Point of view
Humayun Ahmed and a movie
We are a people whose penchant for hyperboles and superlatives is indeed ancient and incorrigible. The daily expressions almost on anything and issues of our life probably vouch for that with rather a few exceptions. These are: -We are firmly determined to do this -We are oath bound to perform that -This culvert will be built at any cost -If necessary I will lay down my life for this -The punishment to top-terror 'Akabbor' will be exemplary -Nobody will be spared by any means -Highest quality at lowest prices The above diction and vocabulary can be expanded to include any facet of life and be vouched for with the innumerable roaring of thunder made by responsible people every day. Likewise, we do evaluate persons in the same vein. Someone is either the 'best of men' or 'unbecoming of being called a human being'. Objectivity, tranquility or balance are usually missing in most of the evaluations and assessments, be it about a personality in music, politics, literature or social service. We have seen this even in the case of our only Nobel laureate. One quarter has given him the highest commendations, lifting him into the seventh sky, while many have derogatively slung him into the cesspit. Our congratulations are always 'heartfelt' and full throated and our condemnation of somebody is likewise 'deep', severe and piercing. The fluttering of the whirlwind and splashing of water around Humayun Ahmed are still very vibrant. Undoubtedly, this most popular writer of our generation has received accolades from millions of his readers. However, not enough of a time span has yet elapsed that will determine his quality and genius at an appropriate hour in the future. His “Nondito Norokeâ€, “Shonkhonil Karagarâ€, “Tomader Jonno Valobashaâ€, “Jononi o Josnar Golpoâ€, “Shamol Chhayaâ€, “Aoyomoyâ€, “Kothao Keu Nei†and a host of other literary creations have been masterpieces in the vernacular. These are all about Bangladesh, Bengalis and Bangla, along with the history, the traditions and religion. Now what I am about to tell you will be go against the bandwagon. How did this observer and feeler, if one may use such a term, of this society compose, direct, film and screen “Ghetooputra Kamalaâ€? If it was only carnal aberrations it would be one thing. The story speaks of a perversion, highly exceptional and yet negative in all senses. It is not Europe where people will appreciate it culturally. Nor is it a scientifically advanced society where people will see the 'doctrine of necessity' of the human (animal) body and mind. No, this has been an immoral act. What a contradiction of the thoughts propounded by the half-baked clerics of our society! Besides the main theme of sodomy, the teasing and taunts, et cetera, shown very cleverly by Humayun is unmistakable. This writer has earlier shown incestuous relationships between grandfather and grandchildren. Tagore once said, “Superlatives are never appreciated by Natureâ€. Very high things must come down and settle at their normal levels. Neither strongly nor listlessly, I would like to register my displeasure at this film by this maestro. Instead of effecting a catharsis, the very sights and sounds of the movie have tarnished the otherwise impeccable quality of performance by Tarik Anam along with the aesthetics of the writer-cum-producer-cum-director of this film. This film demonstrates no glow of light. This is not our cup of tea. The evaluations of the writer, especially after his demise, were in many cases wide of the mark. These will surely come down to settle at their entitled levels. However, I am neither qualified nor prepared to make a critical appreciation of all creations of this giant in our literary landscape. My comment refers only to this film, screened recently.
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