Appreciating short filmmaker Dhiman Kuri’s short films, writes Shanku Sharma

Dear Dhiman Kuri,

I love your works (short films). I appreciate your efforts. I really do. Take love!

Dhiman Kuri is a Karimganj- based young and energetic photographer- cum- filmmaker who is serving some good stories (in the form of short films) hot on a platter. Based on Karimganj’s real surroundings and settings, his films revolve around various themes. However, most of his works are love stories (mostly painful, one-sided and unrequited ones). All of his films are in Bengali (Sylheti dialect). Dhiman Kuri has made horror films too (the genre itself is challenging). He mostly writes and directs and shoots (Director of Photography) his short films. And yes, his heroines (female leads) are mostly beautiful. The cast is brilliant, and dialogues real.

One of the striking features of Dhiman Kuri’s films is its photography (it is excellent). Costumes are real (never over the top). The characters form parts of our everyday lives. Nothing is over-the-head in a Dhiman Kuri movie. Emotions, scenes, dialogues, settings and costumes are real, raw and grounded. Another point, Dhiman has Suranjan Kuri (a plus point for him). Suranjan Kuri, who is almost there in all of Kuri’s short films, is an excellent artiste (he acts superbly, that’s for sure).

Chand Choya – Ekti Premer Golpo:

Filming death scene is a daunting task. But, Dhiman Kuri pulls it out with élan in Chand Choya. A boy (played brilliantly by Suranjan Kuri) falls in love with a beautiful girl (played by the beautiful Jannat Ferdous). Though one-sided, he (a doomed lover) goes deep. Later, he finds out the girl is already engaged to another bit. Chand Choya (duration 21 minutes and 46 seconds) has some excellent performances in it. The entry of the girl in the colony in which he lives has been shot beautifully. She walks in, smiles (charmingly) and moves out like a whiff of air (true Bollywood style). Suranjan Kuri excels as a doomed lover. The boy’s friends try to help him a lot in forgetting the girl, which goes in vain. The message – it is not wise to fall for a girl just because she is exquisitely beautiful. Other actors include Vishal Dhar (also the editor), Suman Kuri (also the story writer) Puchki Biswas and Sumit Chanda. The film ends on a sad note (background song – Jokhon Porbe Na Mor…)

Shesh Dekha:

Dhiman Kuri’s latest short film Shesh Dekha is 18 minutes and 44 seconds in duration. It showcases the pangs of unrequited love as well as the pleasure of a happy married life. Shesh Dekha does not end on a negative note. Instead it showcases the way in which one should lead one’s life. The film conveys the message of hope, happiness and bliss. Deepanjana Das, Kiran Kuri, Suranjan Kuri, Shyamal Deb, Suman Kuri and Sumit Chanda form the cast of the film, which has been neatly edited by Kinkar Sen. Suranjan Kuri has written the story of the film. The crisp and compact script has been written by Dhiman, Suranjan and Kiran. The three major characters (Deepanjana Kiran and Suranjan) have done a fantastic job. In addition, Shyamal Deb, who plays the role of Deepanjana’s father (a typical father who forces her daughter to marry against her wishes), has been flaw less, natural and brilliant. A husband learns about his wife’s past and begins to disown himself from her. The troubled husband seeks the help of a motivational speaker who possesses an uncanny ability to solve problems of life and relationships. That motivational speaker is none other than Deepanjana’s former beau. What happens when they meet?

Moddhyabitta:

This short film is a hard-hitting story of a couple (played by Nabanita Chaudhury and Vishal Dhar) who faces financial trouble during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vishal finds it hard maintain his family (him and his wife). He is working without salary for three months. No money to pay the rent. No shopkeeper gives credit. Both his boss (again the flawless Suranjan Kuri) and friend (played by Nayan Sutradhar) deny help. In one touching scene, Vishal asks his wife to eat something (she says – there is nothing to eat). How the couple manages? What will the wife do? The story is by Suranjan, editing Vishal and lighting by Sumit Chanda. One scene deserves special mention here. Vishal once almost decides to stand in the queue for collecting relief materials/items. This is the problem with middle class people (Moddhyabitta) neither they are rich nor poor. Vishal being a respected being decides not to stand in the queue for collecting relief items. Really, Moddhyabitta is a hard-hitting film.

Moner Manush:

Moner Manush is a very short film indeed. But it is my personal favourite. Why? Because it has been shot entirely in black and white. Black and white films have their own charm. Moner Manush, duration (2 minutes and 55 seconds), features Mahua Das (another beautiful actress) and of course the versatile Suranjan Kuri. This short film with just two characters presents the true/real definition of love. Here, the wife does not make life hell for her husband (they are indeed very poor). They live in a thatched house (bamboos and all), eat almost nothing. But they love each other. She is from a rich and well-do-to family. But she decides to sacrifice her luxurious life from her poor husband. The film (English subtitles are available) is a sweet gift for those who believe in the power of love and sacrifice. Vishal Dhar has edited the film.

