The flight of a struggling soul: Buno Haansh, writes Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

I loved Dev in Buno Haansh (2014). I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Buno Haansh, directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, is a haunting exploration of the human psyche, ambition, and the often murky moralities that define survival. Adapted from the novel by celebrated writer Samaresh Majumdar, the film stands out as a compelling narrative of the ordinary caught in extraordinary circumstances, woven with themes of greed, innocence, and the loss of self.

Set against the backdrop of Kolkata’s underbelly, the story follows Amal, played by Dev, a young man from a humble background who is lured into the world of crime by the promise of quick money. His journey from innocence to guilt, from a simple life to a treacherous one, is portrayed with a raw intensity that captures the essence of a soul in turmoil. Dev’s performance as Amal is a revelation; he embodies the vulnerability and inner conflict of a man who is slowly realizing the price he has to pay for his choices.

The title, Buno Haansh or Wild Goose, is metaphorically significant. It symbolizes Amal’s flight from his humble beginnings and the eventual realization that the chase for a better life has led him into a labyrinth from which there may be no escape. This wild goose chase is not just physical but deeply psychological, as Amal grapples with his conscience and the irreversible changes in his character.

The film’s narrative is further enriched by its supporting characters. Srabanti Chatterjee as Sohag, Amal’s love interest, plays the role of a moral compass, constantly pulling him back towards the light. Her portrayal is tender yet strong, embodying the hope and purity that Amal yearns for but cannot fully embrace. Tanusree Chakraborty’s portrayal of Rijula, a woman entangled in the same web of crime, adds another layer to the story, representing the harsh realities that force individuals into dark paths.

Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s direction brings out the grim realism of the story. The cinematography, with its moody, often shadowy visuals, mirrors the inner darkness of the characters. Kolkata, as depicted in the film, is not the city of joy but a city of shadows, where the lines between right and wrong blur in the face of survival.

The soundtrack by Shantanu Moitra deserves special mention. The music, much like the film, is a blend of the melancholic and the hopeful, underscoring the emotional depths of the narrative. Tracks like Ekhon Anek Raat beautifully capture the loneliness and despair that creep into Amal’s life as he gets more entangled in the criminal world.

Buno Haansh is more than just a crime drama; it is a poignant commentary on the choices people make when faced with the harsh realities of life. It questions the cost of ambition and the inevitable loss of innocence in the pursuit of a better life. Amal’s story is a reflection of the countless lives that go unnoticed in the undercurrents of society, where dreams are often shattered by the weight of circumstances.

In the landscape of Bengali cinema, Buno Haansh stands out for its intense narrative, strong performances, and its ability to resonate with the audience on a deeply emotional level. It is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers to ponder the fragility of morality and the haunting nature of human desires.