Kabuliwala is a 2023 Indian Bengali-language directed by Suman Ghosh. Based on the 1892 short story "Kabuliwala" written by Rabindranath Tagore, the film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anumegha Kahali, Abir Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar in pivotal roles.[2] It is produced by Shree Venkatesh Films and Jio Studios and the music is composed by Indraadip Dasgupta.[3] It was released in theatres on 22 December 2023, on the occasion of Christmas.[4]
| Kabuliwala | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Poster | |
| Directed by | Suman Ghosh |
| Written by | Sreejib |
| Screenplay by | Suman Ghosh, Sreejib |
| Story by | Rabindranath Tagore |
| Based on | Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore |
| Produced by | SVF Jio Studios |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Subhankar Bhar |
| Edited by | Sujay Datta Ray |
| Music by | Indradeep Dasgupta |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | SVF |
Release date |
|
Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Bengali |
| Box office | ₹3 crore [1] |
Plot
editA middle-aged Afghan man, Rahmat, leaves behind his country, daughter and home to move to the bustling city of Kolkata in the year of 1965. He forms a great friendship with a little girl, Mini, and his heart overflows with fatherly love for her. The film captures the period that encapsulates the essence of heartwarming relationships and the deep significance of affection that knows no boundaries, transcending borders, religions and cultures.
Cast
edit- Mithun Chakraborty as Rahmat Khan[5]
- Anumegha Kahali as Mini
- Abir Chatterjee as Aurobindo Mukherjee, Mini's father
- Sohini Sarkar as Sneho, Mini's mother
- Gulshanara Khatun as Mokkoda, the maid-servant
- Sumit Samaddar as Bhola, the man-servant
- Kanchan Mullick as Potit De
- Sreeja Bhattacharyya as Elder Mini
Production
editFilming
editPrincipal photography commenced on 1 August 2023[6] and filming was completed on 19 November 2023, with official confirmation from film director Suman Ghosh.[7] The filming was done in Kolkata and Kargil.[8]
Marketing
editOn 1 August 2023, the first look of the film was released with a 38 seconds video on SVF Youtube channel.[9][10] the first poster was released on 14 November.[11][12] The official trailer was released on 4 December 2023 on SVF and Jio Studios Youtube channels.[13][14]
Music
editThe music of the film and the background score is done by Indraadip Dasgupta. The lyrics are written by Srijato and Anirban Bhattacharya.
The first single "Khushi Ki Eid" was released on 14 December 2023.[15] The second single "Bhaabo Jodi" was released on 29 December 2023.[16]
| Kabuliwala | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |||||
| Released | 22 December 2023 | ||||
| Recorded | 2023 | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 17:03 | ||||
| Language | Bengali | ||||
| Label | SVF Music | ||||
| |||||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Bhaabo Jodi" | Anirban Bhattacharya | Arijit Singh | 4:28 |
| 2. | "Khushi Ki Eid" | Srijato | Javed Ali, Ishan Mitra | 3:27 |
| 3. | "Kabul Manush" | Anirban Bhattacharya | Anirban Bhattacharya | 5:30 |
| 4. | "Doriya Ei Jiboner E" | Srijato | Debayan Banerjee | 3:37 |
| Total length: | 17:03 | |||
Release
editThe film was released on 22 December 2023 on the occasion of Christmas weekend, clashing with Pradhan, Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire and Dunki at the box office.[17][18]
Reception
editCritical response
editA reviewer of OTT play wrote "It takes a lot of courage to choose a story that has strong sentimental stature in viewers’ hearts. Suman Ghosh takes up a brave challenge and comes out with flying colours. It is an out-and-out Mithun Chakraborty film and he fascinates the audience in every frame. Kabuliwala is a beautiful film that should never be missed".[19] Poorna Banergee from The Times of India says "The props and set design, especially inside Aurobindo’s house, are reminiscent of an older Calcutta that’s rapidly becoming extinct under a concrete jungle. The cinematography is done tastefully, and the costumes are period-appropriate. Though it has a predictable end, Kabuliwala is definitely a good watch for the entire family".[20] Saibal Chatterjee from NDTV says "Kabuliwala is a Mithun Chakraborty show but, given a script that retains the spirit of Tagore's unwaveringly inclusivist worldview, there is much more to Suman Ghosh's film than what one actor, one performance and one story bring to it. And therein lies a firm riposte to any doubt that might arise about the film's relevance today".[21] Subhasmita Kanji from Hindustan Times wrote "Several scenes are laugh-out-loud, like Mithun Anumegha's dance or their conversation; Many such scenes will make you cry. Again, some scenes seem to be right, that's how it should be".[22] Sayani Ghatak from Anandabazar Patrika wrote "This Rabindra-writing written more than a hundred years ago will once again float with familiar emotions, move deep into the feelings, for that purpose 'Kabuliwala' has been made again in 2023. Thanks to the director, his intention did not fail".[23] Sushmita Dey from Ei Samay says "Abir Chatterjee as Mini's father is eye-catching as always. Bengali-neat gentleman. On the other hand, Sohini Sarkar as the mother. As it happens and what else! Judgment of life in the boundaries of religion. Be very careful with the little mini. Short characters also have specialties".[24]
Box office
editThe film grossed over ₹ 1 crore at the box office in the first 5 days.[25] Producer of the film informed the film grossed over ₹25 Lakhs on the New Year Day only. [26]
References
edit- ^ "Pradhan Vs Kabuliwala Collection : এক মাস পেরিয়ে এগিয়ে চলেছে প্রধানের বিজয়রথ, দেব-সৌমিতৃষার সামনে ফিকে মিঠুন ম্যাজিক".
