Feb. 12, 2021|India
Genre: Bangla;Romance
Description: “Prem Tame,” released in 2021, follows the story of Pablo, played by Soumya Mukherjee, as he navigates the journey from youthful infatuation to finding love in unexpected places. The film begins with Pablo’s first day at college, where he aspires to become a poet. Naive in matters of the heart, he quickly falls for Arshi (Sweta Mishra), the first girl who comforts him during a moment of distress. However, their budding romance is disrupted by a group of college seniors who interfere, forcing Arshi to leave.
Enter Raji (Sushmita Chatterjee), a researcher and student activist who supports the college lovers by challenging the principal and quoting Jorge Luis Borges. Soon, Pablo finds himself drawn to Raji and begins living with her and her adopted dog, Khogen. Amidst the chaos, Pablo’s devout mother leaves the household, and Arshi grows increasingly jealous.
The film beautifully captures the colonial heritage of Chandannagar, situated along the Hooghly River. Its grand buildings, parks, cemeteries, and scenic landscapes create visually stunning frames, ideal for the big screen. While the soundtrack is already popular and enjoyable, some tracks tend to feel overly lengthy.
Set in a small town away from Kolkata’s hustle, “Prem Tame” highlights the charm and simplicity of rural life, contrasting it with the urban disconnect. However, the film struggles to fully align Raji’s character with the small-town setting. Despite her captivating screen presence, her portrayal as a researcher and activist feels less convincing.
The movie’s strength lies in its exploration of love, tradition, and the quirks of small-town life, offering a nostalgic yet flawed portrayal of relationships and identity.
Cast director: Anindya Chatterjee
Cast actor: Susmita Chatterjee, Soumya Mukherjee, Sweta Mishra, Kankana Chakraborty
Original name: প্রেম টেম