What Is the Story About?
Kinkar Karmakar (Riddhi Sen) is a youngster who is detested by his father. The reason is Kinkar failing to live up to his father’s expectation of being great at studies. It is mainly due to the illustrious family reputation and Kinkar sharing a birthday with legend Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
When the first chance comes to Kinkar to move away from his parents he grabs the opportunity with both hands. He takes up the work of a Green Volunteer for Forest Department and goes to the village of Kumirkhali, Sundarbans.
Kumirkhali, all the while, is facing a crisis related to widows. How Kinkar overcoming self-doubt and difficult situations helps the village is the series’ basic plot.
Performances?
Riddhi Sen playing Kinkar is perfect for the part. His blinking eyes, soft demeanour, and voice add to the vulnerability of the personality and directly elevate the conflict. The character arc is well developed and enacted.
Ushasi Ray is a perfect foil for Riddhi Sen. She is confident, and courageous but not entirely unmindful of the surroundings. It leads to a tension between the two that holds the attention. It could have been further explored, but we only see it in parts. Ray does a good job of getting the underlying emotions out well.
Analysis
Korok Murmu directs Sundarbaner Vidyasagar. Arkdeep Mallika Nath provides the story, screenplay and dialogues. Sundarbaner Vidyasagar has a simple story where an uplifting drama meets a coming of age arc.
The beginning of the series offers two contrasting tones. The village track is very dramatic and gives hard-hitting vibes whereas Kinkar’s background is over the top fun.
It is to the credit of the director and writing that the unevenness is ironed out smoothly. Once the real story picks up when Kinkar moves to the village, everything moves smoothly.
The storyline is simple and predictable. We know what will happen in the end. The success of Sundarbaner Vidyasagar lies in holding the attention with a gripping narrative.
The writing and actors do their job and it’s where half of the work is done. They help in creating a compelling drama. The characterisation of Kinkar and the antagonists at the village panchayat are key to the whole proceedings. The former aids the drama with his vulnerability while the latter throws the perfect challenges without going overboard.
It is exciting to see how Kinkar rises to the occasion and wins against the odds and an impossible situation.
The downside is the too simplistic comeback, and resolution. Even as far as the pre-climax of the series, the antagonist look dominating. The police threat looks genuine and piques curiosity. But, the way it’s overcome doesn’t give that high.
The same is true with the ending. It is a tad too simplistic after all the troubles. But, there is a satisfaction nonetheless and that’s where Sundarbaner Vidyasagar succeeds.
Overall, perfect casting, acting and writing make Sundarbaner Vidyasagar a satisfying watch. It is despite the shortcomings which consist of a slow-paced narrative and simple resolution.
Other Artists?
A sure telltale sign of good casting is when we even remember a small supporting part who has a limited presence. We see that with Sundarbaner Vidyasagar. Rupanjana Mitra is the standout actor in the series. She portrays evil ruthlessness, calmly and very stylishly. Up until the final events, Rupanjana doesn’t go overboard, as well. The restraint is what makes it special. Sudeep Dhara starts as a forgettable part that grows and becomes a small memorable role in the end. Shankar Debnath, Doyel Roynandy, Loknath Dey etc. pitch in well with their effective supporting characters.
Music and Other Departments?
Gaurab Chatterjee’s music and background score are fine. The latter especially stands out during key moments grabbing attention. Ramyadip Saha’s cinematography is clean. It is the first thought that comes to our mind. The visuals also add to the simplistic nature of the whole thing. Pronoy Dasgupta’s editing is alright. The writing is consistently adequate.
Highlights?
Compelling Drama
Casting
Gripping Narrative
Drawbacks?
Slow Paced
Simplistic Resolutions
Parts Of Beginning
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Little Reservation
Sundarbaner Vidyasagar Series Review by Binged Bureau
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