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Durbin

Durbin (2014)

Pupul is twelve years old. But, instead of studying and playing like other twelve year old, the only thing that interests him is solving cases. His two friends, Tatai and Bhebli, are equally enthusiastic on being sleuths and assisting Pupul. Pupul calls himself Captain Spark , roams around with a toy pistol and dreams of possessing a durbin (binocular), which, according to him, will make him a real detective. So when his uncle presents him one on his birthday, disaster strikes. Looking through the durbin, Pupul witnesses a murder and decides to catch the culprit.

Directed by Swagato Chowdhury

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Swagato Chowdhury
Producer
  • Saikat Mitra

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Adventure/Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Durbin distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Swagato Chowdhury brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Durbin took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 437 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2014, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Durbin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Suspect, which focuses more on action than character development, Durbin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Treed Murray and Fate explore similar territory, Durbin stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 3, 2014
  • Runtime: 1h 52m

Where to Watch

BongFlix Amazon Channel

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