Chittagong
wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)
A lesson from history told with complete focus on patriotism. The sole aim is to display the conviction of our freedom fighters. Even though it doesn't have any other emotional connect, it is a lesson we shouldn't miss.
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Chittagong - Preview
Chittagong has been in production for quite a while now. And Ashutosh Gowariker's Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se came and went. With a more, if I may say so, 'serious' team at work here, hopefully we will see a lot more in terms of deeper characterization and flair in narration. That one made you feel too, but it was solely due to the story they wanted to narrate, a story that was already written.
I hope Chittagong will do more than that and engage us with the film-making departments too. I am hoping for a little more than a history lesson, a little more than episode after episode sewed together. What is most intriguing about Chittagong is the focus on this one student who seems to be in the center of the film.
They have at their disposal an awesome cast. The lead actors that are soon becoming usual suspects in Anurag Kashyap films - Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raj Kumar Yadav, Manoj Bajpai. Certainly worth looking forward to just because of these names.
Music Reviews:
Milliblog - "Classy opening to Shankar Ehsaan Loy’s 2012 account!"
Music Aloud – "8/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
Any story that tells us more about our freedom struggle inspires me. On that count, just by choosing to make a film based on an event from those times puts it in the positive column. And it's not that Chittagong doesn't add to the experience through the use of other aspects of film-making, it surely does in every field, from acting to cinematography to direction. Yet, that something more is missing as was in Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se, the connect with the individual characters.
There is so little you know about the personalities of the characters that Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raj Kumar Yadav. Jaideep Ahlawat, Vega Tamotia play that you can barely appreciate their performances. The only character whose life is given a little more detail is that of Subodh Roy aka Jhunku played by young Delzad Hiwale (instantly recognizable as the little brother from this Reliance ad). Jhunku is a self-doubting, torn-between-two-ideolgies lad and Delnaz plays out his confusion really well.
It is possible that there is only too little information about the characters available that can be converted to interesting filmable material. Maybe there is so much reverence for the characters that it is difficult to connect with them. They are high on a pedestal and their addiction to their own conviction is so beyond our understanding that any attempt to identify with them just feels inappropriate. And of course, the story is about them collectively, and not about the individuals and their dynamics.
Be that as it may, it is a story that we need to know. Be it Chittagong or Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se this is one chapter from our history that we ought to be aware of. Chittagong is crisper because it is shorter by over half an hour, doesn't delve much into Surya Sen's private life and neither does it have a 'top' actress to sing songs to us. On the other hand, it doesn't have the 'star' power in the traditional sense of the word, though each member of Chittagong's cast is a star in his own right.
Yet, they both narrate the story almost similarly. Take your pick, but pick you must.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Apun Ka Choice : ...The patriotic fervour is never allowed to weigh down the characters.... full review
Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...The body language of people who lived in the long-gone era, the apparel and also the overall styling look bona fide. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Keyrun Rao, Bollywood Life : ...Manoj Bajpayee-Nawazuddin Siddiqui make this history lesson a compelling watch... full review
Thumbs up, by Khalid Mohamed, Deccan Chronicle : ...Defying movie bazaar norms, Chittagong, co-written and directed by the NASA scientist Bedabrata Pain, is an example of technical style yoked to solid content.... full review
Thumbs up, by Ankur Pathak, Desi Martini : ...He directs Chittagong with remarkable restrain, authentically recreating an era very crucial in shaping our history yet so callously overlooked.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rony D'Costa, Desi Martini : ...One of the drawbacks of it coming after Gangs of Wasseypur is that it is a fight in your head situation to keep the actors from GOW away from the characters they play here. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Aniruddha Guha, DNA : ...The best part about Pain's take is that his film isn't so much about Surjya Sen; the character remains a catalyst to the changes in the life of the film's lead character... full review
Thumbs up, by Shabana Ansari, DNA : ...Chittagong is a well-crafted period film, understated and restrained in parts, and a far cry from the poorly-researched costume dramas that are often peddled in the name of historical films in Bollywood.... full review
