Apr. 14, 2022|India|111 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bangla;Drama
Description: In the film “Ananta (The Eternal),” director Abhinandan Dutta employs recurring visual motifs such as sunlight patterns on stairs, water droplets, and rising cigarette smoke. These elements highlight a subtle tension within the primary imagery, though the forceful visual style ultimately diminishes their intended impact. The movie aims to move away from a tightly woven narrative, focusing instead on portraying a mental state detached from time and space. However, its over-directed approach creates an awkward connection between scenes, weakening the overall effect.
This brings up a broader discussion about the role and limitations of images in conveying meaning. Filmmaking is centered on blending meaning with visuals and sound, but “Ananta” struggles to balance these aspects, with the visuals often feeling secondary. The film’s two main characters, referred to by nicknames Shubho (Ritwick Chakraborty) and Mishtu (Sohini Sarkar), remain mostly nameless, with brief glimpses into their pasts through flashbacks. Shubho, a recluse who lives off tenant rent, is constantly questioned by his friend about his seemingly monotonous life.
“Ananta” serves as a case study in the challenges of over-directing, where the effort to connect images disrupts the narrative’s natural flow.
Cast director: Abhinandan Dutta
Cast actor: Ritwick Chakraborty, Sohini Sarkar, Abanti Dutta, Anindya Banerjee
Original name: অনন্ত