Mahalaya (Bengali film on YouTube) - There are some things eternal, etched in our ethos, culture and hearts, rooted into our very existence. These aren't expendable or awaiting the mercy of a transformation to keep pace with times. They humbly yet fascinatingly transcend the boundaries of time and the numerous generations like an heirloom. "Mahishasuramardini" (Mahalaya, in the common parlance) is one such achievement of the quintessential Bengali culture - it is the oldest running radio programme of Akashvani (All India Radio) that has withstood the many challenges, trials and tribulations of time but stands rock solid in its place in our hearts. Originally written in 1931 by Bani Kumar, its music was composed by Pankaj Kumar Mullick and has Chandipath and other narration by the irrepressible Birendra Krishna Bhadra. The annual playback of the Mahishasuramardini's devotional songs and chants stand as a harbinger of the Durga Puja season, and despite many attempts by the scores of television channels, Bengalis across the world prefer to listen to this program that heralds the invocation of the Goddess in early autumn.
Mahalaya, the film is produced by Prasenjit and directed by Soumik Sen. It describes an ill fated and botched attempt by the ministry of broadcasting to replace the program with a more shiny, newer version having roped in the best musical talent of the country across Calcutta and Bombay in 1976. The responsibility of scoring the music was given to Hemanta Mukherjee, who was eager to move out of the shadow of his mentor and guru, Pankaj Kumar Mullick, and he convinced Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle to sing for it. The biggest coup was to bring on board Uttam Kumar, the mahanayak and superstar of Bengali cinema to replace Birendra Krishna Bhadra as the narrator. Although initially unconvinced about his own ability, he agreed to the experiment after meeting his predecessor and seeking his blessings. However, the attempt met with a colossal failure as the listeners thumbed down the version immediately, and Uttam Kumar himself admitted that his own rendition didn't quite foster the effect of the usual curtain raiser for Durga Puja. It led to All India Radio to quickly backtrack and play the original version as if for tendering an apology to the nation on the day of Shashthi theatre same year, thus placating the angered Bengali audience.
Subhashis Mukherjee plays Birendra Krishna Bhadra with a masterful elan, Subhamoy Chatterjee plays Pankaj Kumar Mullick with authority, Saptarshi Roy acts out Hemanta Mukherjee living the conflict and complex and Jishu shines as Uttam Kumar. Mahalaya is a must watch film for all generations to connect to the roots and take pride in our culture.
