Chauranga

Not rated by wogma

I shall refrain from reviewing Chauranga because it felt like there was something off with the display of the screen I saw the film in. More about the experience here.

Director: Bikas Ranjan Mishra

Cast: Dhritiman Chatterjee, Tannishta Chatterjee

Running time: 85 minutes

Genres: Noir, Social

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From the first frame the film seemed a little too dull. The kind of dull we have gotten used to when watching movies in 3D. This got only worse in the low-lit night sequences where absolutely nothing was visible.

At first, I gave benefit of doubt to the 'noir' genre of the film. But as the number of scenes where I could barely make out faces from objects, even after squinting and fidgeting, I suspected that there is something off with the screening.

I do not understand the technology behind screening a movie in multiplexes, especially the newer digital medium. But, in the interval, I requested the theater manager to take a look, especially since the advertisements seemed dull too. The visibility improved slightly thereafter, but by then the case was lost. I think it is unfair to review a film when it has been watched such circumstances.

From what I say though, I could tell Chauranga slices you into the life of a village where the unthinkable still happens. Untouchability might not prevail, but is still used by the powerful to oppress. There were some very good performances. However, the story seemed disconnected because of the various threads, in the form of characters, the narrative follows. Also, a couple of plot points seemed abrupt. Now, if the disconnect was pronounced because of the dimness, I wouldn't know.

If however, the dark was intentional, I would rate the film a “Even the keen, wait for DVD”. To segregate the contribution of the dullness to that rating is an impossible task.

- meeta, a part of the audience

16 reviewers^(?) - 10 yays 2 so-so 4 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...Chauranga is certainly not your regular popcorn flick, with several scenes that will make the popcorn in your stomach toss and turn. But if you are an admirer of realistic cinema, this can be your movie of the weekend. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Ramanuj Dutta beautifully captures the wildlife in the small village set up. Known for making eye-openers like ‘I AM’, ‘My Brother…Nikhil’, Sanjay Suri and Onir once again touch the niche audience with a film like ‘Chauranga’, which also has a mass appeal. If you willing to watch this sensible cinematic experience, ‘Chauranga’ is definitely a good pick! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...CHAURANGA is innocent yet vicious. It's a must-watch for those who love their cinematic display 'raw'. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...With a brilliant theme, a narrative structure that flows, and social relevance that hooks the viewer, Chauranga makes for a powerful watch. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, india today : ...Only complaint is that the movie moves at a painfully slow pace at points. This is not an easy watch, but definitely an important one.... full review

Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Watch Chauranga because it is honest, provocative and piercing. It announces the advent of a promising new voice in Mumbai’s independent cinema. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...This is an encouraging debut by director writer-director Bikas Ranjan Mishra, who doesn’t shy away from portraying India’s worst side. And then, he adds hope. Do watch. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Jyothi Venkatesh, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: The film may fall flat at the box office because it lacks face value and is far too drab.... full review

Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...As against a seething, fuming Fandry, Chauranga is a lot more muted and quiet in its rage. But the thread of protest runs through it nonetheless as Santu retaliates against each bit of random violence heaped against him or his brother. But the one big act of Santu’s dissent involving Shiva’s bull, Nandi, is as radical, drastic and revolutionary, if not more, than the stone flung at the audience in Fandry. Protest is all Santu has as an empowering tool. And a ride on the train to a more just and equitable world. Hopefully. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Shoma A Chatterji, Upper Stall : ...Chauranga shocks you from the relative cushion of urban comfort you are used to and holds you by your hand to take you on a journey of discovery to a world you know little about. It is an extremely dark film, story wise and cinematographically where the conflict, the drama and the twists and turns bring no relief at all. But darkness is what defines the lives of the people who inhabit the world of Chauranga. Is Dhaval any less a victim than Dhaniya or Santu or his wife Nidhi? Find your answers by reading between the lines of the film. ... full review

So-So, by Tanul Thakur, FirstPost : ...But in a country where, as recent as 14 months ago, a 15-year-old Dalit boy was burnt alive because his goat strayed into the paddy field of someone from a higher caste, who can really differentiate fact from fiction? Chauranga is earnest and simple (at times, even simplistic), but, at its finest, it is also a heartbreaking account of those whose destinies are permanently tied to, and shaped by, their last names. ... full review

