''The Prologue'' () is a 2019 Bengali drama film directed by Chandrasish Ray and produced by

Prosenjit Chatterjee Prosenjit Chatterjee (born 30 September 1962) is an Indian actor and producer. He is widely regarded as one of the leading actors of modern Bengali cinema. He predominantly works in Cinema of West Bengal, Bengali cinema. He is the son of Bollyw ...

. The film premiered through

Zee5 ZEE5 or Z5 is an Indian subscription video on demand and over-the-top streaming service, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. It was launched in India on 14 February 2018 with content in 12 languages. The ZEE5 mobile app is available on We ...

on 28 June 2020.

Plot

Director Chandrasish Ray tries to explore themes of life, and the solitude and responsibilities it often entails. However woeful things may seem, life goes on, and it's futile to stop and complain, Ray argues. The story follows a group of people who are in search of a virgin location to set up a resort in an exotic, remote mountain area. The main characters, Biplab and Bhaskar, are in Nepal to finalize the contract of acquiring a plot of land. Biplab is often irritated at Bhaskhar's presence, sometimes without a clear reason. They frequently engage in squabbles and quarrels over petty issues, such as eating pork without permission or obsession with their mobile phones. Bhaskar is shown in a new light, as he tries to show Biplab the reality of this age where it is too easy to stay connected with anyone and that affects relationships. The two men with different personalities gradually form a bonding to introspect their "selves". Bhaskar reveals he is married, and his wife Jonaki (Ankita Majhi) has suffered a miscarriage. He expresses his dejection at nobody being there for him, although he fulfils everything expected of him. After returning from the trip, Biplab decides to stay at home for a while and look after Jonaki himself. His loneliness is reflected from his sightings of a couple who go for a walk at night, cleaning his books, discovering a book meant for the householder. Only this time, their voices and conversation can be clearly heard from behind the camera.

Cast

as Biplab Sen * Satyam Bhattacharya as Bhaskar * Ankita Majhi as Jonaki * Pranay Narayan as Michael * Poonam Gurung as Binsa * Nima Norbu Lama as Ben *

Ekavali Khanna Ekavali Khanna is an actress who stars in Bollywood, Hollywood and Bengali films. Early life Born in Kolkata, Khanna attended Modern High School and is a graduate of Delhi University. She is of mixed Punjabi and Goan heritage. Khanna divides ...

as Nandini

Release

The film premiered in ''India story'' section of Mumbai Film Festival 2019 The film was released through

on 28 June 2020.

Reception

The film received positive feedback and appreciation from other filmmakers. ''

The Times of India ''The Times of India'' (''TOI'') is an Indian English-language daily newspaper and digital news media owned and managed by the Times Group. It is the List of newspapers in India by circulation, third-largest newspaper in India by circulation an ...

'' rated the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars.

References

External links

* 2019 films Bengali-language Indian films 2010s Bengali-language films Indian drama films {{2010s-Bengali-film-stub