Written and directed by Junayed Alavi, during Bengal famine, a starving man gets into a trouble when he gets a surprise invitation from his landlord. Starring: Kalyan Goswami, Sayanta Dhar, Subinoy Ganguly, Bulbul Ahamed, Gopal Bhowmik and Bharat Sk.
At Hunger’s foundation, there’s a great concept to explore how money and greed can radicalise relationships between the wealthy and those in poverty. To show how it warps a community into being against each other and losing any sense of humanity and compassion. It’s an interesting choice to also try to bring a use of genre into the mix, though sadly there’s a conflict in that tonal shift. Beginning with a traditionally dramatic atmosphere makes that move into darkness and violence tricky and it doesn’t work smoothly here.
While the story certainly works, the way that it progresses feels rushed, as if it just needed a bit more time to develop to allow it to flow naturally. It has a very overt structure which isn’t giving a lot of room for flexibility, especially giving so much of its time to the ending, it feels unbalanced. Although stylistically, going for a traditional, early era horror style vibe was a great choice to match its 1940s setting. It offers a sinister edge and a boost to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the story simply doesn’t get the chance to build enough tension or suspense to match that potential.
The performances similarly have that feel of early twentieth century cinema, going for a bit more melodrama. They give off the tone of attempting to create the old-fashioned villain character, which for a landlord feels very appropriate. However, the actual quality of the aesthetic can’t hold up its end, it’s another factor in its struggle to create an impactful atmosphere. As well as the framing and cinematography can feel lacklustre, which conflicts with trying to fit into that 1940s era.
Hunger has some strong ingredients, but the execution can’t quite live up to them. The story has a good concept but it plays out as if it’s breezing through it rather than giving it the opportunity for some slow, growing tension. Visually, it’s a mixed bag, it feels like the intention was there but the direction and editing lack a standout personality or individuality to bring it all together.
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