So-So, by Namrata Thakker, Rediff : ...Chauranga is a good attempt at reminding us that India is still bound by caste and gender discrimination but it really does nothing more than that. And that's the biggest problem. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...At the end of the film, I found myself dying to know how Onir would have directed this film with a slightly tweaked cast. This is, after all, a story that desperately needs to be told. It just needs to be told better. ... full review

Thumbs down, Free Press Journal : ...The sound handled by Arun Nambiar and Tanmay Das is brilliant and probably the highlight of the film. The film fails to leave an impact on the viewers. ... full review

Thumbs down, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...But is it merely enough to hold a mirror? I was hoping Chauranga would express more outrage…that it might explore what happens when the oppressed challenge the status quo. That might be a film of our time. This, I’m afraid, we’ve seen before. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mohar Basu, Times of India : ...Chauranga is neither provocative nor skillful in its portrayal. Though its last scene ushers in a ray of hope to nullify the haunting gory glimpses from the film, it never soars high enough to affect you. ... full review

57 tweeters^(?) - 49 yays 3 so-so 5 nays

zeishan_quadri: Plz go n watch #Chauranga near ur cinema hall..it's a must watch

VVF47_MUFC: Loved chauranga

voompla: Set to reach new heights with #Chauranga! https://t.co/7TCdsvuvQn @theanshumanjha https://t.co/LQkeROASZo

vinysharma: #Chauranga: unvarnished, engaging and honest cinema. Watch it in theatres this Friday. congrats @SahaEna

TheParulSharma: Hi Guys ... Go Watch #Chauranga ... Give yourself a amazing treat of Indian cinema ... @Chauranga @sanjaysuri

themapstories: 'Chauranga' is a globally themed film, doesn't need too many dialogues to explain what happens: Sanjay Suri https://t.co/2SUg1Nlafq

Suresh_Mathew_: Haven't seen #Wazir but #Chauranga is a brilliant debut by @bikas. It provokes, engages and has a great (cont) https://t.co/rX3g6Fehiw

sunny4la: चौरंगा कुछ अलग और बेहतर देखने वालों के लिए अच्छा च्वॉइस है, इसे जरूर देखें। #Chauranga review https://t.co/yuUSKBP0Jm…

SudhishKamath: Releasing today! Don't miss it. This is what I had tweeted about #Chauranga: https://t.co/FjP0IWX4hf

sonamohapatra: We get fast-food in the movie theatres every weekend, #Chauranga is a nutritious meal available from today. Go watch this moving tale..

SimplySamirSoni: Don't miss this amazing movie #Chauranga. In cinemas today!!! Best wishes to the entire team @Chauranga. @sanjaysuri https://t.co/0VTdP6Ujy3

shajan75: Watched #Chauranga today,bold ,courageous & huge leap of faith on Independent cinema by @sanjaysuri @IamOnir , much needed shot in the arm !

ShaileeSharadh: Good Film https://t.co/SICAskj90B

shahameer2127: Movie: Chauranga, My Rating 3.5/5. good v g https://t.co/NJj467cxkX

ShabTheFilm: Congratulations to team @Chauranga @AnticlockFilms https://t.co/QtqlsiUv9h

RimaK93: Movie: Chauranga, My Rating 4.5/5. Its a ok type movie https://t.co/5RtJcgjQXv

RahulJagtiani: Great realistic cinema - a welcome change from the formula films we get to see! #Mustwatch #Chauranga @sanjaysuri https://t.co/g5GJkxcRDg

PulkitDatta: #India: don't miss @Chauranga in cinemas this weekend! It's simmering and gripping - a story powerfully told. @sanjaysuri @bikas @IamOnir

pudiharicharan: Oh yeah. Don't miss #Chauranga https://t.co/qojGshAWQK

prasunb: #Chauranga is a very difficult film to watch. The sense of impending doom is so palpable that it hurts. That snake !!! Gave me the creeps.

prashy74: #Chauranga is relevant cinema. These are our stories which need to be narrated. Thank you @IamOnir

poonambhatia: Do watch #Chauranga. Depressing but realistic portrayal of underbelly of our patriarchal & caste-ridden society! Brilliant direction-acting!

poojataparia: A must watch! @IamOnir @sanjaysuri https://t.co/wxfGwIkKYn

Philmy_In: #Chauranga: A strong story can leave an imoact even without star power #Bollywood #OffBeatMovie #Cinema #HindiMovies https://t.co/gxaEOF2Zxx

