Poster of Kokborok movie Bwkha |
In a state like Tripura, releasing a traditional local movie is very rare and special, and that if it is in a big theatrical screen. Bwkha released on 16th October, 2015 in Rupasi Multiplex at Agartala. It has been produced by Satadeep Saha (the owner of Rupasi Multiplex) and directed by Sarat Reang.
At the beginning I did not bother to watch the movie as I thought it would be a completely awkward movie with many weird scenes and dialogues. However, after learning that it has been directed by Sarat Reang, I thought of giving it a shot. Around 10 years before I watched many music videos directed by Sarat Reang and they were really admirable which ultimately convinced me to become his fan.
The movie starts with narration about the capital Agartala, as locals call it Aguli and how relationships got mixed up between Bengali settlers and local indigenous people. After few minutes, there is an introductory scene of how heroine is saved by sudden appearance of a hero from ragging goons. The action scenes are much similar to common South Indian movies which were targeted to add masala to the story.
Bwkha mainly focuses on interracial marriage with different customs and cultures, and how these differences affect their families. Parents have the responsibility to take important decision regarding marriages as they don't want their children to suffer after marriage. Many enjoyable comedy scenes are included which will definitely make your day, besides some interesting action scenes which may remind you of South Indian movies.
About music, I will say most of the songs sound too similar with South Indian music even if they contain Kokborok lyrics. Background music during important moments are too noisy and out of order. In one song, beautiful panoramic scenes of Shillong and Cherrapunji are visible. A big thumbs up from my side for capturing and utilizing these scenes in the movie.
Overall Bwkha is a good love-triangle story and I wish not to spoil the story anymore because you need to watch it yourself to know the rest of the story.
Since my childhood I’ve been watching Bollywood and Hollywood movies, and thereby there is an extra pleasure watching regional movies and that is too in a big screen. Even though I can’t clearly understand Kokborok language, but addition of English subtitle and many Bengali dialogues made easier for me to comfortably grab the story.
Plus points (+):
1. Good performances by the cast
2. Good quality audio and video
3. Entertaining story
4. Brilliant direction from Sarat Reang
Minus points (-):
1. Music and background music are very similar with south Indian movies
2. Action scenes are over stylized
Final and overall rating: 3 out 5 stars (3/5)