Jul. 22, 2016|India|140 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bangla;Thriller
Description: “Khawto” (2016) is a film that’s worth watching, though it’s best not to expect excessive eroticism or steamy scenes. The story revolves around lovers Sohag (played by Tridha) and Rishav (Ronodeep), who encounter renowned writer Nirbed Lahiri (Prosenjit) during a trip to Koelphuli. Nirbed, who has lived in isolation for two decades, shares his tale of lust and misadventures with the young couple in his secluded cottage.
The film delves into human flaws—lust, anger, desperation, and ambition—all leading to a central question: “Why?” Nirbed Lahiri’s narrative is an effort to justify his actions, both to himself and to his audience, represented by Sohag and Rishav. While Sohag is superficially moved by the story, Rishav’s reaction is quite different, and there’s a reason for that.
With a highly stylized approach, “Khawto” explores the eccentricities of creative minds, frequently using the color red in its visuals. The film’s portrayal of a celebrated writer as flirtatious and amorous aligns with the common perception of highly creative individuals. However, the timeline in Nirbed’s flashbacks feels inconsistent, as some car models shown weren’t produced 20 years ago, though the black-and-yellow taxi is accurate. Handwritten manuscripts, fountain pens, and autograph books do fit the era, but the fashion timeline seems slightly off.
Despite these minor inconsistencies, every frame of the film is visually striking, with vibrant reds and dynamic elements that captivate the viewer. “Khawto” offers a unique perspective on creativity and human flaws, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Cast director: Kamaleshwar Mukherjee
Cast actor: Rahul Banerjee, Usashi Chakraborty, Paoli Dam, Raima Sen, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Tridha Choudhury, Ranodeep Bose
Original name: ক্ষত