7/10
Good, could have been great ...
23 November 2015
Bengali cinema has the distinction of using non-realism (elements of fantasy/reincarnation) to craft great cinema. Chorus, Paras Pathar, Aasete asiona, Thana theke aaschei, Sonar Kella, Ichhapuran, Golpo Holeo Satti, Khudita Pasan, Aschorjo Pradip... the list keeps growing with the addition of films like 'Jaatiswar.' The Srijit Mukherjee directed film uses a multi-layered narrative to unfold a romantic story at its core (Jishu-Swastika) laced with great music that connects a bygone era (invocation of the 'Anthony Firingee' tale of re-incarnation) with the present (Jishu's attempt to woo Swastika through music).

The film has its strength: a great performance by Prasenjit Chattopadhyay (as Kushal Hazra who suffers from a debilitating disease of memory loss owing to the memory of his past birth superimposing itself onto the present one), haunting songs by Kabir Suman, innovate camera-work and use of colors (black & white for the serious moments/sepia tone during flashback/ natural bright color during romantic sequences). Jishu Sengupta and Swastika Mukherjee are likable in the film as well.

Rating: 3.8 out of 5
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