THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE|Nov. 08, 2019|India|114 Min.|PG
Genre: Bangla
Description: Kedara, released in 2019, delves into themes of boredom, stagnation, and personal transformation. The film presents a slice-of-life narrative set between two endless voids of darkness. The story follows the protagonist as he navigates an unfamiliar world filled with desires and decisions. It serves as a tribute to the fading art of ventriloquism, drawing inspiration from coming-of-age tales and memories of old Calcutta.
The film centers on a frail man living in a decaying ancestral home. Isolated and estranged from his wife, though not legally divorced, he spends his days crafting imaginary conversations with carefully selected figures from his past. To make these dialogues believable, he skillfully mimics their voices. The protagonist, Narasingha, is a ventriloquist whose craft and livelihood have diminished over time. Resigned to a life overshadowed by memories, he finds companionship in Keshto, a junk dealer.
As the story unfolds, Narasingha’s loneliness is vividly portrayed through a collage of images and voices from his past. A pivotal moment occurs when Keshto gifts him a wooden armchair, an object he had long desired. This chair becomes a catalyst, transforming Narasingha’s personality. It reignites his confidence and adds a newfound boldness to his character. However, this change comes at a heavy cost, leading to a series of unfortunate events and unexpected twists.
Cast director: Indraadip Dasgupta
Cast actor: Kaushik Ganguly, Rudranil Ghosh, Mousumi Sanyal Dasgupta
Original name: Kedara