There script was great, the location (Murshidabad) was perfect. But the thing that touched me MOST was the execution of languages and dialects of languages. The dialect of Bengali language which is used in the movie is the language that me and my family speak, it was personal and emotional for me. Cinematography is excellent. The Courtroom drama was little much. Makeups could be better. Enjoyed the whole movie.
Ek Je Chhilo Raja
2018 [BANGLA]
Drama / Mystery / Thriller
Plot summary
Mahendra Kumar Choudhuri, the middle prince of the Bhawal Estate was affected by syphilis and was taken to Darjeeling for treatment. He apparently died in Darjeeling and was cremated there. After 12 years, a Sanyasi shows up at the estate, arousing people’s curiosity and leading to a rumour that he is the lost prince of the Bikrampur Estate.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
October 01, 2023 at 06:18 PM
Director
Top cast
Movie Reviews
Nice presentation of a confusing history
Jishu's Magnum opus
Ek Je Chilo Raja(2018)
Another Remake of an Uttam Kumar classic?Srijit has made it a habit to recreate Uttam Kumar's films for example -Autograph(Nayak),Jatiswar(Antony Firingee),Shah Jahan Regency(Chowringee) and this one from 'Sanyasi Raja'.However the upcoming projects of Srijit is devoid of any remakes.
This time Srijit has not only taken an uphill project but also a controversial topic to present on silver screen.The facts he gathered around for the sake of this film were accurate and devoid of creative liberties except the creation of the dramatized courtroom scenes(which he actually tells us in the beginning).The film has a vastly competent script but a good script needs to be supported by equipotential screenplay and performances.The script has given space for every characters to blossom .
This film is the magnum opus for Jishu Sengupta,the way he talks,walks,his silence all reflects the royalty of a King.He has mastered the accent intricately and thanks to directors like Srijit and Anjan Dutta for revamping Jishu's career.Jaya Hasan has been phenomenal and among all, her 'bangal' accent seems so normal because she is indeed a Bangladeshi,the passion with which she captures the emotions of a loving sister deserves equal mention.The scenes between Jaya Hasan and Jishu are the type of moments which will remain in the hearts of authentic and earnest audiences forever.
Anirban is what everyone knows him to be ,with his magical voice he inches to perfection every scene he is in.Rudranil is impressive as he always is,reaching the peak whenever needed.Anjan Dutta is the man who never falters to deliver ,wait for the scene when he counters his counterpart in the most enigmatic way.Aparna Sen is good but the way she is presented by Srijit is disappointing.There are some scenes in which there is a hint of some relationship between Anjan Dutta and Aparna Sen which distracts the film and unnecessary.Rajnandini quite shines in her role irrespective of the short screen time she has got.The comical relief of the court scenes or more precisely the effort of comical reliefs has failed and hampers the integrity of the script.The different dimensions of every characters are highlighted very ably.The camera movement has been quite impressive in some scenes.Indradip Dasgupta has taken the film a few notch higher with his music and background score and last but not the least the makeup has been over the top and deserves to be awarded.The songs "Maharajo" and "ke ami kothay" are symbolic and beautiful.
7.5/10
Captures the enigma of the Bhawal Sanyasi case!
I'm a fan of director Srijit Mukherji's work because he is always intent on putting up something really ambitious on screen. 'Ek Je Chilo Raja' can be called his most heavily mounted movie till date, and he delivers the goods needed for a satisfactory cinematic experience, though it could've been better.
The movie's screenplay is certainly not it's strength. It is inconsistent. It flatters occasionally with brilliance to deceive later. The first half was supposed to set the platform for the powerful 2nd half. While it does so, it fails to devolop the characters in a memorable manner. Apart from Mahendra Kumar, the other two kumars barely have a few scenes. Rudranil as Doctor Ashwini is criminally underutilized. The romantic angle between the lawyers was a subplot without which the film would've done any day.
The actors however, despite whatever screen time they have, make the most of it. Anjan Dutta and Aparna Sen are expectedly good. Anirban Bhattacharya as Satya Banerjee is menacing in the limited scope he is given. His gaze, his walk and talk, his cold blooded demeanor, make his character memorable. Joya Ehsaan is absolutely fantastic in the latter half of the movie. Jisshu Sengupta playing the lead character has given one of the best performances if not the best performance of his career. The sheer physical transformation he has undergone to play a naga sanyasi, covered only by a loincloth needs courage, and Jisshu proves he's an actor without any prejudices.
Though the screenplay falters at times, the movie is bang on with the facts. The whole case of Bhawal Sanyasi, it's mystery, it's enigma is captured really well. The music, is another place where the movie scores high. Esho he is the theme song of the movie used in several places. The transition of the raja to sanyasi is captured effortlessly by Tu dikhe na. Finally, Tagore's Moharajo E ki Saaje, was probably written for this movie! Hands down, the song with it's visuals is the best part of the movie and gives you goosebumps.
Overall, this movie must be watched for someone who loves bengali movies, and also by someone looking to gain exposure to bengali movies.
My rating- 7.5/10