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Sesh Anka
Sesh Anka
Sesh Anka
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Sesh Anka
Directed byHaridas Bhattacharya
Adapted fromChase A Crooked Shadow (1958)
Screenplay byHaridas Bhattacharya
Dialogues byShyamal Gupta
Story byRajkumar Maitra
Produced byNarendranath Chatterjee
StarringUttam Kumar
Sharmila Tagore
Sabitri Chatterjee
Pahari Sanyal
Utpal Dutt
Bikash Roy
Kamal Mitra
CinematographyKanai Dey
Edited bySantosh Ganguly
Music bySongs:
Pabitra Chatterjee
Background score:
Sailen Roy
Production
company
Kalpana Movies Pvt Ltd
Distributed byKalpana Movies
Release date
  • 1 February 1963 (1963-02-01)
Running time
131 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageBengali

Sesh Anka (transl. The final act) is a 1963 Indian Bengali-language action thriller film directed by Haridas Bhattacharya and made by Kalpana Movies, Kolkata.[1] This film was loosely inspired by the 1958 film Chase a Crooked Shadow.[2][3] The film starred Uttam Kumar in lead with Sharmila Tagore, Sabitri Chatterjee, Pahadi Sanyal, Bikash Roy, Kamal Mitra and others in supporting role. Critics stated this movie as one of the best thrillers in Bengali Cinema.[citation needed] The film was remade in Tamil in 1964 as Puthiya Paravai and was an inspiration for the Hindi movie Khoj (1989).[4]

Plot

[edit]

Widower Sudhangsu is going to be married to Soma, daughter of Sir Haraprasad. Sudhangsu is presented as a cheerful person who loves his would-be partner Soma and adores her with all his heart, occasionally gifting her with ornaments. He already declares that his first wife Kalpana committed suicide on a railway track in Burma, stating that she was mentally challenged. At the time of Sudhangsu's second marriage, a local senior advocate, Suren Banerjee comes with a lady who claims herself as Sudhangsu's first wife. Sudhangsu strongly denies and alleges that she is an imposter. In the meantime, a mysterious person named Samadder invades Sudhangsu's house and steals some ornaments of the deceased Kalpana. The case goes for a trial to determine whether the unknown lady is really Kalpana or not. Advocate Suren Banerjee examines all the witnesses attached to the case. The courtroom drama wrestles to defend the unknown lady's position against her proclaimed husband. Sudhangsu starts losing his sanity with time growing out of his hands. Having no other witness to support his case, Sudhangsu's Barrister Mr. Mitter compels his client to telegram Deben Sen, brother of Kalpana to determine the identity of his sister. The story revolves around the activities of Sudhangsu and his past in the courtroom drama. Deben, however, recognizes the unknown lady as his sister without an air of doubt. Finally, Sudhangsu having lost all his reasons confesses how the lady couldn't be Kalpana.[5]

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Sesh Anko
Soundtrack album by
Pabitra Chatterjee, Sailen Roy
Released1963
Recorded1962
StudioKalpana Movies Pvt Ltd
Length0:09:39
LabelAngel Digital Pvt Ltd
ProducerNarendranath Chattopadhyay

All lyrics are written by Shyamal Gupta, Pranob Roy; all music is composed by Pabitra Chatterjee, Sailen Roy.

Songs
No.TitlePlaybackLength
1."Aami To Jani"Hemanta Mukherjee3:13
2."Ankhi Jage Shyamrup Raage"Sandhya Mukherjee3:13
3."Chand Jage Batayane"Hemanta Mukherjee3:13
Total length:09:39

Reception

[edit]

Uttam Kumar played an unusual role as a murderer.[6] The Times Of India wrote ‘Sesh Anka’ which is yet another criminally underrated film. ‘Sesh Anka’ delivers a different side of Uttam Kumar’s usual portrayal of heroism or a romantic hero.[7]

Remake

[edit]

The film was remade in Tamil in 1964 Puthiya Paravai starring Sivaji Ganeshan, Sowcar Janaki and B. Saroja Devi. In 1989 the film was remade in Hindi as Khoj.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sesh Anka

