hungryalist quartet, ''i.e.'' Shakti Chattopadhyay, Malay Roy Choudhury, Samir Royc ...

wanders Kolkata at night reciting poems. Researching serial killers, Amrita visits a prison where the warden remembers Rafique Ahmed and his only confidant in 18 years of imprisonment: Nibaron Chakraborty. She and Surya go to Nibaron's house to question him; after being greeted by his servant, Swapan, they are convinced he is insane when Nibaron says he has a meeting with "Rabindranath". They almost succeed in learning about Rafique when Surya angers him by mentioning the book-fair arson for which he was imprisoned. While investigating the case, Pakrashi sees Amrita and Surya together. Jealous and drunk, Abhijit goes to Prabir's house and pours out his heart; he tells Prabir that he lost his father at a young age, and tries to avoid alcohol because of what it did to his father. Prabir tells Pakrashi that he went to work the day after losing his wife and child, encouraging him to be strong. Surya takes Amrita to a cemetery, telling her he would propose in a few days. They end up in a police station after a police officer sees them (and is slapped by Amrita). Pakrashi, still tipsy, rescues them when the inspector recognises Amrita as his girlfriend and they reconcile. The next day, while randomly discussing poets and poems, Prabir and Pakrashi deduce that the killer strikes on the death anniversaries of well-known Bengali poets. When they search all possible days the killer could strike, they discover that the next date is 29 June:

Michael Madhusudan Dutt Michael Madhusudan Dutt ((Bengali: মাইকেল মধুসূদন দত্ত); (25 January 1824 – 29 June 1873) was a Bengali poet and playwright. He is considered one of the pioneers of Bengali literature. Early life Dutt ...

's death anniversary. Amrita tells Pakrashi what she and Surya have been doing, including the interview with Nibaron. This convinces him that Nibaron is the killer, especially when Swapan tells Prabir about his employer's nightly walks around the city. The duo visit Nibaron as journalists, and try to understand his stance on the Hungry Generation. It becomes clear that Nibaron doesn't consider the movement to be a failure, and has no regret about his attempted arson at the book fair years ago. Pakrashi and Prabir watch Nibaron's house on the fateful night. A hooded figure comes out; it is Swapan, fleeing. He reveals that Nibaron has been very depressed, and has been burning all his poetry. In the house they find Nibaron has committed suicide, and discovering another couplet beside his body, realize this was the final murder. The case is closed, and Prabir is congratulated by the police department for solving the case. After a month or so,

Rabindranath Tagore Rabindranath Tagore (; bn, রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর; 7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941) was a Bengali polymath who worked as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter. He resh ...

's death anniversary (''Baishe Srabon'') arrives. Prabir invites Pakrashi to meet a man named Rabindranath Mitra, a publisher, and Pakrashi is surprised that "Swapan" is Prabir's servant Kanai. Prabir admits that he was the mastermind behind the murders, with Kanai (an ex-convict) carrying them out. He wanted to exact revenge on the police force for his suspension, which he considered an insult to his hard work despite the loss of his family. It was easy to frame Nibaron, since his case was handled by Prabir years ago. The latter had told Rabindranath to meet Nibaron regularly regarding publishing his poems, and then suddenly refusing, which led Nibaron to suicide. He also says that Nibaron's death wasn't the final murder. Pakrashi believes himself to be the next victim. However, Prabir makes it very clear that he considers himself a murderer, and intends to kill himself since he "hates murderers". Despite Pakrashi pleading with him not to, Prabir shoots himself after reciting the last couplet.

Cast

as Deputy Commissioner of Police Probir Roy Chowdhury IPS *

as Assistant Commissioner of Police Abhijit Pakrashi KP *

as Amrita Mukherjee *

as Surjo Sinha *

Goutam Ghose Goutam Ghose (also spelled Gautam Ghosh born 24 July 1950) is an Indian film director, Actor, music director and cinematographer, who works primarily in Bengali cinema. He is the only Indian to have received the "Vittorio Di Sica" Award, Italy ...

as Nibaron Chakraborty * Rajesh Sharma as Commissioner of Police Amit Kumar Srivastav IPS * Anindya Banerjee as Debabrata * Sumit Samaddar as Kanai or Swapan *

June Malia June MaliaSpelling according tThe Times of India/ref> (or June Malliah) is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Bengali cinema and television. She is a philanthropist and also a member of West Bengal Women's Commission. In 2021, she wa ...

as Prabir's wife * Arindol Bagchi as Constable at the graveyard * Joyraj Bhattacharya as Rabindranath * Kalyan Chatterjee as drunkard at the station * Biplab Dasgupta as jailor *

Biswajit Chakraborty Biswajit Chakraborty, (born 29 October 1948) is an Indian film actor who appears predominantly in Bengali movies. He was born in Kolkata, West Bengal. His debut movie was '' Sunya Theke Suru'' directed by Ashoke Viswanathan. He has acted in more ...

as public prosecutor

Soundtrack

The ''Baishe Srabon'' soundtrack is composed and the lyrics penned by

Anupam Roy Anupam Roy (born 29 March 1982) is an Indian singer, singer-songwriter, music director, composer, songwriter, guitarist, playback singer from Kolkata, West Bengal. He made his debut with ''Amake Amar Moto Thakte Dao'' & ''Benche Thakar Gaan'', ...