Thumbs up, by Deepa Deosthalee, Film Impressions : ...Pain brings the rare quality of calmness to the film's visual design, but doesn't overindulge and stretch the drama even a moment longer than necessary. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Vivek Bhatia, Filmfare : ...The patriotic fervour is underplayed as is the melodrama, which help us connect with each and every character.... full review
Thumbs up, by Trisha Gupta, FirstPost : ...Pain’s canvas is deliberately small—but to what he decides to paint, he does full justice.... full review
Thumbs up, by Fatema H Kagalwala, India Entertainment : ...Chittagong, despite being a debut effort, has texture and grace that we rarely get to watch in the films of more experienced film-makers. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today : ... You know the story if you have seen Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se. Chittagong reprises the same slice of history, only with a more solid cast.... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...A near-forgotten slice of Indian history comes to luminous life in NASA scientist- turned-filmmaker Bedabrata Pain’s first feature.... full review
Thumbs up, by Nandini Ramnath, Live Mint : ...If there was only one Hindi movie that had to be made on the armed revolt against the British and its aftermath, it is this one ... full review
Thumbs up, by Deepti Assnani, MoviezADDA : ...The plot and the flow was synergized perfectly and allowed the viewers with sufficient time to dwell on the facts but not too long enough to let their concentration wander.... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Pain, who has co-written the film with Shonali Bose, invests Chittagong with a soft, lyrical air, reinforced by the lilt of a soulful theme song rendered by Shankar Mahadevan. Pain, who has co-written the film with Shonali Bose, invests Chittagong with a soft, lyrical air, reinforced by the lilt of a soulful theme song rendered by Shankar Mahadevan. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Chittagong may not make a deafening sound at the box-office as a multi-budget, mega starrer offering but it surely is one rare gem that deserves to be seen and appreciated. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...he editing is over-zealous though. Barely do scenes with eye-catching period details start developing - like a tense dinner party at the Wilkinsons' - do they get cut.... full review
So-So, by Divya Solgama, Gomolo.in : ...Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is nothing great, though ‘Bolo Na’ sounds sweet. Background music is fine, but not particularly great. ... full review
So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...a textured film shot beautifully ... full review
So-So, Movie Talkies : ...we know our Mahatma Gandhis, Bhagat Singhs, Mangal Pandeys! Let's get to know the Surya Sens too!... full review
So-So, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...This is precisely the reason why the film is significant. Instead of portraying the chapters of history we’re all familiar with, it foregrounds a sadly lost slice. ... full review
So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ... important film despite its shortcomings.... full review
Thumbs down, by Janhavi Samant, MiD DAY : ...But, as the wise say, expectation is the root cause of disappointment. Although authentic in its depiction of the era in which the story is set, impressive in its scale, and consistent in its tone and mood, Chittagong isn’t too engaging a film. ... full review
YourKoel: Bedabrata Pain has done gr8 job in hs direction of d film 'Chittagong' a film based on chittogram astragar loonthawn..a hard-hitting exprnc!
ydmanzzz: Why sensible movies like chittagong are nt shown in many theatres ??? @ankash1009
vishgraanted: CHITTAGONG-what a fab movie.
ushoshi: #Chittagong a must watch for the efforts the team has put in it!!
thevirdas: My friend @vegatamotia stars in a wonderful film called Chittagong which is out today. Everyone must must see this one! Great cinema.
TheTrollRises: Ending credits pay homage to unsung heroes in Paan Singh Tomar way. Chittagong definitely deserves a watch for its noble intentions.
tcajayant: Chittagong should be made tax free and shown across schools! What a lovely tale from Modern/Contemporary India.
tarequelaskar: Chittagong - quietly solid. Made with care and respect, and it shows.
swatichopra1: #Patriotism woven with a moral dilemma. Honest #cinema is what #Chittagong is. About the unsung young revolutionaries. http://bit.ly/R2KBda
swastika24: #Chittagong MUST WATCH! ull connect emotionally wt this film so much that it wil become a lifetime achievement! Thnq Mr.payne for this film
suhel1986: A brilliant, brilliant ending. Chittagong, with beautiful cinematography is a treat for the eyes and heart.
sociotherapist: Chittagong is a must watch for all those who like good movie & great acting
siddh03: Chittagong :An inspirational movie to think beyond the imagination.Hats off for AKFL to provide a real & true cinema
shrutig: Chittagong is a must watch! And stars Vega... Please march and plonk your butts on theatre seat RIGHT now.
