This is the final write-up in a series on Bimal Roy films.
With Parineeta(1953), I bring another Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay novel adaptation to the viewers after the previous one i.e Devdas(1955). This novel was written in 1914 and is once again set in the same period. The story is essentially a love story that is riddled with misunderstandings that arise out of various societal traditions. It is not a tear-jerker like Devdas but has its moments of sorrow that are mostly self-imposed. As was the nature with most Sarat Chandra novels, the male protagonist is a morally weak character compared to the female protagonist whose character shines despite her socially unprivileged status. As expected, this is a premise that goes well with Bimal’s thematic concerns as we have seen so far. We will also see Bimal pulling punches against other ugly traditions like caste and dowry along the way.
With Parineeta(1953), I bring another Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay novel adaptation to the viewers after the previous one i.e Devdas(1955). This novel was written in 1914 and is once again set in the same period. The story is essentially a love story that is riddled with misunderstandings that arise out of various societal traditions. It is not a tear-jerker like Devdas but has its moments of sorrow that are mostly self-imposed. As was the nature with most Sarat Chandra novels, the male protagonist is a morally weak character compared to the female protagonist whose character shines despite her socially unprivileged status. As expected, this is a premise that goes well with Bimal’s thematic concerns as we have seen so far. We will also see Bimal pulling punches against other ugly traditions like caste and dowry along the way.
The pleasures of this film arise from the way Bimal develops this romance between the protagonists. Two people who have pretty much grown up in each other’s company; so much so that they seem to develop some sort of possessiveness and responsibility for each other. On one hand we have Shekhar who considers himself as a teacher and guardian to Lalita and on the other hand we have Lalita who seems to reciprocate this by serving Shekhar by keeping his room tidy and doing other chores for him. We will also see Lalita taking money from Shekhar’s cupboard at will. An arrangement that reflects on the level of comfort that the two share. We will see Shekhar speaking sarcastically to Lalita and teasing her. Lalita on the other hand comes across as a demure girl who accepts Shekhar’s taunt’s that do hurt her sometimes but it is evident that she cares for him. Their relationship is almost like that of a married couple and yet they are far from that.
Lalita is staying with her uncle who is in debt of Shekhar’s father. Both families are high caste Brahmins but are separated by the rich-poor divide and it is unthinkable for the protagonists to be married. In the meantime, we will see the entry of the character Girin who unlike Shekhar is much more liberal and it is his presence that will make Shekhar go through an emotional turmoil as well as make him appreciate his relationship with Lalita. Once again, Lalita’s character shines as being devotional in her love towards Shekhar who is clearly not as virtuous as her. Does Shekhar deserve Lalita’s affection? Quite possibly not, and both Sarat and Bimal would agree with you on that. Ultimately though, what will happen is the ironic reality of most couples. It is a man-woman dynamic that is skewed in the favor of men and yet women for some unknown reason are willing to tolerate this inequality with an emotional strength that would make most self-respecting men feel ashamed of themselves. Bimal through Sarat’s Parineeta, once again paint’s a paean to this woman.
Bimal also very beautifully creates the atmosphere of the Bengali household; whether it is the idyllic afternoon’s playing cards at the neighbour’s place or doing daily chores or visiting a nearby theatre for a comic dance drama performance. I hope people enjoy this experience. I will leave you with some screen shots:
Note:
If the resolution appear’s hurried and unreal, I will not blame you. At the same time, I can only say that irrespective of the resolution, Bimal achieves what he set’s out for in the film. I hope viewers can appreciate that.
If the resolution appear’s hurried and unreal, I will not blame you. At the same time, I can only say that irrespective of the resolution, Bimal achieves what he set’s out for in the film. I hope viewers can appreciate that.
