Sandhya Deeper Sikha

When people discuss about Suchitra Sen, the glamour queen; it's expected that not many would mention this film. But even when they talk about Sen, the performer; they still completely forget this one. And this is really unfair!

I have never been a fan of old serious Bengali films; because they were too serious to be palatable, devoid of any lighthearted entertainment. But this venture was a brilliant exception. The film is a tale of a widow struggling to come to terms with the death of her husband in the Indo-China war. As expected the film is very serious; but one is still thoroughly engaged from start-to-end. And the full credit for that must go to Mrs.Sen. It's her powerful portrayal as the woman who has lost all interest in life, that makes the viewer really 'feel' her pain. She completely carries this film on her broad shoulders.

Others like Bikash Roy, Dileep Mukherjee and Anil Chatterjee play the supporting role to the hilt. The 2nd half of the film moves away from a predictable path and really surprises in the end.

The other striking aspect of the film is its wide canvas. Compared to all other films till the 60's, which were either filmed in Kolkata or the suburbs; this film is extensively shot across Delhi, Agra and possibly Srinagar. This was a refreshing change from the monotony of locales in old Bengali films. Even the picture quality seems to be of the 70's standard.

The film was a box-office hit; which is a testimony to the star-power of the now-departed Mrs.Sen. But in spite of that why the film has been erased from the public consciousness, is a baffling mystery!

But as far I am concerned, the 'flame' will continue to burn brightly forever in my memory.