Mithun Chakraborty turns 72: A look at the iconic actor’s 5 memorable films

Mithun Chakraborty is a movie miracle. The actor, known to all as Mithun Da, started his career with Mrinal Sen's art-house classic ‘Mrigayaa’ in 1976 and was a bit whimsical, not afraid of taking risks. That’s why he didn’t wait for similar art-house film offers like ‘Mrigayaa’. He shifted his focus to mainstream commercial Hindi films and delivered hits one after another. Though the ‘Disco Dancer’ actor’s glorious journey mostly covers Bollywood hits, there are certain important Bengali films that eventually contributed to the exceptional actor that he is. On his birthday we take a look at 5 such Bengali art films that proved Mithun Chakraborty’s excellence.

‘Mrigaaya’ saw Mithun Chakraborty as a tribal young man who is known to be one of the best hunters around, even by the British rulers. But he was thrown to the gallows after being found guilty of murdering the moneylender who kidnapped his wife. His trial and death later ignite a series of revolts among the tribal people. They stand their ground and confront both the British and their zamindar oppressors. Mithun single-handedly made the film a cult classic for his brilliant acting and won the National Award for Best Actor for ‘Mrigayaa’. The film also won Mrinal Sen a National Award for Best Film.

Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s ‘Tahader Katha’ revolves around Shibnath Mukherjee( Mithun Chakraborty), a freedom fighter who was once sent away to the Andamans for eight long years. Solitary confinement in Andaman’s central jail was touted to be the most harrowing punishment given by the British. Tortured brutally, Shibnath’s mental condition got deteriorated rapidly, and after Independence, he had to be kept in a mental asylum for another 3 years. As the film begins we see him being released into a post-independence India. However, he is far from being normal, just like his country is far from normal. This film is another classic example of Mithun Chakraborty’s versatility. While watching ‘Tahader Katha’, you couldn’t help but think why he hasn’t been used in Bengali art films more often.

This is Mithun Chakraborty’s second film with Buddhadeb Dasgupta and he plays his age, which suits the part. Every Bengali movie buff just has to see him in this one. Even though he has been portrayed as a shadowy figure, it’s his pain and regrets that mostly touch the viewer despite the central character being Rahul Bose. Rahul plays the character of a struggling man with memories of his powerful father. It’s true that the social drama moves at a slow pace but the characters are so nicely etched that you won’t really feel the absence of ‘events on the screen.

In this Rituparno Ghosh directorial Mithun Chakraborty plays himself as the ruling star of Bollywood Rohit Roy, whereas Konkona Sen Sharma essays out his die-hard fan Titli. Her admiration changes completely when she confronts him in reality. The portrayal of a complex mother-daughter relationship is further enhanced when Titli comes to know that her mother (Aparna Sen) was Rohit Roy’s love interest once. This film remains one of Mithun’s best performances so far. He essays out his character with such warmth that anyone would be convinced what a good man Rohit is.

‘Shukno Lanka’ tells the story of a veteran artist Chinu Nandy (Mithun Chakraborty) as we witness the twists and turns in his life, both professional and personal. After seeing Chiru Nandy closely, it’s hard to even think that anyone else can play this character so well. Even when Mithun Chakraborty is the main lead he remains simple yet respectful while speaking to others. His expressions and body language are fitted perfectly. The scene where the veteran actor breaks into an impromptu jig in a popular nightclub will bring a smile to your face. His character constantly reminds us about the importance of the title (dry red chilies) as Chinu Nandy’s presence seems similar to the chilies - ever-present and always adding to the hidden flavour, but one whom you may not notice at a glance.