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sesh Anka (Bengali: শেষ অঙ্ক, transl. The Final Act) is a 1963 Indian Bengali-language thriller film directed by Haridas Bhattacharya and produced by Kalpana Movies in . The film stars Uttam Kumar as the lead alongside , , , , , and in key supporting roles. It centers on Sudhangshu Dutta, a successful businessman and widower preparing to marry the young Soma, only for the ceremony to be interrupted by a mysterious who claims to be his first wife, Kalpana, presumed dead. This revelation spirals into a tense narrative of deception, psychological intrigue, and confrontations filled with twists, ultimately questioning Sudhangshu's reliability and past. Inspired by the 1958 British thriller Chase a Crooked Shadow, Sesh Anka blends romance, suspense, and legal drama, a highly acclaimed example of the thriller genre in Bengali cinema during its golden age. The film's crisp editing, sharp dialogues, and ensemble performances—particularly Uttam Kumar's nuanced portrayal of a hero unraveling under suspicion—have cemented its status as an underrated classic and a benchmark for thriller storytelling in the industry.

Development and production

Adaptation and screenplay

Sesh Anka (1963) is a loose adaptation of the 1958 British thriller Chase a Crooked Shadow, directed by Michael Anderson, retaining core plot elements such as a mysterious woman who arrives claiming to be the deceased wife of the protagonist, thereby upending his life and leading to a tense confrontation of identities and motives. The screenplay was developed by director Haridas Bhattacharya in collaboration with story writer Rajkumar Moitra, who adapted the narrative for Bengali cinema while incorporating local cultural nuances, such as indigenous legal procedures and social dynamics to make the courtroom sequences more relatable to a regional audience. Dialogues were penned by Shyamal Gupta, emphasizing crisp, fast-paced exchanges that heightened the film's suspense without resorting to melodrama. The project was initiated in by Narendranath Chattopadhyay under the banner of Kalpana Movies Pvt Ltd, marking an ambitious effort to introduce sophisticated thriller conventions to Bengali filmmaking during a period dominated by romantic and social dramas. This pre-production phase focused on innovating within the genre by blending psychological tension with procedural elements, setting Sesh Anka apart as a pioneering work that elevated the 's structure in regional cinema. Key creative decisions included casting in an unconventional anti-hero role, diverging from his established image as a romantic lead, to portray a complex character entangled in moral ambiguity. The integration of drama, infused with subtle dark humor, further localized the imported source material, allowing it to resonate with Bengali viewers through familiar socio-legal contexts while maintaining the original's atmospheric intrigue.

Casting and filming

Director Haridas Bhattacharya selected for the lead role of Sudhangshu, allowing the actor to delve into a more complex and darker characterization within the thriller genre. was cast as the enigmatic woman, Kalpana, while played Soma, Sudhangshu's intended bride, marking an early role in her career shortly after her debut in Apur Sansar. Supporting roles were filled by , , , and , chosen for their proficiency in conveying the nuanced tensions required for the film's suspenseful dynamics. Principal photography commenced in 1962 at studios in under the production banner of Kalpana Movies, led by Narendranath Chattopadhyay. Kanai Dey utilized dramatic lighting and to amplify the atmosphere of mystery and unease throughout the shoot. Editor Santosh Ganguly crafted precise cuts to sustain narrative tension and pacing. The production faced standard budgetary and scheduling constraints typical of mid-1960s Bengali cinema but proceeded without significant delays. Practical locations were incorporated for courtroom sequences to lend authenticity to the proceedings.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Uttam Kumar stars as Sudhangshu Dutta, the affluent widower protagonist whose impending remarriage is disrupted by revelations that trigger a profound and unravel his emotional stability. plays Soma, the poised fiancée whose presence adds layers of intrigue to the unfolding mystery, marking one of her early breakthroughs in the thriller genre after her debut in . Their on-screen pairing drives the film's suspense, with Kumar's chemistry alongside Tagore heightening the tension through subtle interpersonal dynamics. Kumar departs from his established matinee idol image, delivering a performance rich in vulnerability and that showcases his range in portraying inner turmoil. Tagore complements this with her enigmatic allure, infusing Soma with a blend of warmth and subtle that enhances the thriller's psychological depth. Kumar's nuanced depiction of emotional unraveling, particularly in confrontational and introspective scenes, stands out as a highlight, earning for its authenticity.

