Bengali Movie Chatrak ((install)) -
Chatrak became one of the most controversial entries in modern Indian film history due to a single, explicit scene featuring and Anubrata Basu . The scene depicted an unsimulated act of oral sex and full frontal nudity. While standard practices in European art-house cinema accept such visceral depictions of intimacy, the scene triggered immense societal backlash in conservative Indian circles—particularly within the cultural hub of Kolkata.
The film relies heavily on wide shots, minimal dialogue, and ambient sounds rather than a traditional musical score. This stylistic choice forces the viewer to slow down, absorb the environment, and feel the same psychological disorientation experienced by the characters. Lasting Legacy
For a detailed look at the crew and cast, you can visit the IMDb page for Chatrak .
Coming from this background, his foray into making a Bengali-language film in Kolkata was highly unconventional. He explained in interviews that the project came about organically; upon arriving in Kolkata to meet a potential producer, he was immediately struck by the city's jarring juxtaposition of old and new. He witnessed a frantic pace of construction, with entire new townships sprouting up in just a few years, while the old, colonial-era Kolkata remained untouched, its residents still grappling with poverty and a distinct way of life. This explosive transformation became the central inspiration for Chatrak . Bengali Movie Chatrak
A nameless, enigmatic woman who lives a primitive existence within the skeleton of an under-construction skyscraper. Her life is one of isolation, survival, and bodily freedom. She is shown eating mushrooms ( chatrak ) growing from the raw concrete, drinking rainwater, and exploring the building’s empty floors with animalistic grace.
It is impossible to discuss Chatrak without mentioning the controversy that surrounded its release, specifically regarding the bold performance of Paoli Dam. At the time, the media frenzy focused heavily on the film’s explicit scenes, labeling it as shocking for Bengali audiences.
"Chatrak" has received [general reception] from critics and audiences alike. Reviews have highlighted [specific strengths or weaknesses]. The film has been praised for [mention specific aspects like performances, direction, etc.], making it a notable entry in Bengali cinema. Chatrak became one of the most controversial entries
The presence of a lone European soldier at an arbitrary border highlights the absurdity of geopolitical boundaries. Jayasundara relies heavily on visual metaphors to show that despite technological advancements, human beings remain deeply isolated from one another. The Controversy and Media Backlash
At its surface, the story seems simple. The film follows Rahul (Sudip Mukherjee), an architect who returns to Kolkata after years abroad to visit his brother. He arrives at a construction site—a high-rise building that is slowly being reclaimed by nature. There, he finds his brother missing, and the site is a surreal landscape filled with moss, dampness, and inexplicable occurrences.
The title Chatrak (Mushrooms) is a metaphor for the unchecked, organic growth of urbanization. Just as mushrooms sprout silently in damp, dark places, the urban landscape in the film grows uncontrollably, consuming the humans within it. The green, mossy hue that dominates the screen makes the viewer feel the claustrophobia of the characters. It is visually stunning in a way that is deliberately grotesque. The film relies heavily on wide shots, minimal
The film draws a sharp contrast between the artificial world of construction—orderly, inhuman, and profit-driven—and the chaotic, organic, yet "real" worlds of both the old city and the forest. The forest represents a state of primal truth, a reconnection with nature outside the confines of modern society, however dysfunctional it may be.
Even years after its release, Chatrak remains a relevant movie. Its themes of friendship, love, and human relationships continue to resonate with audiences today. The film's portrayal of the complexities of human nature is timeless, making it a movie that can be watched and appreciated by audiences of all ages. Chatrak's influence can be seen in many contemporary Bengali movies, which have borrowed elements from its narrative and characterizations.