Chander Pahar (Mountain of the Moon) film review

Chander Pahar (Mountain of the Moon) film review

Yesterday we watched Chander Pahaar, the costliest Bengali film ever produced. Following the meticulous directional skills of Kamaleshwar Mukherjee and modern Bengal's heartthrob Dev's acting alike, the movie is a commercial and critical success, quite possibly one of the best Bengali films ever developed, if you ask me. Here's a brief review of the film.

You can read the Times of India review of the film HERE. 

The setting 

The film is set completely in Africa, and is the first Indian cinema to be shot complete there. Some shots were conducted at places which resembled rural Bengal of the early 20th century with spectacular accuracy, which is worthy of praise. Besides, there's a shift of acting, from typical poor Bengali farmers' attitude to adventure-seeking, thrill-coveting explorers' attitude, as we advance more into the film.

The original book by
Bibhutibhusan Banerjee

It is based on Bibhutibhusan Banerjee's novel of the same name. That's really something rare, because most movies today are based on readily written scripts and stories anyway. It is surprising and comforting simultaneously to see that people still remember the glory of Bengal's literary history. Bibhutibhusan Banerjee was one of the greatest authors ever born, and it is therefore more than good to select one of his novels as the primary base.

Storyline 

The storyline has been slightly modified, including the addition of a few scenes. However, for most part it has been left untouched and unscathed. This is something rare as well, considering the fact that the storyline demands an extensive use of computer graphics and technological prowess, which has been masterfully crafted and designed for the purpose of the movie.

The pace is rather slow, as is the characteristic of most Bengali films. Indeed, what Hollywood films can show within 2 hours, Indian films will arguably take at least 2.75 hours for screening the same. Yet, that's far from boring in this case, thanks to the number of surprises you'll get, especially if you haven't read the story beforehand.

Shankar and Alvarej making their way
to Mt. Richtersveld

I would say, the movie has the ability to cast a spell on you, keeping you chained and bound to your seat for the next 2.75 hours. Although there were a few boring moments, most of them can be forgiven anyway.

Casting and Acting 

Dev, the beloved boy of Bengal, takes the lead role as Shankar, a poor but adventure-seeking, brave lad who journeys to Africa initially as the station master to an all-but-deserted station of Uganda Railways, and later joins the Portuguese prospector and explorer Diego Alvarej (whom he rescues) in the search for an undiscovered diamond mine somewhere amidst Mt. Richtersveld.

Well, it was released just day before yesterday,
and as such I've a shortage of images here.
Still, this one captures the gist.

Dev does his role masterfully, which is quite surprising, consider that most of his roles usually include mindless heroes in commercial films made for the mainstream populace. As we progress more into the film, we see a new side of Dev getting unfolded and revealed to us gradually, right with the evolution of Shankar. By the time the second half of the film begins, we witness Dev's rebirth as an actor. Although some would still say that he did overact at times, and lost certain expressions, I'd say the role was made for him.

Next we have Mr. Gerard Rudolf, portraying the character of Alvarej. The character demands an old, fearless, tactical but compassionate father-figure to Shankar, and Rudolf does a sixer in all aspects of the role. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that this film is a Bengali film, considering the versatility of acting. His acting has been quite similar to the role of Alan Quatermain, but far more fatherly and compassionate.

Almost everyone else has acted well.

CG Effects 

Dev, the Jungle Boy!

Graphics and Computer-Generated Effects are truly spectacular, at least for a Bengali film. And that too has been fit into a tight budget of Rs. 15 crore! Elegant work, Mr. Mukherjee!

What especially caught my attention was the scene where we see the volcano, later named Mt. Alvarej after Shankar's mentor and friend, is shown to erupt. In the story, we see a detailed mental picture of the moment, so terrible and terrifying that Shankar loses himself for a while, appraising the destructive might of the Lord Shiva, God of Destruction in Hindu mythology.

Bunyip, the legendary African monster, has also been portrayed splendidly with the aid of computer graphics. 

Other than that, the entire movie has been a critical success in terms of CG effects.

Merits

I can't think of any de-merit of the film, and so here are its plus-points:

• Wonderful portrayal of Africa, gradually unfolding hidden mysteries and geography of the continent. 
• Versatile acting. 
• Beautiful CG effects. 
• Wonderful direction. 
• NatGeo-level photography and videography. 

Overall, TOI might have given the film a 3.5/5 rating, but it's a 5/5 from me. It lives upto its name and claim, delivering the viewer to Africa for a few hours.

Credits

1. The movie itself!
2. Wikipedia
3. Google Images
4. Times of India