Supporting roles

Sabitri Chatterjee portrays Lata Bose, a pivotal figure whose sudden appearance claiming to be the long-presumed-dead first wife of the disrupts the impending and propels the central mystery forward, introducing elements of and that drive the tension. Her character's revelations force confrontations that deepen the intrigue surrounding the protagonist's past. Pahari Sanyal plays Sir Haraprasad, the authoritative father of the intended bride Soma, whose protective stance and social influence underscore the stakes of the disrupted union, facilitating the transition from romance to as he navigates the ensuing familial and legal complications. Utpal Dutt embodies Barrister Mitter, a shrewd whose investigative probing in the scenes uncovers hidden motives and compels key testimonies, including telegrams to members that escalate the plot toward its climax. His role injects dark humor and strategic maneuvering, balancing the thriller's intensity. Bikash Roy appears as Karanjakhshya Sammaddar, whose involvement in the theft of the disputed wife's ornaments complicates the mystery and contributes to the investigative layers by providing key evidence related to the protagonist's history. In parallel, Tarun Kumar Chatterjee plays Deben Sen, the brother of the disputed wife Kalpana, whose identification triggers the story's climactic revelations, heightening the drama. depicts Suren , the defense lawyer whose rigorous interrogations challenge opposing claims and expose inconsistencies in the identity dispute, advancing the aspects by building suspense through cross-examinations and evidence presentation. The ensemble of veteran performers, including , Sanyal, Dutt, , and , lends authenticity and gravitas to the film's thriller framework, with their nuanced portrayals ensuring a credible balance between emotional depth and plot propulsion in the mystery elements.

Music and soundtrack

Composition

The of Sesh Anka features songs composed by Pabitra Chatterjee, serving as the film's music direction. The recording sessions took place in 1962 at the Kalpana Movies studios in . Producer Narendranath Chattopadhyay oversaw the music production, ensuring alignment with the film's thriller narrative. Later releases of the were distributed by Angel Digital Pvt Ltd. The complete runs for a total of 9:39 minutes, emphasizing brevity to complement the story's pacing. Stylistically, the music employs melancholic tunes to heighten psychological tension, integrating classical Bengali musical elements with tense orchestration suited to the thriller genre. The score effectively amplifies in pivotal moments, such as the enigmatic arrival of the who disrupts the protagonist's , enhancing the film's atmospheric dread without overpowering the dialogue-driven .

Track listing

The soundtrack of Sesh Anka features three songs, all picturized on the lead actors and . The , which evoke a mood suited to the film's thriller elements, were penned by Shyamal to align with its narrative tension; no additional tracks are part of the original release. Composed by Pabitra Chatterjee, the songs were originally released in 1963 and later reissued digitally on platforms including and .
No.TitleSingerLengthComposerLyricist
1"Aami To Jani"Hemanta Mukherjee3:13Pabitra ChatterjeeShyamal Gupta
2"Ankhi Jage Shyamrup Raage"3:13Pabitra ChatterjeeShyamal Gupta
3"Chand Jage Batayane"Hemanta Mukherjee3:13Pabitra ChatterjeeShyamal Gupta

Release and reception

Theatrical release

Sesh Anka premiered on 1 February 1963 in select theaters, including Rupabani, Aruna, and Bharati. The film was produced and distributed by Kalpana Movies Pvt. Ltd. across , targeting regional audiences in and neighboring areas. The movie achieved an underrated commercial success in regional markets, performing steadily as a thriller in an era dominated by romantic dramas, though specific figures are not publicly available. Promotion capitalized on Uttam Kumar's superstar status and the novelty of the thriller genre, presenting a departure from his typical heroic roles to attract fans. In subsequent years, the film saw home video releases and digital re-releases, including full uploads on by channels like Angel Digital in October and November 2024, as well as availability on Prime Video for streaming. Its international reach remained limited primarily to the through these digital platforms. Additionally, the Film Heritage Foundation highlighted and screened a preserved print of the film in 2021 as part of efforts to restore classic Bengali cinema.

Critical response

Sesh Anka has received praise for Uttam Kumar's unconventional role as a murderer, presenting a stark departure from his usual heroic or romantic personas and delivering one of his finest performances, particularly in the climactic twists. A 2022 retrospective in lauded the film as a " on thriller writing," crediting director Haridas Bhattacharya's crisp dialogues and masterful script for maintaining unrelenting tempo, while noting its criminally underrated status despite being one of the finest s of Bengali cinema's golden era. In modern assessments, the film holds an IMDb user rating of 8.2 out of 10, based on 155 votes (as of November 2025), with viewers frequently highlighting it as one of the very first and best Bengali thrillers, appreciating its thrilling plot and engaging courtroom scenes. While Sesh Anka did not secure major awards, it has been recognized in Bengali film circles for its significant contribution to the thriller genre, often cited alongside landmark works of the era.

