Feb. 14, 2013|India|121 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bangla;Romance
Description: Simanaheen (2013) is a poignant tale of love and religious conflict set against the backdrop of historical and contemporary Bengal. During the turbulent times of religious riots in partition-era Bengal, Suraiya (played by Ismat) secretly learns classical dance from Amar’s sister, while Amar (Rahsaan Noor) observes the sessions. Despite their religious differences—Amar being Hindu and Suraiya Muslim—they fall in love through stolen glances.
In a parallel storyline set in modern-day Chicago, Kavita (also portrayed by Ismat) is a medical student living under the strict supervision of her parents. At a party, she meets Raiyan (Rahsaan Noor), and the two gradually develop feelings for each other. However, Kavita is fearful of her parents’ disapproval of her relationship with a Muslim man.
Kavita attempts to introduce Raiyan to her family under a false Hindu identity during her cousin’s wedding. After the celebrations, they openly address their religious differences and affirm their acceptance of each other. Despite this, Kavita’s parents discover Raiyan’s true identity and compel her to end the relationship. Meanwhile, in the past, Amar tries to prevent Suraiya’s wedding but is humiliated and beaten by her family.
Kavita moves forward by agreeing to marry Joy Bose, but thoughts of Raiyan continue to haunt her. Similarly, Raiyan struggles with his emotions, even visiting a Hindu temple to test his belief in religious unity. When Raiyan’s father passes away, Kavita secretly attends the funeral and encounters Raiyan. They part ways with the understanding that Kavita will marry Joy.
In the historical narrative, Suraiya is deeply moved by Amar’s willingness to convert to Islam for her. The couple elopes to a church in Kolkata but is tracked down by Suraiya’s family. In the ensuing confrontation, Amar is tragically killed by Suraiya’s brother. The film weaves together these two timelines, exploring the enduring impact of religious divisions on love and relationships.
Cast director: Ria Mahtab
Cast actor: Rahsaan Noor, Ismat Alamgir, Dilara M. Ahmed, Nafees Ahmed Khan
Original name: Simanaheen