Aug. 08, 2014|India|110 Min.|n/A
Genre: Bangla;Drama;Romance
Description: “Highway” (2014) is a Bengali film that follows the journey of Aswin Kapoor (Parambrata) and his wife Sabitri (Koel) as they play a game of pretending to be strangers on their way to Darjeeling. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including the poet Firdous Aga (Silajit Mazumder), the young singer-composer Dhruba (Gaurav Chakraborty), an elderly couple, Pulak (Dipankar De) and Hem (Sabitri Chattapadhyay), and a grieving mother, Pritha (Rita Dutta Chakraborty). The film weaves together the stories of these seven individuals, exploring their struggles and experiences.
Despite its promising premise, “Highway” falls short of expectations. The film lacks the adventure and excitement typically associated with its title, leaving viewers puzzled by its choice of name. Directed by Sudipto Chattopadhyay, the movie resembles a stage play captured on film rather than a cinematic experience. The actors’ positioning, limited visual variety, and extended scenes contribute to this theatrical feel, with the picturesque hill town setting barely utilized to enhance the visual appeal.
The storyline itself feels more suited to a stage production than a film. While the opening scenes pique interest, the narrative becomes increasingly unclear as the film progresses. The lack of a compelling twist or climax results in a mundane and disappointing ending, leaving viewers questioning their decision to invest time and money in watching it. Additionally, the film is weighed down by excessive dialogue and promotional content for a well-known hotel in the hill town, detracting from its overall impact. Ultimately, “Highway” fails to deliver a memorable or engaging cinematic experience.
Cast director: Sudipto Chattopadhyay
Cast actor: Parambrata Chatterjee, Koel Mallick
Original name: Highway