Into the Wild: A Quest for El Dorado
Amazon Obhijaan picks up the saga of Shankar Choudhury (Dev), the fearless explorer from Chander Pahar, now drawn into a new odyssey. The story begins in 1913 with a shipwreck on the Rio Solimões, where a group of gold hunters perishes, leaving behind a coded map to the mythical city of El Dorado. Fast forward to the present (circa 2017), and Anna Florian (Svetlana Gulakova), a spirited Italian anthropologist, seeks Shankar’s help to decipher this map and chase the legend. Alongside Anna’s father, Marco (David James), Shankar embarks on a thousand-mile trek through South America, battling nature’s wrath and human greed to reach the fabled City of Gold.
The plot unfolds as a classic adventure yarn, echoing the real-life Amazon expedition of Theodore Roosevelt and Cândido Rondon. From savage tribes to deadly wildlife—think anacondas, jaguars, and black caimans—the trio faces a gauntlet of peril. Mukherjee weaves in a tale of discovery and survival, with Shankar’s grit tested by gold-hungry bandits and the Amazon’s unforgiving terrain. Posts on X from 2017 praised its “gripping direction” and “stupendous action,” hinting at a narrative that balances thrills with a touch of human connection—Anna’s quest tied to her father’s legacy, Shankar’s to his insatiable wanderlust. It’s a rollercoaster of danger and wonder, shot with audacity across Brazil’s rivers and jungles.
A Cast Carved for Adventure
Dev anchors Amazon Obhijaan as Shankar, bringing a rugged charisma that’s equal parts Indiana Jones and local hero. Fresh off his Chander Pahar triumph, he dives into the role with physicality and charm—scaling cliffs, wrestling beasts, and even nursing a real foot injury from a branch piercing his boot during filming (as he shared with The Telegraph). His Shankar is a Bengali icon reborn, his stoic resolve shining through every frame. Svetlana Gulakova’s Anna adds a fiery spark, her anthropologist’s intellect clashing with the jungle’s chaos, while David James’ Marco lends gravitas as a weathered dreamer chasing his past.
The supporting cast fleshes out the expedition’s stakes. Eduardo Munniz as Ankoma, a local guide, brings quiet strength, while Roney Facchini’s Dr. Ditmer offers a scholarly edge. Laboni Sarkar pops in briefly, grounding Shankar’s Indian roots before the Amazon calls. Shot across Bolpur (for home scenes) and Brazil’s Rio Negro and Rio Solimões (for the underwater and jungle chaos), the ensemble’s chemistry thrives amid real danger—Dev recounted a near-miss when a tree fell during filming. It’s a team effort that mirrors the film’s own bold gamble, with Mukherjee’s direction wrangling both actors and nature into a cohesive thrill ride.
A Visual and Sonic Expedition
Amazon Obhijaan is a feast for the senses, its $3 million budget (20 crore INR) stretched to stunning effect. Cinematographer Soumik Haldar—lauded as one of India’s finest—captures the Amazon’s raw beauty: emerald canopies, murky rivers, and sun-dappled ruins that feel ripped from a lost world. The underwater sequences, shot in Brazil’s treacherous waters, dazzle with their daring—think Shankar dodging caimans in murky depths. CGI stumbles occasionally (some X posts griped about “ass-paining” effects), but the practical visuals—like a panther attack or a canoe chase—keep the adrenaline pumping.
Indraadip Dasgupta’s score fuels the journey, with the lone song “Chol Naa Jai” (sung by Arijit Singh) weaving a haunting thread of longing. The background music swells with tension, though some critics, like Bhaswati Ghosh of Ei Samay, found it uneven. At 140 minutes, the film’s pacing dips mid-journey—narrative tangents slow the trek—but the third act erupts with a showdown that’s worth the wait. Released in Bengali, then dubbed into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese, it broke barriers as the first Bengali film to hit UK theaters in 30 years (January 12, 2018), its 320×190-foot poster earning a Guinness nod as India’s biggest ever.
A Milestone with Muddy Boots
Amazon Obhijaan isn’t just a movie—it’s a milestone. Marking Shree Venkatesh Films’ 100th production, it outgrossed every Bengali film before it, a feat Ronita Goswami of Zee 24 Ghanta (4/5 stars) called “a remarkable feat in Indian cinema.” Its ambition—shooting in the Amazon, not a studio—earned raves, even if Sayantan Mondal of The Quint slammed its “cringe dialogues” and “lethargic” stretches. Ghosh’s Ei Samay review (3.5/5) dubbed it “Bengal’s answer to Baahubali,” praising its scale but noting VFX and screenplay hiccups. X posts from 2017 echoed the hype, with fans like @rohitjswl01 calling it a “visual treat” and “mindblowing.”
The film’s legacy lies in its guts. A $3 million budget pales next to Hollywood’s $100 million epics, yet Amazon Obhijaan dares to dream big—diving into uncharted waters, literally and figuratively. It’s not flawless: the effects falter, the script meanders, and Shankar’s explorer vibe occasionally feels more salesman than swashbuckler (per Mondal). But its heart—tied to real expeditions and Bengali pride—beats loud, making it a cultural triumph that proves regional cinema can roar on a global stage.
Thanks and a Call to Explore More
Thanks for venturing into Amazon Obhijaan (2017) with me! This jungle epic’s wild ride has me itching to revisit its thrills, and I hope you’re just as curious to trek through its Amazonian chaos. Stick around—more cinematic adventures await, from action-packed sagas to hidden gems. What’s your take on Shankar’s quest? Drop it below, and let’s keep the journey alive! #AmazonObhijaan #BengaliCinema #AdventureUnleashed