In the bustling city of Kolkata, a filmmaker has ventured back in time to rekindle the magic of a classic tale, bringing it to life for a modern audience. Suman Ghosh’s latest cinematic endeavor draws from the rich narrative of Rabindranath Tagore’s 1892 masterpiece, “Kabuliwala,” and presents it with a fresh perspective that resonates with today’s viewers.
The narrative, which has seen various adaptations since India’s nascent years of independence—including Tapan Sinha’s Bengali rendition in 1957 and Hemen Gupta’s Hindi interpretation in 1961—continues to captivate audiences. The story chronicles the poignant bond between Rahmat Khan, a peripatetic dry fruit merchant from Afghanistan, and Mini, a young girl in Calcutta who conjures memories of his daughter left behind.
The mantle of the iconic protagonist has been donned by legendary actors Chhabi Biswas and Balraj Sahni in the past, whose performances are etched in the annals of Indian cinema. More recently, the 2018 film “Bioscopewala” presented a modern twist to the tale, featuring Danny Denzongpa in the titular role.
Ghosh’s rendition, a Bengali-Hindi film backed by Shree Venkatesh Films and Jio Studios, transports audiences to 1960s Kolkata. Mithun Chakraborty takes on the role of Rahmat Khan, delivering a heart-wrenchingly beautiful performance. From the opening moments where he narrates a story to his daughter, Razia, to his final, touching scenes, Chakraborty’s portrayal is nothing short of perfection.
The strength of “Kabuliwala” lies not only in Chakraborty’s performance but also in the remarkable ensemble cast. Abir Chatterjee shines as Mini’s writer-father Aurobindo Mukherjee, Sohini Sarkar captivates as the girl’s mother, Sneha, and young Anumegha Kahali steals the spotlight with her irresistible charm as Mini.
The film smartly situates itself in the year 1965 against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan war, a period that heightens the narrative’s tension and relevance. The screenplay, co-written by the director and Sreejib, makes subtle changes to Tagore’s original story, enhancing its universal themes of love and understanding across divides.
Ghosh’s direction is devoid of unnecessary frills, relying on the power of simple storytelling. The technical finesse—Subhankar Bhar’s understated cinematography, Sujay Datta Ray’s precise editing, and Indraadip Dasgupta’s subdued score—complements the film’s delicate mood.
The film’s setting is recreated with authenticity, echoing a bygone era through cultural references such as the legendary Indian footballers Jarnail Singh and Chuni Goswami. The nostalgic essence of the city and its passion for football is palpable.
“Kabuliwala” is a testament to the enduring nature of human connections amid the chaos of wartime biases and prejudice. Aurobindo’s reflections on the suspicion that pervades society, underscored by the innocence of Rahmat’s relationship with Mini, are especially poignant. The film navigates the complexities of Rahmat’s experience as an outsider during a time of conflict, capturing his struggle and the purity of his bond with Mini.
While Mithun Chakraborty’s performance is central to the film’s impact, it is the adherence to Tagore’s inclusive vision that elevates “Kabuliwala” beyond a single story or performance. The film is a compelling reminder of the relevance of compassion and empathy in a world often divided by fear and mistrust.
With a cast that includes Mithun Chakraborty, Sohini Sarkar, Abir Chatterjee, Anumegha Kahali, and Rupam Bag, and under the direction of Suman Ghosh, this adaptation of “Kabuliwala” is a cinematic gem that speaks to the heart of our shared humanity.
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