The Diary of West Bengal aims to be a gripping political drama, but unfortunately, it stumbles from its very first frame, leaving much to be desired. The 135-minute runtime feels like an ordeal rather than an engaging cinematic experience. Despite its noble attempt to highlight contemporary political issues, the film is plagued by weak performances, an underwhelming plot, and technical shortcomings that detract from its intended impact.

Storyline
The film revolves around Suhasini (Arshin Mehta), a Hindu woman from Bangladesh whose parents are murdered during a genocide. Desperate to escape, she crosses into West Bengal with the help of Islamic radicals. However, their aid comes with strings attached: a sinister plan to convert her to Islam and manipulate her situation to influence West Bengal’s vote bank in favor of a particular political party. Atik Khan (Yajur Marwah), the brother of an influential MP from Murshidabad, disguises Suhasini’s identity, settling her into town under the alias of Prateek. Over time, Suhasini uncovers the true motives of her so-called allies, leading to a conflict that forms the crux of the narrative.

Performances and Direction
The film’s biggest flaw lies in its performances. Arshin Mehta shows brief glimpses of potential as Suhasini, but her portrayal ultimately lacks depth and fails to resonate. Yajur Marwah’s performance as Atik/Prateek falls flat, with his inability to convey the necessary emotional intensity diminishing the character’s impact. The rest of the cast similarly struggles, delivering performances that feel forced and uninspired. Dialogue delivery, in particular, is a sore point, with cringeworthy lines that only add to the discomfort of the viewing experience.

Director’s intent to weave a political message into the storyline is clear, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The screenplay is riddled with inconsistencies that break immersion, such as an improbable scene where a reporter abruptly assumes the role of an anchor due to a scoop. Poor art direction further hampers the film’s credibility, making it difficult for viewers to connect with the story.

Cinematography and Technical Aspects
Visually, the film does little to redeem itself. The cinematography lacks creativity, and the use of uninspired camera angles fails to capture the tense atmosphere that a political drama of this nature demands. The art direction is similarly subpar, with settings that feel half-hearted and lacking in authenticity. Even the sound design does little to elevate the film, missing opportunities to build the kind of suspense that could have redeemed some of its narrative flaws.

Conclusion
The Diary of West Bengal attempts to make a bold political statement but ultimately falters under the weight of its own ambitions. The plot is riddled with clichés, and the amateur direction prevents the film from reaching its full potential. What could have been a powerful commentary on socio-political issues is reduced to a muddled narrative with lackluster performances. Despite its glaring shortcomings, the film does deserve credit for its effort to tackle relevant and timely themes.

Final Verdict: ★★★☆☆

The Diary of West Bengal is an ambitious project that unfortunately misses the mark. While it offers a glimpse into pressing political issues, the film’s overall execution leaves much to be desired, making it a tough watch despite its important subject matter.