Bird of dusk

Day before yesterday, had seen the documentary feature film "Bird of Dusk" (সন্ধ্যের পাখি) written and directed by Sangeeta Dutta. Released in theatre in 2019, it is now streaming on Hoichoi. The docu feature is on the life and works of the acclaimed writer - director Rituparno Ghosh, the larger-than-life cultural icon of India. Rituparno Ghosh not only influenced the bengali films and Indian societal structures but also pushed the boundaries of queer politics, sexual identity and freedom of expression in India. The documentary, pegged on to a great extent his personal memoirs 'First Person' , is worth watching and will give you an intense feeling of contentment mixed with pain of the same intensity. Let me quote a small part of a report from The Telegraph for the readers...

"Datta’s directorial approach is sensitive and empathetic, allowing the audience to feel an intimate connection with Rituparno and his struggles. Among the many things that she does successfully is spotlighting Rituparno’s unwavering determination to present stories authentically, challenging social taboos and encouraging dialogue. Datta follows transgender actor Ranjan Bose as he travels across Kolkata to dig up information on Rituparno as part of his research work. Bird of Dusk sheds light on Rituparno’s exploration of gender identity, his fearlessness in challenging societal norms and the impact his work has had on the LGBTQ+ community in India."