Bariwali

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Lost and Found

TV & Film


Rituparno Ghosh managed to churn out yet another unassuming gem with the turn of the century. Nestled in the quietude of suburban life, today’s Lost and Found is Bariwali (which literally translates to The Landlady). With this film, Kirron Kher imbued the nuances of Banalata, a naïve middle-aged woman, grappling through life in her sprawling-yet-crumbling residence. The Gods of Fate are less than favourable with her, having rid her of a married life a day before the actual wedding when her prospective partner dies after a snake bite.Humble and hesitant, Banalata carves out a life of solitude within the walls of the house. Her life of ennui is suddenly upturned on the advent of a “shooting party” (a film crew who have hired a section of the house to shoot certain scenes). With a flurry of artists and technicians doing the rounds of her once-forgotten house, Banalata’s initial reticence gives way to enthusiastic participation. Filmmaker Deepankar (Chiranjeet Chakraborty) attracts her special attention. His maverick nature and never-say-die attitude work charmingly over Banalata, a woman completely inexperienced towards the affections of men.Banalata’s unrequited romance with the ever-oscillating Deepankar lies at the crux of the film. The viewers are left guessing till the climax whether Banalata’s wish-fulfillment will ever reach fruition. Kher’s National Award win is a testament to Ghosh’s sensitivity while depicting someone, whose intricate character layers lie forgotten amidst the hustle-bustle of daily, quotidian life.If you haven't watched this flick yet then do so exclusively on YouTubeWell, that's the Lost and Found film for today's podcast, I shall be back again soon with a new episode. Until then it's your host Nikhil signing out.