Mar. 16, 2012|India|125 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: At 8:08 AM, Ananta Das, a typical middle-class man, takes the Bongaon Local train to Kolkata for his daily commute to work. Along the way, he encounters both familiar and unfamiliar faces, witnessing various events that leave a lasting impact on him. One significant incident involves the murder of a young man who stood up against a group of drunkards harassing his sister, reminiscent of the infamous Rajiv murder case in Barasat. Initially, Ananta remains silent in the face of such injustices. However, one day, his inner voice of protest erupts, and he begins to challenge every wrongdoing, regardless of its severity. This transformation marks him as a symbol of resistance among ordinary people, making him a target for societal leaders.
The film, “8:08 Er Bongaon Local” (2012), initially had the potential to become Bengal’s version of “Rang De Basanti.” While it draws inspiration from the Rajiv murder case, the movie explores a broader theme—how fear and a sense of helplessness have silenced people’s voices against injustice. It questions whether the concept of “change” has lost its relevance in a world dominated by fear of oppression and violence.
Padmanabha Dasgupta’s script is grounded in realism, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the on-screen situations, reflecting experiences they might have encountered in their own lives. Though the film starts strong, it falters before fully realizing its promise. Nevertheless, it delivers a powerful message about the importance of standing up against wrongs in society.
Cast director: Debaditya Bandyopadhyay
Cast actor: Tapas Pal, Bhaskar Banerjee, Haradhan Bandopadhyay, Barun Chakraborty, Sonali Chowdhury, Anushree Das, Manoj Mitra, Kanchana Moitra, Krishnokishore Mukherjee, Swastika Mukherjee
Original name: 8:08 Er Bongaon Local