Konkana Sen Sharma makes her directorial debut as a screenwriter and director of ‘A Death In The Gunj’. The film is based on a short story written by Sharma’s father, Mukul Sharma, who in turn was influenced by real events.
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Ranvir Shorey, Kalki Koechlin, Gulshan Devaiah, late Om Puri, Jim Sarbh, Arya Sharma.
Director: Konkana Sen Sharma
Genre: Thriller Drama
Synopsis: The story takes place in the town of McCluskiegunj during the winter of 1979. A sense of mystery and deep melancholy surrounds the place. The film opens with Nandu (Devaiah) and Brian (Jim Sarbh) discussing how ‘the body’ will be brought to Calcutta. Cut to a flashback of the events that unfolded a week ago with an introduction to all the characters.
Nandu, his wife Bonnie (Tilottama Shome), their daughter Tani, and their cousin Shutu (Vikrant Massey) along with Bonnie’s friend Mimi (Kalki), travel to McCluskiegunj to bring in the New Year. They are joined by newlywed Vikram (Shorey) and Brian.
Shutu, who recently lost his father, seems to be deeply scarred, going through deep internal turmoil and is constantly harassed by the people in the group. Find comfort in the company of Tani, the girl.
Vikram is seen in an extramarital affair with Mimi, who is devastated because he married another woman. Shutu is trapped between them and misinterprets Mimi’s physical needs as affection.
What initially began as a pleasure trip, ends in tragedy. The title of the movie has ‘death’ in it and yet when it descends it breaks your heart.
Performances: Vikrant Massey is the star among other extraordinary performances. The pain and pain it portrays is so subtle yet so heartbreaking. Ranvir Shorey is amazing in his evil and ruthless portrayal. You want to hate it.
Management: Konkana excels in her directorial debut. His craft is top-notch. The nuanced interpretations he’s drawn from his actors are commendable. Tell cinematographer Sirsha Ray, who translates the director’s vision and film mood perfectly with camera work. The movie literally transports you to another world, be it with its impeccable style of characters, images, everything.
Even though the movie progresses at its own pace and may not be to everyone’s liking, some of you will want to go through it all and want your heart to be crushed by the development. Why? Because good cinema does that to you!
