Movie Review: 'Ratnakar - A New Myth of Love'

By: Inside NE Desk

'Ratnakar - A New Myth of Love' is a high-profile commercial release from Assam which has been anxiously awaited by the cinephiles of the State. The film has been touted as a dream project of Assamese heartthrob Jatin Bora, who is both actor and director.

'Ratnakar', moulded in the form of a South Indian 'masala entertainer' film sees Bora, who is mostly remembered for his roles as a romantic hero in the late 90's, reinvent himself as an action star (with soaring rock riffs to announce his arrival, to boot!).

The Plot:

At its core, this film is about the bond between a father Jayanta (played by Jatin Bora) and his daughter (Ashramika Saikia). The film also explores other forms of love, such as conjugal love, and romantic love. Bora, in his dream venture, explores the themes of love and loss, and renewal. And much like a Machiavellian Hercules, Bora's character eliminates all who create obstacles along his love path. The overarching message in the movie is that love conquers all, and no amount of lucre or power can put the brakes on love that is true and unconditional.

The Acting:

The veteran actor Jatin Bora plays the role of the rogue with a heart of gold with elan, and switches between 'menacingly bad' and 'adoringly soft' with ease. The chemistry between Bora and little girl who plays his daughter truly dazzles, and the child actress, who delivers an evocative performance, is a true revelation. The two leading ladies look good, and act well in roles which seem to be tailor-made for them. However, the comic actors (Jayanta Das, Chetana Das, etc), who play residents of an old age home run by Jatin Bora's character, provide some-much needed comic relief in between the over-the-top action scenes and melodramatic romance.

The Action:

'Ratnakar' has been hailed as a step ahead for action sequences in Assamese movie industry, and the scenes have been choreographed by Fightmaster Rajesh Kannan from Bollywood. The fights are over-the-top and lack finesse, but lovers of masala Bollywood flicks are sure to be thrilled.

The Verdict:

'Ratnakar' is a step in the right direction as far as the spectacle in Assamese cinema is concerned, and the music and dazzling locations add to the lustre surrounding the product. However, the film suffers from uneven pacing and is let down by its predictability. Moreover, some tropes which have attached themselves to Assamese cinema, in a hampering way, refuse to let go, even in 'Rantakar'. However, the film wins through in the 'heart' department and its universal message of "love wins over lucre" is sure to resonate with family audiences.

You should definitely give this film a shot if you wish to support the Assamese cinema industry that seems to be coming to life once again. With offerings like 'Ratnakar' and 'Kanchanjangha' captivating the people once again and creating a myth around Assamese cinema, it seem like the modern Assamese film is here to stay.

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