User Reviews

Simplicity of binding the incidents in a flow is the strength of the film. Two boys of different communities in a disturbing political background live their own life in their own style and find out the truth of happiness. Their friendship becomes immortal when the little boy learns to feel the presence of the lost friend (Dostoji) within his soul, sudden grown attachment with books and nature. Death makes the friendship silent,stronger and deeper Dostoji is a word itself an expression of sweetness and respect. The director used some strong characters with mininum dialogues as extraordinary brushes to draw some important strokes to complete the picture , such as a nomad, sister of a boy, a cycle repair shop. Last but not the least extraordinary acting of two boys spellbound us.

The name Dostji has a touch of love, not a single word has been said since seeing the film, this film is at the top of all the films released at the time. Satyajit Ray and many other directors come to mind in Bengali cinema, Mrinal Sen. , many more, one more name in this great director's circle is Prasoon Chatterjee. Besides, I was impressed by the acting of two young children, Arif Sheikh and Asif Sheikh, respectively, Safiqul and Palash. Especially Ashiq Sheikh who played the role of Palash, this is the first film of him. A really wonderful picture.

The way the picture is made, no matter how much I talk about it, it will be less. Last but not least, Tuhin Biswas, excellent cinematography, best wishes to your entire team, keep going, bangla will regain its glory for sure, the beginning is with you.

Dostojee tells us the story of a beautiful friendship that blossoms in the muck of distrust that affects the scocietal fabric all around us. Set in a tense time period after the Babri masjid demolition and the Bombay bomb blasts, dostojee unfolds through the eyes of its two little protagonists. We see an innocent friendship blossom where the breaking of a kite is a much bigger problem that whether to build a temple or a mosque. Then, catharsis strike and there is a separation, never to be bridged. And we see a friend living in a world alone, but with his friend still inside him - a part of him, never to go away.

**Dostojee: A Heartfelt Ode to Innocence and Friendship** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the realm of Bengali cinema, "Dostojee" emerges as a poignant narrative that captures the essence of childhood and the unyielding spirit of friendship. Directed by Prasun Chatterjee, this film is set in the turbulent times of the early 1990s, against the backdrop of the Babri Mosque demolition, and tells the story of two young boys, Palash and Safikul, whose friendship is put to the test amidst the rising communal tensions.

The film is a masterful blend of social realism and cinematic beauty, showcasing the innocence of growing up years and positing that human bonds are above everything. The director's vision is clear as he paints a portrait of a village periled by religious hatred and unrest, yet the story remains focused on the two protagonists who remain untouched by the chaos around them.

"Dostojee" is not just a film; it's a powerful vignette of loss and the resilience of human connections. The performances by the child actors, Asik Shaikh and Arif Shaikh, are commendable, bringing a depth of emotion and authenticity to their roles. Their portrayal of Palash and Safikul is so convincing that it transcends the screen and tugs at the heartstrings of the audience.

The cinematography by Tuhin Biswas deserves a special mention for its use of natural lighting and color temperatures that amplify the starkness of the rural scenery, creating visuals that are both striking and deeply evocative. The film's visual language, while paying homage to the works of masters like Buddhadeb Dasgupta, stands on its own, owning its narrative and aesthetic with confidence.

Jayati Chakraborty's performance is another highlight of the film. Her portrayal of a mother's grief is shot with such perfection that it leaves a lasting impact on the viewer. The scene where she breaks down over a photograph of her son is particularly powerful and showcases the emotional gravity of the film.

The brilliance of "Dostojee" lies in its simplicity and its ability to convey profound messages without being preachy. It does not buy too much into the arthouse genre, which helps it find its dramatic voice and connect with a wider audience. The film handles tragedy with a delicate touch, and the last 40 minutes are filled with pathos, leaving the audience moved.

Prasun Chatterjee's "Dostojee" is a lyrical and moving tale of friendship that is rooted in contemporary reality yet determined to be hopeful. It is a film that deserves a full five-star rating for its honest depiction of a friendship that withstands the test of time and prejudice. It is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you moved and reflective long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, "Dostojee" is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates films that are not only entertaining but also intellectually rich and emotionally resonant. It is a testament to the power of cinema to bridge divides and celebrate the universal language of friendship. With its compelling narrative, exceptional performances, and stunning visuals, "Dostojee" earns its place as a five-star film and a jewel in the crown of Bengali cinema.

The story telling, landscape, acting, cinematography all are too good. The purity of two little boys friendship touched my heart, it shows how TRUE friendship can overcome all the challenges in the society with ease. The director portrayed the movie so nicely as if I am witnessing a painter is painting with beautiful colours. The movie has all such elements what rural bengal has, but it never bored me, rather it took me to my childhood age. I enjoyed each and every moment of two boys school life, their daily activities. When adults were fighting with their religious identities, two protagonist character were busy to built a pure relationship of two friends. This is the inner beauty of the movie. I recommend all adults to watch this movie along with their kids.

The house of both friends Muslim Saifqul and Hindu Palash is right on the border. Both call each other as "Dostoji". Their daily routine is going to school together, laughing, playing, jumping etc. Both are happy with most of the habits and dimensions of childhood. Both of them have a cordial relationship in their families From the beginning till the first half, the story is in its continuous pace. But the second half of the film, that is, after the death of Palash , the story has moved from its reality to a skewed pace.

The demolition of the mosque took place, in December, when the weather is cold while the scene outside the shop shows rain when the news of Babri Masjid demolition is heard on the radio, at a tea shop. Lack of pace in film.

In order to dilute the overdose of football, went for a Bengali Movie DOSTOJI.

After multiple awards in various film festivals (including Cannes), it was released in Kolkata.

Those who are missing the art films of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Gautam Ghosh and Buddhadeb Dasgupta, must see the movie.

The beautifully picturized movie tried to capture how loss of a simple and essentially rural friendship affects an innocent child, his surroundings, and his academics. The characters around him (only a few) and their interfaces make the film outstanding, because it takes you to childhood friends and the oscillating relationship.

I felt absolutely possesion less, looking inside and looking past the simple lower middle class childhood. Those golden days that gifted frequent priceless moments but disappeared quickly as I grew up.

A must visit to a good theatre as dull screen may mar the vividity of rural landscape often drenched with heavy rains that make the main soundscape more often than not. And a heavy rain changed the story line suddenly - when the theme of the movie penetrates your ego and take you back to humble childhood.

You may miss the extraordinary cinematography, if you see the movie in an average cinema hall.

Having said that, i did not like the end of the movie where a particular bird's call fill the vacancy of a child's mind, that was so overwhelmed by a tragedy.

Go and explore your memoryscape with this movie.

Disclaimer : This is not a paid review. This film does not show poverty at all. However, the rural background with ordinary people having absolutely no glamour may not bring entertainment to many. But people loving "art films" close to Real Life of Rural Bharat and enjoying the movies made by Ray, Sen & Ghatak , Benegal and Gopalakrishnan would definitely like it, I feel.