- ^ "Tagore's timeless 'Kabuliwala' to hit silver screen again after six decades in Mithun-starrer Bengali film".
- ^ "'কাবুলিওয়ালা'".
- ^ "Mithun Chakraborty's 'Kabuliwala' to be released on Christmas". The Daily Star. 14 November 2023. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Mithun Chakraborty to portray Rahmat in Kabuliwala".
- ^ "Suman Ghosh: 'I was very adamant about making Kabuliwala with Mithun Chakraborty'". The Telegraph. 8 August 2023. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Director Suman Ghosh: 'Wrote Kabuliwala for Mithun Chakraborty, waited five years for him'". Hindustan Times. 19 November 2023. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Kabuliwala shooting in Kargil".
- ^ "The first look of Kabuliwala".
- ^ "First Look: Kabuliwala".
- ^ "Kabuliwala starring Mithun Chakraborty drops its official poster".
- ^ "The first poster of Bengali film Kabuliwala starring Mithun Chakraborty unveiled".
- ^ "'কাবুলিওয়ালা'-র ট্রেলারে কিংবদন্তি সংলাপ, গান."
- ^ "ফের পর্দায় আসছে রহমত -মিনির জার্নি, প্রকাশ্যে 'কাবুলিওয়ালা'-র নস্ট্যালজিয়ায় ভরা ট্রেলার".
- ^ "Mithun Chakraborty's 'Kabuliwala': 'Khushi Ki Eid' song out now".
- ^ "অরিজিতের কণ্ঠে কেল্লাফতে কাবুলিওয়ালার 'ভাব যদি'".
- ^ "Mithun Chakraborty plays Rabindranath T- agore's iconic character Rahmat".
- ^ "Kabuliwala releasing on December 22".
- ^ "Kabuliwala review: Mithun Chakraborty casts a magic spell". OTT Play. 30 December 2023. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Kabuliwala Movie Review : A sensitive retelling of a classic tale". The Times of India. 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Kabuliwala Review: Mithun Chakraborty Delivers A Splendidly Moving Performance". NDTV. 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Kabuliwala Review: মিঠুনের কাবুলিওয়ালা যেন সাদা কালো নস্টালজিয়ার রঙিন রূপ, একটুকরো ভালো লাগা বয়ে আনল সুমন ঘোষের ছবি". Hindustan Times. 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Kabuliwala Movie Review : আবেগ ও অভিনয়ের অব্যর্থ জুটি". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ কাবুলিওয়ালা, নির্ধারণ:{3.5/5} , kabuliwala movie review starring mithun chakraborty abir chatterjee anumegha sohini sarkar , Rating:{3.5/5} : মিঠুন চক্রবর্তী,আবির চট্টোপাধ্যায়,সোহিনী সরকার,অনুমেঘা কাহালি অভিনীত [Kabuliwala, Rating:{3.5/5} , kabuliwala movie review starring mithun chakraborty abir chatterjee anumegha sohini sarkar , Rating:{3.5/5} : starring Mithun Chakraborty, Abir Chatterjee, Sohini Sarkar, Anumegha Kahali]. Ei Samay (in Bengali). 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "কাবুলিওয়ালা পেরলো ১ কোটির ঘর".
- ^ https://twitter.com/iammony/status/1742018307547689010?t=z3BxRlvIvz4vWJxNot4VEQ&s=19
External links
edit- Kabuliwala at IMDb