Set in the midst of 1995, a story of love, insecurity and self-discovery unfolds in the Bengali romantic adventure drama Babli. Directed by Raj Chakraborty and based on Buddhadeb Guha’s novel, the story revolves around three complex characters, each with their own secrets and desires.
The story centers on Babli, alias Damayanti, played by Subhashree Ganguly. She is a well-educated, confident but insecure young woman who harbors a deep anger towards poets who idealize slim and beautiful women. Her life takes a dramatic turn when, on a journey from Imphal to Dimapur, she meets Abhirup Sen, played by Abir Chatterjee, a charming and talented man.
As their friendship blossoms, they end up stranded in a remote wooden house in the jungle, where their bond deepens. But just as they fall in love, a stunning air hostess, Jhuma, played by Sauraseni Mitra, enters the scene and reveals her crush on Abhirup, unaware that the bond between him and Babli is growing.
As the story progresses, Babli’s vulnerability comes to the fore. She fears losing Abhirup to her beautiful friend. Will she overcome her insecurities and fight for love or will the tangled web of her relationships tear them apart? The journey of Babli, Abhirup and Jhuma is a poignant exploration of emotional conflict, love and the true meaning of acceptance.
Why you can’t miss “Babli”!
1. Sizzling On-Screen Chemistry: Witness the electrifying romance between Tollywood’s popular stars Subhashree Ganguly and Abir Chatterjee, who come together for the first time in a passionate love story. Their undeniable chemistry is a real treat for the eyes and makes their romance a true visual delight. The way they convey emotions through their eyes, body language and tender moments will leave you spellbound and wanting more. If you are a fan of romantic films, the captivating bond between Babli and Abhirup will surely enchant you and make you yearn for a love like theirs.
2. Stunning visuals of the highlands: The cinematographer’s masterful portrayal of the Imphal highlands is a visual feast that cannot be described in words. The winding roads, rolling hills and lush jungle landscapes are captured with breathtaking clarity while the night view of Loktak Lake is an unforgettable sight whose serene beauty captivates the viewers. The film’s visuals perfectly combine natural splendor and cinematic artistry, making ‘Babli’ a feast for the eyes.
3. Enchanting Music: The film’s soundtrack is a masterful blend of melody and emotion, with each song perfectly complementing the on-screen moments. The lyrics and music are masterfully crafted to enhance the emotional impact of each scene and make the viewing experience even more immersive. Moreover, the background theme is incredibly soothing, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. With its captivating music, ‘Babli’ is an audio-visual treat that will stay in your heart long after the credits roll.
A faithful adaptation: “Babli” shines on the screen
1. Cast: An almost perfect trio (4/5)
The lead actors – Subhashree, Abir and Souraseni – embody the characters of Babli, Abhirup and Jhuma with remarkable accuracy, bringing the novel’s trio to life with impressive chemistry. Their performances deserve a solid 4 out of 5.
2. Direction and camera work: A visually impressive adaptation (4/5)
Raj Chakraborty’s direction masterfully brings the essence of the novel to the screen, with stunning highland scenery that immerses the viewer in Babli’s world. The cinematography is equally impressive and earns a well-deserved 4 out of 5.
3. Music: A sonic masterpiece (5/5)
Indradip Dasgupta’s music direction weaves a tapestry of sound that perfectly complements the film’s narrative, with enchanting vocal performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Rupam Islam, Anupam Roy and Minar Rahman. This unforgettable soundtrack deserves full marks
We loved reading Buddhadeb Guha’s Babli when we were 15 or 16 years old and the emotions it evoked have stayed with us ever since. Years later, Raj Chakraborty’s film adaptation has captured the same feeling remarkably and taken us back to that nostalgic era. While opinions differ on whether the director or his leading lady Subhashree deserves more credit for this performance, one thing is certain – Subhashree’s portrayal of Babli is eerily reminiscent of the character from the book. Her portrayal has breathed new life into the story and made it an unforgettable experience.
IWMBuz rates the film 4 out of 5 stars.
