Precious few films have the power to touch your soul. Going into Bioscopewala, little did I know that it would stay on with me for as long as this. Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s short story Kabuliwala, Deb Medhekar brings to the big screen a bittersweet tale that will enthrall you as we see in the Bioscopewala film review. Be alerted that as you read on, you will come across glowing praises for Bioscopewala.
Minnie Basu (Geetanjali Thapa) returns to her hometown Kolkata after her fashion photographer father Romi Basu’s (Adil Hussain) demise in a plane crash en route to Afghanistan. Minnie discovers that besides the housekeeper Bhola (Brijendra Kala), a senile man is living in the house as well. As she lays on her bed, she recalls images from her childhood and sees the same venerable man. Only in her dreams, he is a charming young Bioscopewala, Rehmat Khan (Danny Denzongpa). From then on, Minnie wants to help Rehmat Khan, originally from Afghanistan, reunite with his family.
Bioscopewala is a multilayered fable. While reminiscing about her childhood, Minnie recalls the impression the Bioscopewala had on her. While the film centers on Minnie and her quest to know more about the man who has had such a significant impact on her life, the story also throws light on human cruelty as it shows the Taliban ransack Rehmat Khan’s house in Afghanistan. It further touches upon the fractured relationship between a father and his daughter. We learn through a letter written by Robi Basu addressed to his daughter that he was regretful of the way things turned out between them. Also, there is the compassionate keeper Bhola, who helps Minnie to trace Rehmat Khan’s past. All of these different strands merge splendidly to make it an enduring tale.
Danny Denzogpa plays Rehmat Khan with an effortless charm as he melts entirely into his character. Not only is he brilliant portraying an old and weary Rehmat Khan, but he plays the much more ebullient younger version of him to the tee as well. As the Bioscopewala walks through the bylanes of Kolkata singing the mellifluous title song penned by Gulzar, you cannot help but feel a thrill akin to the children who jump with excitement on seeing him.
Minnie Basu is fraught with different emotions as she defiantly traces Rehmat Khan’s roots back in Afghanistan. Geetanjali Thapa hits the nail on the head with her portrayal of Minnie Basu. Her melancholy affects you, as does her joy. Along with Danny Denzogpa, the duo form the pillar around which the movie revolves. Adil Hussain playing Minnie’s father Robi is once again spot on while Brijendra Kala as Bhola the housekeeper is a treat to watch as he makes this understated character his own. A few other names like Tisca Chopra and Maya Sarao add color to this timeless tale. Simon Frenay as Minnie’s film studies colleague Michel brings his charm to Bioscopewala.
Bioscopewala will stay with you long after the end credits leaving you humming its title track as you exit from the cinema hall. Spanning four languages of Hindi, English, Bengali, and Pashto accompanied by its lively music, the film barely puts a foot wrong as it tells a profoundly moving tale. Bioscopewala is sure to take you back to your childhood days when happiness meant beautiful yet straightforward pleasures. By now if you haven’t figured it out, Bioscopewala is a highly recommended watch that you must check out at the earliest if you haven’t seen it already.
Bioscopewala film review rates Bioscopewala 
(4 / 5)
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Harita
June 1, 2018The movie is really good and very well acted. It’s sad that people haven’t gone for such movie and waiting for the shallow story movies that are coming..