Ishani – The Little Evil:

Thrillers and horrors are challenging. It is difficult to pull off a horror movie with élan. Kuri, almost an expert in making love stories, deals with a horrifying subject in his 27 minutes something short Hindi horror film Ishani. Things take an evil turn when three girls come to spend a few nights (on a vacation) at a large house (there is also a scary caretaker in the film). One of the girls begins sensing something evil in the house. She comes in touch with the evil soul and … to be continued (Ishani will be continued. It leaves the audience wanting for more). Images and scenes, which have been used in the film, are scary. Use of old pendulum clock, closed room, scary sounds, staircases…Ishani is a well-made horror film. The film contains jump scares. Aparajita Acharjee plays a doctor who tries in vain to cure the victim. Ishani is Prachi is Sagarika Chakraborty, Alisha is Bidita Halder, Anuja is Dipanjana Banik, Ishani’s father is Suranjan Kuri and mother Mahua Das.

Ki Bipode Porlam:

Ki Bipode Porlam is a funny take on life’s problems (related to married life). A man marries, starts facing problems when he has to choose between his mother and wife. He cannot leave his mother. Nor he can leave his wife. The wife (played by the drop-dead gorgeous Sagarika Chakraborty) wants to work (job) and asks her innocent husband (played superbly by Kiran Kuri) to allow her to do so. Story is by Kiran, editing Vishal Dhar, scripting Kiran and Suranjan Kuri. Her mother-in-law is Satyorupa Das. Kuri uses background music the melodious Pardesi Pardesi song from Aamir Khan’s Raja Hindustani and of course shehnai. Both Sagarika and Kiran are flawless. Satyorupa Das is natural. Of course, Suranjan Kuri (Kiran’s friend) nails it. The short film ends with a beautiful regional song playing in the background.

Biswas:

Sagarika Chakraborty plays the good-looking Hitabrata Bhattacharjee’s wife in his tale of trust and faith between them. Biswas follows the story of a wife who believes that her husband is having an extra marital affair. How much truth is there in it? Why her husband does keeps himself super-busy. To who does he talks so much over the phone? Where does he go daily during his leisure hours? Sagarika, Hitabrata and the old couple (played superbly by Satyorupa Das and Uttam Roy) deliver excellent performances. Vishal Dhar’s editing, Dhiman Kuri’s story and Suranjan Kuri’s script work wonders for Biswas. Background music and song (piano, song Tor Premete, and other theme music) have been used brilliantly. Sagarika is a treat for the eyes.

Rasta:

Rasta is Dhiman Kuri’s documentary- style short film which shows the negative side/aspect of growth and development. It suggests that only tall buildings, malls and restaurants do not mean development. Beggars, lower class people, daily wage earners, among others, are allegedly overlooked by the political leaders. Their deaths (mostly on the roads) are not even taken into account. As usual, Suranjan Kuri and Suman Kuri deliver stellar performances. The night life (sad and pathetic) of Karimganj town gets reflected in Rasta. A superb short film indeed from Dhiman Kuri. The story is by Suranjan Kuri. Vishal Dhar is the editor. Take a bow! Hitabrata Bhattacharjee, Vishal Dhar and Nayan Sutradhar play their part well. There is an accident-cum-death scene in the film.

Tumi Golpo Hole O Parte:

There is always a charm in incomplete, failed and unrequited love stories. Tumi Golpo Hole O Parte will break your heart. Dhiman features the very good-looking Sagar Das in his pathetic love story. Subha (Sagar) sees Priya (Sujata Malakar). Priya falls in love with him. Though, Subha loves her too, he cannot go ahead with the relation since Priya’s family members are very, very close to Subha. He sacrifices his love. Editor is Vishal Dhar. Suranjan Kuri is excellent. In fact, he is flawless. He plays the tough role of a big brother. Once again, Sagarika Chakraborty nails it (she is the wife of Suranjan). Vishal also plays his part well. Perfect roles, perfect faces, perfect story….

Poristhiti:

Sagarika Chakraborty plays a poor wife to a poor husband (brilliant Suranjan Kuri). Durga Puja is knocking at the door. They have two kids (they want Durga Puja dresses – almost an emotion for Bengali people). Unable to earn money, the husband (father of two kids) breaks law by stealing dresses from a store (the act gets caught, thanks to CCTV). Suranjan is arrested. The voice-over tells ‘Durga Puja does not bring happiness to all’. The background song adds more pain (wife is seen crying bitterly, unable to believe what her husband has committed). Vishal Dhar has edited the film. Mahua Das (in other films also) excels as a make-up artist. Settings and costumes are perfect. Top-notch performances.

Madhyamik:

Dhiman touches upon an emotional father- daughter relation in Madhyamik. Moloy Kanti Sen (an aged actor) is brilliant in the role of ailing father. His daughter takes care of him despite having to prepare for her matriculation examination. Her friend encourages her to read. After eight months, we are shown her father is well (but she has not been able to do well in the examination). Though, she prepares hard, all her efforts go in vain? Why? Due to a government circular. See the short film (7 minutes and 36 seconds) to know the government’s circular. The film throws light on the bad side of that decision. Shradha Kuri (daughter) looks perfect, acts well and delivers her best. Tania Podder plays her friend. Vishal Dhar has edited the film.

