Belashuru

We all tend to take our loved ones for granted. It is only when they are around no more, we realise what's missing from our lives.
Belashuru may feature the same cast as Belaseshe, but it is not a sequel and the plot unfolds in an entirely different setup. The film begins with Arati running away from the house one day, while her husband Biswanath is out for a morning walk. This incident brings the entire family together. Biswanath and Arati’s four children — all settled in their own lives — decide to take care of their mother. But Biswanath is adamant not to let her go with them. For a second, one would find echoes of the Amitabh Bachchan-Hema Malini-starrer Baghban. But Belashuru charts its own, poignant course. The children respect their father's decision and decide to stick together and do whatever they can to treat their mother.
Belashuru also talks about our frustrations and regrets — the pain we inflict on each other unknowingly at times. But then, it is our love that ultimately helps us heal, find redemption in our relationships. We see Biswanath regretting the fact that he could not be there for his wife for most of their lives. And now, when he really wants to spend some quality time with her, Arati can’t recognise him anymore. It becomes all the more important for him to take care of her.
The story may not be exceptional. The editing could have been tighter. But you will forget these niggles, as the emotional quotient sweeps you away.
Belashuru totally piggybacks on the beautiful onscreen chemistry between the two extraordinary actors. Soumitra as Biswanath is amazing as usual. And Swatilekha? Her performance as Arati will leave you speechless. Sad, we won’t be able to see them create such terrific magic again on screen. The supporting cast, including Rituparna Sengupta, Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee, Kharaj Mukherjee, Aparajita Adhya, Shankar Chakraborty, Indrani Dutta, Monami Ghosh, Anindya Chatterjee and Pradip Bhattacharya, does total justice to their roles. The script gives every character a chance to flourish. The comic interludes are judiciously placed.
As far as production values are concerned, the film is technically sound, with the music and cinematography delivering to the brief. The songs and the background score complement the mood palette.
The biggest takeaway from Belashuru is however the last 15 minutes of the film — hitting an intensely emotional note that is bound to choke you up, leave you teary eyed. By the time the film ends, you feel like you were a part of this family. And that’s what makes Belashuru a must-watch film.