PatelDevansh: While most films try to earn the big buck, #Chauranga has managed to earn the bigger respect. That speaks volumes! @sanjaysuri @IamOnir

pankulpankul: Are you guys wasting time on #Wazir or also trying some different stuff like #Chauranga?? Kych alag dekho yaar.

ninadism: Make time this weekend to watch @Chauranga #indie #film in theatres. #pune #mumbai #gujarat #rajasthan https://t.co/6HXPHRJdzJ

Neetu_Chandra: ... @sanjaysuri Good luck for #Chauranga . It looks fab.Please go n watch d film only in theatres, everyone #Anshumanjha #tanishaamukerji :)

mokshjuneja: #Chauranga has a social impact with strong voice against caste barriers #flimreview Kudos @sanjaysuri @IamOnir https://t.co/X3RIH7XlA9

Lisaraniray: Go. Watch. #Chauranga https://t.co/RDEmKlmk6T

kaamaalrkhanKRK: #Chauranga movie is fantastic. They have shown reality of society the exploitation the dirty caste system in villages. All actors are superb

johney85: #Chauranga is such a hard-hitting and real film. Great performances and the intensity of emotions moves you. @ManMundra @RakeshTotla

jayantsjy: #Chauranga is good,but #Fandri was far more better than #Chauranga

iam_mr3: Chauranga: A Realistic Tale from the Indian Heartland https://t.co/EZ4kTxA9z8 https://t.co/GcHV4V8922

Iam_Dravid: Really well done. @chauranga team @sanjaysuri @bikas @iamonir @khaterahakimi @shiladityabora @tannishthac @theanshumanjha

harnawa: To feel it you have to see it...!!! #Chauranga 5 start for all the cast sply #santu @ManMundra @DrishyamFilms https://t.co/0kiAQqKpTe

GulPanag: Thank you @sanjaysuri for showing me @Chauranga last night.An outstanding film, that didn't let me sleep. https://t.co/YGz8SuZ2Z0

godavar: So I can confirm that the title is a giveaway that the movie talks about caste. #Chauranga tells a strangely reckless story, pulls punches.

gauravkrai: my review of @Chauranga in Hindi नाटकीयता से परे, वास्तविकता का सिनेमा! [4/5] @ManMundra @iDhritiman @DrishyamFilms https://t.co/TeoNhCcLCy

divyapal2013: #Chauranga might be telling a story seen/heard before, but it is the treatment of the core issue that makes it worth a watch. @IamOnir

desijourno: Guys, don't miss Chauranga this weekend. It talks about caste and gender discrimination which still exists in India. #mustwatch

debjitbagchi: Let us come forward and save #film s like #Chauranga instead of giving lectures and attending seminars on #independentfilm s

coolshalabh2010: Watched @Chauranga awesome movie https://t.co/13bzWtnWX5

connect2ns: .@trabblepop Just watch chauranga...great movie... N meet your friend in theatre..:-P

BajpayeeManoj: Good morning .make a plan to watch @Chauranga.its amazing. जाइए जाइए अभी खरीदिए

ArpitaCP: Overwhelmed

akoi_Jam: #Chauranga is the everyday story of #dalits. very brutal in an everyday way. please go and occupy the seats in the theatre

actor_annamalai: #Chauranga - A good social awareness movie. Well taken & presented. It's shocking to d report.. Congrats & all d best team:) God bless:)

AcheDinAaneWale: Chauranga review: A low-key film that tells a story that needs to be told, but doesn’t tell it well enough https://t.co/6BINPjbuX5 #TopNew…

shital991: Movie: Chauranga, My Rating 2.5/5. one time https://t.co/QJNIhLAtWJ

mbhardwaj19: Movie: Chauranga, My Rating 2.5/5. Avg one... https://t.co/Gb5kmRsszL

brahmatmajay: my *** film sameeksha of #Chauranga https://t.co/XFF16Tp71a

Vikash321Web: #Chauranga movie review: It doesn't quite hit where it hurts

khalidrafiq140: Chauranga review: Simplistic and earnest, yet this Sanjay Suri-starrer lacks a punch https://t.co/gsbvVIZ2Wk

bhawanasomaaya: #Chauranga produced by #Onir #SanjaySuri directed by #BikasMishra of #DearCinema fame raises pertinent issues but is slow n unengaging

appadappajappa: Never thought this would be the case but personally, I can't recommend either Chauranga or Wazir. Such disappointments!

AniGuha: It's honest and tackles important issues, and has some great moments, but #Chauranga didn't quite work for me: https://t.co/vfQAeQvoPr

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This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.