Abohomaan 2009

In the film, Aniket, a distinguished filmmaker from Bengal, played by Dipankar Dey, shares a deep connection with his wife Deepti, portrayed by Mamata Shankar, an actress who once sacrificed her career for love and marriage. Together, with their only son Apratim, played by Jisshu Sengupta, they form a seemingly perfect family. Their lives take a complex turn when Aniket auditions a young actress named Shikha, performed by Ananya Chatterjee. Shikha bears an eerie resemblance to a young Deepti, which ignites a series of emotional and psychological challenges.

Deepti, with her unwavering enthusiasm, begins to coach Shikha for her husband’s upcoming film. As she mentors her, Shikha begins to resemble the woman Deepti once was in her youth, capturing Aniket’s attention and affection in ways that threaten their family’s stability. Despite the appearance of love between Aniket and Shikha, the film reveals that her presence is more of a muse for Aniket than a true romantic interest. Her talent, spontaneity, and vibrant personality captured his admiration in a way that brought to mind his wife Deepti, whom he affectionately called Sreemoti—the name originally given to her. Deepti later passed this nickname on to Shikha, further blurring the lines between admiration and love.

Throughout the story, there are layers of emotional depth and subtle symbolism. Aniket’s perspective makes it clear that his feelings for Shikha are intertwined with his memories and idealizations of Deepti, blurring the boundaries between love, obsession, and artistic inspiration. In a poignant moment towards the end of the movie, as Aniket’s health deteriorates, he yearns to see Sreemoti again, believing her to be present — this time embodied by Deepti, who appears before him in his last moments. His desire to see her reflects the complex nature of his love, which transcends the physical and touches the realm of memory and longing.

The film draws parallels to the relationship between the renowned theater director Girish Chandra Ghosh and the legendary actress [Binodini Dasi], emphasizing the themes of love, loss, and the passing of time. There is also an element of inevitable repetition or inheritance of flawed relationships, as seen when Apratim, the son, lies to his wife just as his father did, suggesting that the cycle of hidden truths and unspoken emotions persists across generations. The story’s title, “Abohomaan,” signifies the idea of something being carried over or inherited, underscoring the recurring patterns that shape the characters’ lives.

Overall, the movie explores the intricate layers of love, memory, identity, and the artistic soul, emphasizing how past relationships cast long shadows on the present. It’s a profound narrative that questions the thin line between admiration and obsession, and between love and loss, leaving viewers pondering the true nature of devotion and the enduring influence of the past.