. The background music composed by

Indraadip Dasgupta Indraadip Dasgupta (born 17 January 1973) is an Indian composer whose range of music is well known in various Bengali Films. In 2017 he worked with Anu Malik in ''Begum Jaan'', composed the film background music . Film director Music dir ...

. Soundtrack got released on 27 August 2011.

Literary references

''Baishe Srabon'' is the first mainstream film incorporating the Bengali "hungry generation" movement of the 1960s into its plot. In the end Prabir recites

Shesher Kobita ''Shesher Kabita'' (Bengali: শেষের কবিতা) is a novel by Rabindranath Tagore. The novel was serialised in 1928, from Bhadra to Choitro in the magazine ''Probashi'', and was published in book form the following year. It has been t ...

by Kabiguru

.It was his last essay before his passing away in 22 srabon( titles of the film)and the novel is considered a landmark.

Reception

Anandabazar Patrika ''Anandabazar Patrika'' (Bengali: আনন্দবাজার পত্রিকা, ) is an Indian Bengali-language daily newspaper owned by the ABP Group. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, it has a circulation of 1 million cop ...

'' gave ''Baishe Srabon'' 8.5 of 10 stars. It was the official selection at the 2011 Dubai International Film Festival, the closing film at the 2012 London Indian Film Festival and an official selection at the Darpan Film Festival in Singapore and the Alliance Francaise Film Festival in Kolkata. The film ran for 105 days, making it one of the most successful of the year. ''Baishe Srabon'' received 41 awards. At the Mirchi Music Awards, it won for Best Upcoming Lyricist (Anupam Roy for "Ekbar Bol"), Best Lyricist (Anupam Roy for "Ekbar Bol"), Best Background Score, Best Film Album (Popular Choice), Best Film Album (Critic's Choice), Best Song (Popular Choice) for "Ekbar Bol" and Best Song (Critic's Choice) for "Gobhire Jao". At the Kalakaar Awards, it was the best film; at the ABP-Friend's FM Bangla Music Awards it won for Best Music Director, Best Male Playback Singer (Rupankar for "Gobhire Jao"), Best Song ("Je Kota Din") and Best Film Album. ''Baishe Srabon'' won the inaugural Best Movie Poster Award at Srijon Samman 2012; at the 12th Telecine Awards it won the Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Parambrata Chatterjee) and Best Male Playback (Anupam Roy for "Ekbar Bol") awards. At the Zee Banglar Gourab Awards 2012, the film received nine awards from thirteen nominations: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor Critic's Choice (Prosenjit Chatterjee), Best Supporting Actor (Parambrata Chatterjee), Best Music Director, Best Screenplay and Dialogues, Best Male Playback (Rupankar for "Gobhire Jao"), Best Cinematography and Best Editing. At the 2012 Star Guide Bengali Film Awards the film won the Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Male Playback (Anupam Roy for "Ekbar Bol") awards. At the International Bangla Film Academy Awards at Pattaya, Bangkok, ''Baishe Srabon'' won the Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Gautam Ghosh), Best Male Playback Singer (Anupam Roy), Best Cinematography and Best Critic's Choice Performance (Parambrata Chatterjee) awards. Raima Sen received her first award for her performance in the film with the Shoilojanando Mukhopadhyay Memorial Award. The film won six awards at the International Bangla Film Critic Award (IBFCA). The film was also the official selection at the Dubai International Film Festival, London Indian Film Festival and Mumbai International Film Festival (MAMI).

Sequel

Sequel A sequel is a work of literature, film, theatre, television, music or video game that continues the story of, or expands upon, some earlier work. In the common context of a narrative work of fiction, a sequel portrays events set in the same ...

of the film was released on 23 January 2020, titled ''

'' directed by

with

and

reprising their roles.

References

External links

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{{authority control 2011 films Films scored by Anupam Roy Indian crime thriller films 2011 crime thriller films Indian detective films Bengali-language Indian films 2010s Bengali-language films 2011 psychological thriller films Films set in Kolkata Memorials to Rabindranath Tagore Indian psychological thriller films Films directed by Srijit Mukherji Indian serial killer films 2010s serial killer films