Shorisays: #Chittagong is one such movie that touches soul. One should watch.
sAyAn801: Watched chittagong.. Awesome movie.. Best historical movie i have ever seen.. :-) hats off bedabrata pain.. http://4sq.com/QAbFja
saurabhonnetin: Good movie... nice to see Manoj back with a sold performance... just remember his role in Shool... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Chittagong/movie-review/16768238.cms
saniyasait: #Chittagong review: A genuine effort that needs to be encouraged, appreciated and applauded!
salilchat: Har baar 'Keh ke le lete hain' @BajpayeeManoj aur @ankash1009. Pehle #GOW or ab #Chittagong. Aadat Hai. Respect for such a beautiful cinema.
rockball13: The tragedy is that good movies like Chittagong barely get any shows and the sad 100cr ones hog all of them.
RanaSarkar: Good movie, but why its not Chottogram in place of #Chittagong ???
rafhkat: on this Friday try to experience cinema. go and watch #Chittagong.
protikbasu: #chittagong..there was absolute silence in the hall as this ended..an utterly beautiful movie and a very important one!
prithvivar: Chittagong is a must watch for the simple reason that you inevitable end up Google-ing about the revolution after the movie.
pradeep_smenon: #Chittagong is a well-acted,moving film.Thank you, Bedabrata Pain, @ankash1009 & team. Clearly,Masterda's Jhunku is the Student of the Year.
PAL_DIPAYAN1: Go to inox and see the film chittagong, superb film....nothing to say.......
notfrommumbai: #Chittagong deserves a standing ovation in the one audi at PVR that it runs. Simple and beautiful in an unimaginable sort of way. @FoojZi
niksez: Chittagong is a solid film. Wish more people watch it.
neelammansingh: The film Chittagong is brilliant in its casting of Jhunku Roy, through whose eyes we see the film.
mudassar_as_is: Good Cinema releases TODAY! Go watch Chittagong... And walk out fulfilled.
Me_Saim: #Chittagong, by all accounts, a much better ode to MasterDa and his fearless comrades than Ashutosh Gowarikar's KHJJS!
lonelycrowd: #chittagong is running in very few cinema halls. That is sad. What a way to tell a story. This is great cinema
laddoo_: 2nd half completely moved me, manoj bajpayee and the kid playing jhunku were standout. #Chittagong
kirankhurana: I saw "Chittagong" today. It is based on the actual events of the Chittagong Uprising in India. Its a patriotic movie,a must watch for all.
keepoffthegrass: Chittagong - impressive movie. Makes me think how many such stories are buried in our history. #indianfreedomstruggle
karunajohn: If there is one movie that you should see this season,it's Chittagong.History needs a revisit to better understand our legacy of rebellion.
im_Subhajit: Bedabrata Pain's #Chittagong is a story based on Surya Sen's historical 1930s uprising against British. Manoj Bajpai is excellent. Loved it
iam_Raaj: #chittagong . .don't have any words to say . .@BajpayeeManoj & "young" brigade RULES . .
HarshaAdonis: “@rjstutee: @MunnaHazare al #aiyyaa leaves u depressed! #makkhi and #Chittagong r like prescription drugs against it!”
gorvika: CHITTAGONG! it's after a long time, I've been moved by a cinema! Thanks for reminding me my own rebellious self 2 me...
FoojZi: #Chittagong. Outstanding performances. Brilliantly made film. Rarely get to see such stuff. @notfrommumbai
droid_in_motion: #Chittagong worth a watch if you love #History and #FreedomStories
DrChaman: Within a week, saw another great film on release itself-'Chittagong'-is sheer aesthetic pleasure as good cinema and even more for revolution
dranirbanpoddar: Found "Chittagong"more authentic and elaborate than Ashutosh Gowarikar's "Khelein hum jee jaan se".Bedobroto Pain has done a grt job.