Legacy and remakes

Adaptations

Sesh Anka (1963), a Bengali thriller directed by Haridas Bhattacharya, inspired official remakes in other Indian regional cinemas, adapting its core plot of a man encountering a mysterious woman claiming to be his deceased wife to local sensibilities. The most direct remake was the Tamil Puthiya Paravai (1964), directed by Dada Mirasi and produced by , who also starred in the lead role alongside and . This adaptation retained the suspenseful narrative structure of Sesh Anka while integrating signature Tamil elements like melodic songs composed by . In , Khoj (1989), directed by , served as another adaptation, starring as the perplexed husband, as his wife, and as the police inspector, with additional support from . Set against the backdrop of for added exoticism, the film amplified thriller aspects with chase sequences and confrontations, diverging from the more restrained psychological tension of the original. Both remakes trace their lineage to the British film (1958), on which Sesh Anka was based, positioning the Bengali production as a pivotal Indian that influenced subsequent versions across languages. As of 2025, no direct sequels or further official remakes of Sesh Anka have been noted.

Cultural impact

Sesh Anka marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the genre within Bengali cinema, emerging as one of the earliest and most influential examples during the industry's golden era in the . Directed by Haridas Bhattacharya, the film's suspenseful narrative and intricate plotting, which revolve around themes of and identity, set a benchmark for blending romance with mystery elements in regional filmmaking. Critics have hailed it as one of the finest thrillers produced in , with its often described as a model or "textbook" for crafting effective thriller structures. The movie's success underscored Uttam Kumar's range as a performer, allowing him to transcend his predominant romantic image by portraying a complex protagonist entangled in psychological intrigue, thereby enriching the portrayal of male leads in Bengali films. Its impact extended to inspiring adaptations in other Indian languages, including the 1964 Tamil remake , which highlighted the story's cross-regional appeal. In more recent years, the reuse of the title for a 2015 Bengali mystery thriller demonstrates the enduring resonance of such narrative tropes in contemporary cinema. Revival efforts have further amplified the film's legacy, with a notable screening organized by the in to celebrate classic Bengali works. Availability on digital platforms like has facilitated renewed appreciation among younger audiences, sustaining a dedicated following for this cornerstone of thriller storytelling. As of 2025, Sesh Anka continues to be featured in retrospectives on Uttam Kumar's career and early Bengali thrillers, affirming its place in film discourse without major new productions emerging.

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/news/directorscut-haridas-bhattacharyas-sesh-anka-can-easily-serve-as-a-textbook-on-thriller-writing/articleshow/89041578.cms
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363996/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363996/fullcredits
  4. https://culturalgutter.com/2016/12/08/bengali-noir/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363996/fullcredits/
  6. https://indiancine.ma/KXH/info
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mOzMWmW-S8
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V02O1p0ZIg
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDIYWttpUlQ
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkgBFwtnZts
  11. https://open.spotify.com/album/3Z7RVpC7z5Tud2KuTk4Squ
  12. https://music.apple.com/us/album/shesh-anka-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-single/1330479739
  13. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/ami-to-jani/RhwJazJKXV8
  14. https://www.bengalfilmarchive.com/filmography-details.php?t=OTkx
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhkM4z5YxUs
  16. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Sesh-Anka/0KN67YQSP5D15ZHBW7MDUGOH9J
  17. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3226451470975101&id=1395260657427534&set=a.1395431170743816
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363996/reviews/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0819841/movieconnections/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0819841/
  21. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Khoj?id=047EBCE5DE80D488MV&hl=en_US
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0261001/
  23. https://warnerbros.fandom.com/wiki/Chase_a_Crooked_Shadow
  24. https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/six-bengali-films-of-sharmila-tagore-that-deserve-to-be-rediscovered/cid/1902707
  25. https://madhulikaliddle.com/2021/01/22/chase-a-crooked-shadow-1958/
  26. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Sesh_Anka?id=F989CB7738F28ADAMV&hl=en_US
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