Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa is based on the 1974 Bengali novel ‘Hajar Churashir Maa’ by Magsaysay and Jnanpith Award winner Mahasweta Devi, which was directed and produced by Govind Nihalani. Both Nihalani and Tripurari Sharma wrote the dialogue for the film. After an 18-year hiatus, Jaya Bachchan is again acting again.
The National Film Award for Best Feature Hindi Film was given to Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa in 1998.
Hazaar Chaurasi ki Maa – Plot of the Film
The plot of the film is setup in early 1970s, Dibyanath Chatterji, his youngest son Brati, and wife Sujata, who works for a bank, lead comfortable lives in Calcutta, West Bengal, India. Brati has graduated from high school and is currently enrolled in college, while Sujata is a modest, pious, religious, and kind Hindu woman. His parents are pleased with him and follow his development.
Then, in the early hours, the police inform them that Brati has been killed, shattering their world. Sujata and Dibyanath go to identify Brati’s body, mourn, and weep bitterly. As the police will refer to them as the mother and father of body Hajar Churashir Maa, they are aware that their lives will never be the same again.
Sujata struggles to comprehend Brati’s passing; she meets his friends one by one; she discovers that Brati had a lover named Nandini Mitra (played by Nandita Das); and at that point, she learns that Brati was a member of the militant leftist group known as the “Naxalite” rebel group. She decides to push on with this as she digs more and deeper into Brati’s past and starts to comprehend her son’s struggle.
In “Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa,” the director’s narrative prowess shines through, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics. The interplay between the characters is akin to a carefully orchestrated symphony, with each note resonating at a different frequency, creating a rich tapestry of burstiness that keeps the audience enthralled.
The film’s non-linear storytelling approach adds an additional layer of perplexity to the narrative. As the plot unfolds, the audience is presented with fragments of the past and present, intricately interwoven to form a mosaic of emotions and experiences. The intricacies woven into the fabric of this cinematic gem are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each frame, every character, and the overarching narrative intricately interweave to create a tapestry of emotions that leaves an indelible mark on the viewer’s psyche. This narrative technique, while unconventional, serves as a testament to the director’s artistic vision and adds an extra dimension to the film’s perplexing allure.
Moreover, the dialogues in “Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa” are a testament to the art of linguistics. The characters engage in eloquent and thought-provoking conversations that delve into the depths of human nature and societal norms. These exchanges are not mere words but rather profound expressions of the characters’ innermost thoughts and desires, further enriching the perplexity of the narrative. In the realm of cinematography, “Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa” stands as a paragon of visual storytelling. The director’s meticulous attention to detail and innovative use of camera angles evoke a sense of wonder and fascination. Each frame is a visual masterpiece, offering a burstiness of imagery that captivates the viewer’s imagination.
In conclusion, “Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa” transcends the realm of cinema to become a profound exploration of the human condition. Its intricacies and burstiness, brought to life through compelling storytelling and unparalleled craftsmanship, make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to perplex and enthrall audiences to this day.
Cast of the film
Jaya Bachchan as Sujata Chatterjee
Anupam Kher as Dibyanath Chatterjee
Joy Sengupta as Brati Chatterjee
Seema Biswas as Somu’s mother
Rajesh Tailang as Somu’s Father
Nandita Das as Nandini Mitra
Milind Gunaji as Inspector Saroj Pal
Mona Ambegaonkar as Bini
Sandeep Kulkarni as Nitu Paul
Yashpal Sharma as Laltu[5]
