Ekannoborti: The Family Drama That Liberals Won't Admit They Love

In the bustling city of Kolkata, a family drama unfolds that has everyone talking. "Ekannoborti," a Bengali film released in 2021, directed by Mainak Bhaumik, is a tale of family, tradition, and the inevitable clash of generations. The film centers around a family reunion during the Durga Puja festival, a time when the family matriarch attempts to bring her scattered family back together. But here's the kicker: while the film is a heartwarming portrayal of familial bonds, it also subtly critiques the modern liberal values that often threaten to tear these bonds apart.

First off, let's talk about the family. The film showcases a traditional Bengali family, with all its quirks and idiosyncrasies. The matriarch, played by Aparajita Adhya, is the glue holding the family together. She represents the old guard, the keeper of traditions, and the one who believes in the sanctity of family above all else. Her children, however, are a different story. They are the embodiment of modernity, with their liberal values and individualistic lifestyles. They have moved away, both physically and emotionally, from the family home, chasing careers and personal ambitions.

Now, why is this film a thorn in the side of modern liberalism? Because it highlights the very real consequences of prioritizing individualism over family. The children, in their pursuit of personal freedom and success, have lost touch with their roots. They have forgotten the importance of family, of tradition, and of the values that have been passed down through generations. The film doesn't shy away from showing the loneliness and emptiness that often accompany such a lifestyle.

The setting of the film, during the Durga Puja festival, is significant. This is a time when families come together to celebrate, to worship, and to reconnect. It's a reminder of the importance of community and shared values. But for the children in the film, it's just another obligation, another tradition that they don't quite understand or appreciate. This is where the film delivers its most potent message: that in the rush to embrace modernity, we risk losing the very things that make us who we are.

The film also takes a jab at the liberal obsession with self-expression and personal freedom. The children, in their quest to be true to themselves, have become disconnected from their family and their culture. They have embraced a lifestyle that values the individual over the collective, and in doing so, they have lost sight of what truly matters. The film suggests that true freedom comes not from breaking away from tradition, but from understanding and embracing it.

"Ekannoborti" is a film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of family and tradition. It's a reminder that while modern values have their place, they should not come at the expense of the things that truly matter. The film is a celebration of family, of tradition, and of the values that have stood the test of time. It's a call to remember where we come from, and to cherish the bonds that hold us together.

In a world that often seems to value individualism above all else, "Ekannoborti" is a breath of fresh air. It's a film that dares to challenge the status quo, to question the liberal values that have become so pervasive in our society. It's a reminder that while change is inevitable, it should not come at the expense of the things that truly matter. So, if you're looking for a film that will make you think, that will challenge your beliefs, and that will remind you of the importance of family, "Ekannoborti" is a must-watch.