Review: ‘Chowrasta’ seamlessly weaves four interesting tales

Spicezee Bureau

After mindless comic capers that left the audience wanting for a serious cinematic experience, ‘Chowrasta Crossroads of Love’ comes at the right time. Although, the film is low on entertainment value, the film may turn out to be a surprise hit, considering the multiplex strike. The film doesn’t boast of a glamorous star cast or lovely foreign locales or heart-touching music, yet the film appeals due to histrionics of the actors. The film seamlessly weaves four interesting tales. Yesteryear actress Nandana (Roopa Ganguly) is a fading Bollywood star, who is learning to deal with the tragedies of life. A newly married couple, Rita (Aparajita) and Sunny (Naved Aslam) have eloped and got married but on their honeymoon trip they realize that they shouldn’t have married after all. A middle-aged man, Jimmy (Victor) is a planter in Darjeeling, who is unable to get over his wife’s death. Victor keeps writing letters to his deceased wife and contemplates suicide often. The fourth story is of Kenny (Atul Kulkarni), a terrorist, who is on the run from police and he realizes that the cause he was fighting for has no meaning. The film is set in Darjeeling and all the characters seem to be on the lookout for something. In the course of the film, the audiences get to know what happens when the paths of these characters cross and what they end up achieving. Director Anjan Dutta like his earlier flicks ‘Bong Connection’ and ‘Bow Barracks Forever’ has done a good job. But what makes the flick very interesting are characterizations, of especially those of Victor Bannerjee, Roopa Ganguly and Atul Kulkarni. The beauty of the famous North Eastern hill station has been captured with élan by cinematographer Indraneel Mukherjee. The background music deserves special mention as well. With just 90 minutes running time, this short flick keeps the interest of the audience alive. Rating: Two cheers