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Reviews
Chander Pahar (2013)
Brutal murder of a beloved book
Much hyped as the most expensive Bengali film ever made, Chander Pahar (Mountains of the Moon) is based on a Bengali classic by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. And that's where all comparison ends.
Chander Pahar must be sponsored by Tide, as its Africa is strangely dust-free, where rough-and-tough explorers run around in spotless white shirts. It is co-sponsored by Anti Perspirant deodorant/face cream, since the adventurers never sweat. Luckily, Colgate refused to sponsor, which helped add a little realism through Dev's dirty teeth near the end.
The film is actually a 3-hour episode of a Bengali serial, stretched by shots of Dev running like an ostrich in slow motion.
The editing has made the film safe for heart patients - no variation in pace/narration. It sounds and looks like a soulless, droning Government- sponsored Public Service message.
The awesome Visual Effects Team is the same one that worked on the 1986 Ramayana serial, recreating the "fiery flying arrows" effect in this one.
Best actor: the Bunyip. Most memorable bit: The Disclaimer at the beginning, declaring that "All the animals were shot in South Africa".
Final verdict: If you've ever loved the original book, stay away from this film, it will make your toes curl and blood boil.