No Drugs:

Dhiman takes 12.29 (duration) to show the evil effects of drugs. A boy smokes, takes drugs and drinks till he drops down. The next morning (an unmarried and beautiful Sagarika Chakraborty) meets him (she is his beau) on their terrace. He leaves. It is his time for drugs. Background music (Sylheti rap) is awesome (it adds to the mood/theme of the scene and the film). His friends try to bring him back. He tells how helpless he feels (I cannot live without drugs, he says). Except all his friends, one supplies him with drugs and encourages him to take it. His girlfriend even tries hard to cure him. Later, in a fit of rage, the boy commits a heinous crime. What is that crime? What happens to him? Well, police siren is heard all over. Vishal Dhar editor, story is by Suranjan Kuri and Vishal, script Dhiman and sound Saurav Roy. The cast include Saurav, Vishal and Nayan Sutradhar.

Kidnap:

It is a short film about a group of friends who want to make some quick bucks through unlawful ways. They kidnap a son of a rich man. But things do not turn the way they want. The thing is that life does not stop for anyone. Life is different for others. The cast include Rajeeb Das Purkayastha, Suman Kuri, Dhiman Kuri, Vishal Dhar, Nayan Sutradhar, Suman Kuri, Suranjan Kuri and Sujay Kuri. The talented Rony Poddar is added here (one of the directors of photography). Vishal is the editor of the film (duration – 16.53 minutes).

Obujh:

One of the striking features of Obujh is Anupam Das (social media star). He is brilliant in this short film which throws light on the futility of love marriages and elopement without thinking about its consequences. Obujh begins on a melancholic note (the female lead played by Deepanjana Das is seen crying bitterly). Dhiman moves ahead with the film through a flashback. The same girl (happy-go-lucky) is giving finishing touches to her make-up in front a mirror. They elope and marry. Her father (played well by Suranjan Kuri) turns them out. Later, poverty enters and love goes out of the window. Excellent night scenes. Story – Shatabdee Dutta Das, script – Dhiman and Anupam and editors – Anupam and Vishal Dhar (he also has a role in the film).

She:

She is a powerful short film that focuses on empowering the womenfolk for their own safety. A group of eve-teasers led by the brilliant actor Suranjan Kuri makes life hell for some college-goers. A passer-by helps one of the girls in getting admitted to a Karate institution. The girls learn the art and after a few months, they fight those eve-teasers and finish the matter then and there. Dhiman makes a powerful statement with She. There are fight scenes in this short film. Suranjan is flawless. Vishal Dhar (editor) has a role in it. Rony Poddar works as one of the directors of photography. Dhiman hired an actor director too (Saha Newaj).

Shopnobhongo:

I think it is Dhiman’s one of the best short films. Set against a festive background (there is a marriage), Shopobhongo throws light on fraud calls (You have won a huge sum of money, please share your bank and ATM card details). Aged actor Uttam Roy is a father of two daughters (it is the marriage of his elder daughter). He receives a call on the day of his daughter’s (Mahua Das) haldi ceremony and gets to know that he has just won Rs.3 lakhs. When asked by the caller to share bank and ATM card details, he does so excitedly. He hopes he can use it for his daughter’s marriage. Enters his son (Suranjan Kuri). He goes deep and finds out that the truth (the father is bankrupt. All his money has been stolen). Shopnobhongo shows haldi scenes and features other marriage-related rituals and objects. A brilliant short film. Dhiman advises all not to believe in such calls. Shalu Roy plays Mahua’s younger sister. Vishal Dhar has edited the film. Excellent performance by Uttam Roy.

Kotha Baki:

Kotha Baki begins on a sweet note (couples spending time together, tiffs, fights, three years’ of relation). The boy (Suranjan Kuri) is in search of a job. The girl (Misti, played brilliantly by Nabanita Choudhary) encourages him (they have coffee and samosas). Her parents (Sutanu Sen and Mitra Sen) fix a boy for her without even asking her. Misti breaks down. She tells her lover about it. Suranjan Kuri tries hard but breaks down and finds time aimlessly. He is hopeless and helpless. He loiters (background song, night shots) in the city. Scenes of their courtship – well-executed. After one month, she calls him. She says, “I will miss you a lot. We will never be able to meet again. Stay well. I will never be able to forget you. I still love you. And please, try not to call me again.” Stunning. Fast forward to 20 years ahead. A middle-aged Suranjan is writing, working and carrying forward the pain, the sorrow and the suffering. Superb. Just superb. Last shot – they cross each other’s paths. They decide not to stop. They move on, turn back and again move ahead. Editing has been done by Vishal Dhar. Scenes are real, situation realistic, superb acting. Duration (16.58 minutes) does not matter here. Kotha Baki mirrors all almost such love stories that ends because of parents’ adamancy and male lovers’ joblessness.