Holi: 3 Bengali Films That Capture The Essence Of Basanto

One of the most popular and vibrant festivals celebrated in India is Holi, which is known as the festival of colours. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour, and it is an occasion to spread joy and happiness among friends and family. While the rest of India celebrates Holi with powdered and wet colours, Basanta or Dol Utsav in Bengal is about honouring and celebrating spring and its hues.

Just like festivals, Bengali cinema has also been known for its unique storytelling and cinematic brilliance always. Bengali filmmakers have always been fascinated by the festival of Holi and have portrayed its essence through their films in various ways. In this article, we will delve into some of the best Bengali films that have captured the spirit of Basanto and the various ways in which they have celebrated this colourful festival on the silver screen. From the traditional to the contemporary, here are a few films that capture the essence of the season or feature the celebration of the festival through its song sequences.

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Basanta Bilap

Starring late actors Soumitra Chatterjee, Rabi Ghosh, and Anup Kumar along with veteran actor and filmmaker Aparna Sen, the film focuses on the conflicts between four gentlemen and a few ladies from the dormitory known as "Basanta Bilap". Yet, it is clear that the three men of the group fall in love with the three girls of Basanta Bilap, and the story continues as it takes you through a hilarious clash between the groups eventually leading to their romance.

Chotushkone

Directed by Srijit Mukherji, the film Chotushkone starring Aparna Sen, Goutam Ghose, Chiranjeet Chakraborty, Parambrata Chatterjee, and Payel Sarkar won the National Film Award for Best Direction. A mysterious producer brings together four renowned directors and old friends to work on a movie. In this film, there are four short stories with the same theme: death. However, the song sequence of Basanto Eshe Geche in the film by Lagnajita Chakraborty is one of the most favourites on every Bengali’s playlist whenever our hearts crave for some spring.

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Ekanto Apon

One of the oldest and must be played songs on Holi is the song Khelbo Holi Rong Debona (will play holi but not put colours) from the Aparna Sen and Victor Banerjee starrer 1987 film Ekanto Apon.