We have no Branches|Jun. 21, 2012|India|140 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bangla;Drama
Description: The 2012 movie “Hemlock Society” offers a profound exploration of the psychological struggles surrounding life’s fundamental existence. It emphasizes the idea that one can shock others by confronting them with the unavoidable reality of death. This dark comedy effectively raises awareness about life, using humor to highlight the fear of mortality. The protagonist, Meghna (played by Koel Mallick), grapples with the loss of her mother, reminisces over songs by her favorite artist Sidhartha Roy, resents her father’s new partner, and feels crushed by her fiancé’s rejection. Overwhelmed by pain, she seeks sleeping pills from her father, a doctor, as an escape from her suffering.
Ananda Kar (Parambrata Chatterjee), whose name means “make merry,” intervenes and convinces her not to end her life. Instead, he proposes an unusual solution: teaching her the techniques of suicide to avoid the embarrassment of a failed attempt. Ananda is the founder of the Hemlock Society, an organization that trains people on how to successfully commit suicide. The society operates like a film studio, with instructors named Trainlet, Jhulan, Dhamani, Raktim, and Shikha, each specializing in different suicide methods. Meghna joins the society, leaving a farewell note for her parents at her apartment door.
Distraught, Dr. Basu and Niharika begin a desperate search for Meghna, leaving no stone unturned. Meanwhile, at the Hemlock Society, Meghna experiences a series of encounters that shed light on the value of life and the impact her death would have on her loved ones. Over the course of a three-day workshop, she undergoes a transformation, realizing her own fortune by witnessing the suffering of others. By the end, Meghna confesses to Ananda that she no longer wishes to die, partly because she has fallen in love with him. This realization marks a significant turning point in her journey.
Cast director: Srijit Mukherji
Cast actor: Parambrata Chatterjee, Koel Mallick, Dipankar Dey, Roopa Ganguly, Shilajit Majumdar, Saheb Chatterjee, Soumitra Chatterjee, Sabitri Chatterjee, Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Bratya Basu
Original name: হেমলক সোসাইটি