DilnazKarbhary: Chittagong , undoubtedly one off the better films of our times !! Meaningful cinema indeed .
chinmay92: Chittagong in the afternoon. Great film. Well portrayed. Plenty of the GoW cast in the movie. Decent film..
Chat_Madhumita: Loved Chittagong! A must watch!
C_Gaurav: Watched Dr Bedabrata Pain's #Chittagong at Priya this evening. To say fascinating is an understatement. Don't miss it for anything!
bombayhacker: A masterpiece called `Chittagong`. This moving talkie directed by an ex-NASA scientist shows how a
BolegaGossips: Chittagong, a patriotic treat! http://ow.ly/eqhJ0
bobspop: loved CHITTAGONG.....each and every friend of mine must watch this film
Bhupesh41517606: Watch CHITTAGONG yesterday........really a awsome movie...bow down to manoj bajpaiii sir he is the ultimate king of ofbeat cinema
Bhawsheel_Sahni: #Chittagong Amazing movie. Strong acting. Dunno when industry will realize, realistic movies need to be given importance. @bajpayeemanoj
bhare: #Chittagong is a good movie. Do watch. Makes you feel scared about living out life with no cause or passion. What if?
babasikandar69: #Chittagong the outcome of the great indian cinema @BajpayeeManoj has proved dat he can still lead from d front..awesome performance
BaatcheetArt: Highly recommend new #Hindi film, Chittagong; young Jhunku Roy played by Delzad Hiwale steals the show! http://www.chittagongthefilm.com/
arnabmajumder: #Chittagong, what a movie from the Engineering genius #BedabrataPain.
Apurvasrani: Watched #Chittagong on friday. Nice, inspite of some manipulative background music. Time now for #Makhi at Inox.
anupamkanu: Watched Chittagong yesterday - spread the word around, its a very well made film, a must watch. :-)
anubhavdas: After a long time, saw a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed.. #chittagong. Production, cinematography!! Good show
anishsin: Prime mover disadvantage. Gowarikar and Jr Bachchan's substandard "KHMJJS" has ruined watever little interest in a far superior #Chittagong
Andeehyderabadi: Chittagong is honest & authentic. Aiyaa is quirky & crazy. Both brave. 2013 is the tipping point 4 Indian Cinema. Keep pushing @ankash1009
amjiddader: Narrating, the true story of 14-year-old Jhunku, Chittagong is a captivating and enlightening tale of one of the splendid chapters of...
abhijit512: #MustWatch #Chittagong ..... not just for all those brilliant performances but also coz such efforts need 2 b appreciated!
Abey_suno: Wtchd #chittagong. Went thrgh n emtnal turmoil while wtchng. Brilnt work #ManojBajpai, #NawajuddinSiddiqui #delzadHiwale and #jaideepAhlawat
aadrika_agarwal: Revisit history with the excellence of Chittagong! - http://goo.gl/rIFnF
editorbharathi: #Chittagong is more of a passing curiosity dan an epic milestone! Read d review @ http://bit.ly/QoHco4
mumblefumble: Chittagong is a well enacted movie but overall it felt really weak.
aparna_jain: Yeah, no. I love #anuragkashyap but #chittagong didn't ring my bell. Seemed immaturely executed, plot didn't emerge beautifully, no nuance.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: A few scenes involving torture of inmates. Lots of gun fights.
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: None.
- Concept: Chittangong apprisal from our struggle for freedom from the British Empire
- General Look and Feel: Rugged.
![[Facebook page of Chittagong]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Chittagong]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Chittagong]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Chittagong]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Chittagong]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (2)
Direction: 3
Story: 3.5
Lead Actors: 3
Character Artists: 2.5
Dialogues: 2.5
Screenplay: 2.5
Music Director: 3
Lyrics: 3
the movie Chittagong is good but there are some negative opinion from me, this movie based on long ago era but there is too much color correction and also their neat and clean costumes are not perfect in many shots. In this history Pritilota also a very part but they don't presents her properly...
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