Rape & Revenge|Aug. 13, 2021|India|117 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Adventure;Bangla;Horror;Mystery;Thriller
Description: Are people inherently bad? Are criminals born evil, or do circumstances push them to the edge? Is a villain purely dark, or does their personality have shades of gray? Who is the true person—the one behind the mask or the mask itself? These questions lie at the heart of *Mukhosh* (translated as *The Mask*), the latest suspenseful drama directed by Birsa Dasgupta.
The film’s plot is gripping. Kolkata is shaken by a series of brutal murders. Each crime follows a chilling pattern: the victim is kidnapped, killed slowly, and their heart is removed. Among the victims are members of the Kolkata police force, leaving both the authorities and the audience baffled. To crack the case, the police turn to criminologist Kingshuk for his expertise.
*Mukhosh* is a revenge-driven story with a perfectly paced narrative. It takes viewers on a dark, thrilling journey while staying grounded in realism. At one point, the protagonist asks his wife, “Who do you fear more? A deranged criminal or a calm, calculating one who knows exactly what he’s doing?” The film focuses on the latter—a brilliant, methodical killer who leaves no trace behind. With its layered storytelling, *Mukhosh* keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Director Birsa Dasgupta demonstrates his growth as a filmmaker, skillfully portraying characters, situations, and the city’s atmosphere. The actors breathe life into the story, with Anirban Bhattacharya delivering a standout performance as Kingshuk and Tota Roychowdhury excelling in the role of David. The supporting cast also rises to the occasion.
The film’s music, composed by Nabarun Bose, plays a crucial role. Unlike Birsa’s previous works, there are no songs; the background score carries the emotional weight. Subhankar Bhar’s cinematography is visually striking, capturing Kolkata’s somber essence—its tangled wires, faded buildings, and bleak color palette create a far-from-celebratory ambiance.
In a time when people crave a return to normalcy, *Mukhosh* offers a compelling, conventional thriller that keeps viewers hooked. It’s a must-watch for those who enjoy suspenseful storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
Cast director: Birsa Dasgupta
Cast actor: Anirban Bhattacharya, Chandreyee Ghosh, Debesh Chatterjee, Payel De, Soumya Sengupta, Anirban Chakrabarti
Original name: Mukhosh