An honest review on Aamis: Bhaskar Hazarika’s captivating award winning Assamese movie!

After what seemed like eons, I finally got to watch Bhaskar Haziraka’s Aamis. And there was one clear reaction I had at the end of it – I was dumbstruck!! There was no doubt in my mind about the quality of the film in terms of it’s technical aspects and performances. They were superlative and I’ll come to that later. What left me conflicted in my head was the narrative! I seemed to have problems digesting it (no pun intended!) Was there a weak link in Hazarika’s mindblowing plot? There was only one way out to make up my mind about it – I needed a re-watch!! So there I was, back again at Anuradha Cineplex the next day..and this time I ensured that I didn’t miss anything!!

Being dumbstruck is a reaction. After 2 viewings and 60 hours of Aamis largely occupying my mind space, I have a clearer perspective- a response. It’s difficult to express it, without giving away spoilers, but nevertheless, I’ll try. Aamis is a superbly crafted piece of art. The narrative is both sensitive, intelligent and gritty.. and if ever there was a weak spot in it, the phenomenal performances took care of that. Bhaskar’s understanding of his own complex storyline was crystal clear. (A brief phone conversation with him erased any lingering doubts in my head) And his execution was beyond brilliant. He took care of all the small details in the screenplay- it was for the audience to take note (ask me!) I wish I could elaborate more but it would give away the plot. So I resist.

The apt background music sways with the plot, the editing is crisp- a big part of the film- never letting the audience relax even for a second; the cinematography is spot on and honest to the core.

Coming to the performances, every actor was completely convincing as their respective characters. Manash Das as the self righteous and self absorbed husband Dilip, Sagar Saurabh as the sensible and reassuring Elias da, Neetali Das as the happy go lucky and coquettish Jumi and the other supporting characters, were all absolutely spot on. As for the characters of Nirmali and Sumon, I don’t even know where to begin. Arghadeep as the besotted young PhD student with his innocent charm was brilliant! And Lima Das as Nirmali was one of the most natural performances I have ever seen in my lifetime. Never once during the whole film did I feel that she was acting!!! It’s incredible that she plays such a complex character to such perfection…and that too in her debut film!! Her transformation was phenomenal- it just seemed so internal! Rarely have I seen such non acting, ever!!

Aamis wouldn’t have been Aamis without Arghadeep and Lima as Sumon and Nirmali.

Kudos to the entire team for a fantastic film, which I feel will achieve cult status in the near future! Looking forward to more from Bhaskar Hazarika.

By Ranjeev Lal Barua

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