Not a TV watcher, (I do not have a DTH connection yet) I just scrolled the Disney Hotstar app on my Google TV, after RB paid for this month’s subscription to watch the England-Indian cricket team. So to do full पैसा वसूल, I just scrolled through the app and found this gem.
After premiering at the Busan International Film Festival in 2022 and making rounds at prestigious events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the London Indian Film Festival, The Storyteller is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan and co-written by Kireet Khurana, the film brings to life Satyajit Ray’s short story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro with a stellar cast, including Paresh Rawal, Adil Hussain, Revathy, and Tannishtha Chatterjee.
Plot Summary
Tarini Bandopadhyay (Paresh Rawal) is an eccentric yet gifted storyteller from Kolkata who never pens down his tales, fearing critique and rejection. Having switched 75 jobs in his lifetime, Tarini stumbles upon a peculiar job listing by a wealthy businessman, Ratan Garodia (Adil Hussain), in Ahmedabad. Struggling with insomnia, Garodia seeks a storyteller to narrate bedtime stories to help him sleep. However, what starts as unusual employment soon takes an unexpected turn when Tarini discovers Garodia’s true intentions—plagiarizing his stories to impress his former love, Saraswati (Revathy), who values artistry over material success.
Themes and Execution
At its core, The Storyteller is a narrative about commercialism versus artistry, self-discovery, and overcoming self-doubt. The contrast between Kolkata’s artistic, tradition-rich culture and Ahmedabad’s fast-paced capitalist ethos is masterfully depicted through dialogues, aesthetics, and setting choices. Tarini’s struggle to maintain the integrity of his craft while navigating a world driven by profit and deception makes for a compelling watch.
Co-writer and director Ananth Mahadevan ensures the film has a relaxed, immersive tone, balancing humour and introspection. Garodia’s remark, “Saraswati ko Lakshmi pasand nahi,” encapsulates the central conflict between creative authenticity and wealth. Meanwhile, Tarini’s witty retort, “He makes cotton, I spin the yarn,” subtly highlights the essence of storytelling as an art form.
Performances and Cinematic Brilliance
Paresh Rawal delivers a nuanced performance as Tarini, bringing warmth, wit, and depth to the character. His love for Kolkata’s culture, from maachh (fish) to Pujo (Durga Puja), adds authenticity to his portrayal. Adil Hussain perfectly complements him as Garodia, an insecure businessman desperate to craft an intellectual persona. The supporting cast, including Revathy and Jayesh More, further enriches the storytelling experience.
The film brims with wit, the charming yet somnolent vibes of Kolkata and Ahmedabad, and strong performances. The authenticity of the settings, from furniture to cars, curtains to clothes, is aesthetically pleasant. However, there is a minor inconsistency where a scene shows people clicking pictures with an old-school camera, and a little boy is holding a mobile phone, which can be disappointing for keen-eyed viewers.
I love the little details captured in the film. I need to be on lookout of more filmd directed by Ananat Mahadevan. Paresh Rawal is an actor par excellence. In this film, every actor has lived the role on screen.
Visually, the film captures the contrasting beauty of Kolkata’s nostalgic bylanes, vintage balconies, and crowded fish markets against Ahmedabad’s grandeur and commercial modernity. The evocative soundtrack by Hriju Roy enhances the emotional beats, making the film’s slow-paced storytelling a meditative experience rather than a drag.
Themes and Direction
In keeping with Satyajit Ray’s signature storytelling, director Ananth Mahadevan skillfully preserves the intrigue of an unexpected twist at the climax, delivering a fitting tribute to the master’s legacy. The film delves into themes like plagiarism, self-discovery, and overcoming self-doubt.
The Storyteller has been praised for its wit, charming settings, and strong performances. The film rewards patient viewers with its unflashy yet witty tribute to Satyajit Ray.
The Storyteller may not cater to all audiences due to its unhurried pace, but for those who appreciate rich storytelling, layered characters, and cultural contrasts, it offers an engaging watch. The film’s unexpected twists and strong performances ensure it leaves a lasting impression. With its seamless blend of humour, nostalgia, and thought-provoking themes, The Storyteller stands as a fitting tribute to Satyajit Ray’s timeless literary legacy.
The Storyteller is a rare gem that proves brilliance doesn’t need to be complicated. With a broad vision that captures the essence of life, yet is told through a simple and elegant narrative, it speaks volumes without unnecessary complexity. Every frame feels purposeful, every line of dialogue meaningful, and every performance deeply human. The cinematography is breathtaking in its restraint, allowing the story to unfold naturally. It’s a movie that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll—profound, thought-provoking, and beautifully understated.
Must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling at its finest.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This is another post as part of Blogchatter’s Write a Page a Day challenge. Stay tuned for more! 🚀 Tomorrow another post is coming on Empowered Women.
Neerja Bhatnagar
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