Anjan Dutt’s ‘Bow Barracks Forever’ offers a gritty portrayal of the declining Anglo-Indian community in Kolkata. Unlike Aparna Sen’s ’36 Chowringhee Lane,’ which focused on intimate tragedy, Dutt’s film is more direct and unvarnished. The narrative explores the lives within a dilapidated building, showcasing characters from a rebellious housewife to a dignified matriarch. The film’s strength lies in its candor, although it sometimes lacks subtlety. Performances by Lilette Dubey and Victor Banerjee stand out. Banerjee, reflecting on his role, recalls the experience with fondness, highlighting the artistic freedom he enjoyed. He also humorously mentions he hasn’t watched the film. The film, now 18 years old, celebrates the lives of these marginalized characters.
