Film review of Kunal Ghosh starrer Korpoor
Karpoor Unveils Kolkata’s Forgotten Disappearance and Political Shadows
Arindam Sil’s latest, “Karpoor,” is a gripping political thriller, drawing inspiration from a real 1997 Kolkata disappearance. The film traces Professor Mousumi Sen’s (Rituparna Sengupta) vanishing on a stormy night, a mystery echoing the case of a university official. This narrative deeply connects to an alleged 50 crore education scam from the Left Front era, blending past truths with fiction. The plot skillfully shifts between 1997 and 2019, creating a layered investigation into Mousumi’s fate—did she disappear like camphor, was she abducted, or did she flee? Her story intertwines with academic fraud, where exam results were manipulated for money. Mousumi, once an education system insider, becomes entangled with a powerful ‘Red Party,’ eventually controlling university affairs, highlighting deep moral compromises.
Young journalists Riya Tamang (Lahoma Bhattacharya) and Anupam Roy (Arpan Ghoshal) reopen the cold case. They seek help from retired detective Raghohari Goswami (Bratya Basu), whose earlier probes were suppressed. Powerful figures like Shankar Mallick (Kunal Ghosh) and Niloy Biswas (Saheb Chattopadhyay) emerge. “Karpoor” exposes ruthless power struggles and the dangerous ripple effects of a single vanishing act, leading to a chain of murders. Performances are key: Rituparna Sengupta portrays the conflicted Mousumi memorably. Bratya Basu impresses as the sharp detective. Kunal Ghosh and Saheb Chattopadhyay captivate as political rivals. Omni 360 News notes “Karpoor” as a thought-provoking cinematic experience, blending human themes of love and revenge with political intrigue. It resonates deeply in today’s climate.
Key Takeaways:
- “Karpoor” is a compelling political thriller inspired by a 1997 Kolkata disappearance and education scam.
- It deftly blends past and present, exploring corruption, power, and personal choices within political structures.
- Strong ensemble performances enhance the narrative, notably by Rituparna Sengupta, Bratya Basu, Kunal Ghosh, and Saheb Chattopadhyay.
- Arindam Sil delivers a gripping, relevant film offering both mystery and social commentary for today’s audience.
