"Dasham Avatar," Srijit Mukherji's 2023 Bengali thriller, arrived with a significant weight of expectation, not least because it promised to unite two of his most iconic police characters: Probir Roy Chowdhury (Prosenjit Chatterjee) from "Baishey Srabon" and Bijoy Poddar (Anirban Bhattacharya) from "Vinci Da." This "cop multiverse" concept, while exciting on paper, ultimately proved to be both the film's greatest draw and its most significant challenge.
The premise is immediately intriguing: a serial killer terrorizes Kolkata, with each murder meticulously staged to mirror the ten avatars of Vishnu. This mythological underpinning provides a fertile ground for a dark, intellectual thriller, and Mukherji, known for his intricate plotting, certainly starts strong. The initial acts are a testament to his directorial prowess, skillfully building suspense and introducing the compelling dynamic between the seasoned, often cynical Probir and the sharp, unconventional Poddar. Their camaraderie, a blend of witty banter and professional respect, is a definite highlight, carrying much of the film's early momentum. Prosenjit Chatterjee, reprising his role after over a decade, slips back into Probir's skin with effortless charm, while Anirban Bhattacharya continues to impress as the quirky Poddar.
Cinematographically, "Dasham Avatar" is a triumph. Soumik Halder's lens paints a vivid and often haunting portrait of Kolkata's underbelly - its labyrinthine alleys, bustling streets, and the interplay of light and shadow, all contributing to an immersive and atmospheric viewing experience. The visual storytelling elevates the film beyond its narrative shortcomings, showcasing a city that is as much a character as the protagonists. The meticulously staged murders, with their mythological connections, are visually striking and contribute to the film's chilling aesthetic.
However, where "Dasham Avatar" truly falters is in its execution, particularly in its third act. The film's ambitious narrative, initially so promising, begins to unravel, leading to a conclusion that many critics found rushed, incomplete, and unsatisfying. The intricate build-up of suspense and investigation gives way to a hasty climax, leaving viewers with unresolved questions and a lingering sense of unexplored potential. This abrupt ending significantly undercuts the film's impact and prevents it from reaching the heights of Mukherji's earlier thrillers like "Baishey Srabon" or "Chotushkone." The attempt to replicate the narrative twists of "Baishey Srabon" feels half-baked and out of place, ultimately diminishing the overall experience.
Moreover, the integration of the "cop multiverse" isn't entirely seamless. While the pairing of Probir and Poddar is enjoyable, the necessity of linking "Vinci Da" feels somewhat forced, with critics noting a lack of genuine connection or justification for Anirban Bhattacharya's character to be Poddar from that specific film. It often feels like a deliberate attempt to capitalize on past successes rather than a natural progression of a shared universe. Certain directorial choices, such as an overreliance on slow-motion sequences during confrontational scenes, also drew criticism for being gimmicky and even nauseating in some instances.
Despite these flaws, "Dasham Avatar" is not without its merits. The performances from the lead actors, particularly Prosenjit Chatterjee and Anirban Bhattacharya, are commendable. Jisshu Sengupta, as the antagonist, also delivers a strong performance, both in and out of his disguises. The film's soundtrack, featuring contributions from Anupam Roy and Rupam Islam, adds another layer of emotional depth. The commitment to visual detail and the initial promise of its unique premise make it an engaging watch for a significant portion of its runtime.
In essence, "Dasham Avatar" is a film that shines brightly in its individual components - stellar cinematography, strong performances, and an intriguing concept - but ultimately struggles to coalesce into a cohesive and wholly satisfying whole. It's a cinematic endeavor that, while visually arresting and entertaining in parts, leaves a sense of untapped potential, falling short of the high standards set by its director's earlier works in the thriller genre.
