University of Chankharpul: A satire that feels all too familiar

With only one camera and unbending willpower, Monirul Haque Akash showed what is possible in cinema with his newly released film "The University of Chankharpul." A low-budget film with a bunch of male characters is not really my cup of tea, and despite all the critical praise it garnered, I was sceptical. But reality proved otherwise because this film kept me on the edge for the entire two hours and it's safe to say it deserved every bit of its success and more. 

If you like unfiltered dark comedy taken straight from our surroundings, this film is for you. The University of Chankharpul not only satirically represents public academic institutions and exposes the broader injustice that goes on in the name of student politics in a way that feels all too familiar. It exposes the system that thrives on Boro Bhai sycophancy and exploitation of power. 

The scene opens with a bunch of seniors teaching the newly admitted first-years the protocols and guidelines they need to adhere to in order to survive on campus. The striking imbalance in power between the commander and subordinate is established in the very first scene and continues to deepen as the film progresses. 

We witness the inhumane treatment first-years go through due to "guest room" culture, where the slightest sign of non-compliance gets them severely beaten; a leg shaking due to nervousness becomes the reason for intense ragging and humiliation. Not only the juniors, but every single being who enters the campus becomes a target to exercise the political muscles on. The truck driver who uses the road or the canteen manager who just wants fair payment- anyone and everyone here is abused.

But no one can escape from the tyrannical grip of power, even the ones exercising it, because power comes from Boro Bhai, and his power comes from his Boro Bhai and so on. One step wrong, and before you know you are crushed by the very hands that gave you the power. Amidst this backdrop, our protagonist (never named) decides to climb the ruthless political ladder in pursuit of power; what makes his decision more striking is the fact that he left his family and money for it. 

He strives but is met with dismay, as he lacks a bike, the necessary tool to get close to Boro Bhai. While being frustrated, devastated and in utmost despair, he steals a beautiful white horse without much thought. That horse goes on to become his only companion and a strange engine for his political career to kickstart. The horse also becomes one of the main satirical elements of the film. 

If you like unfiltered dark comedy taken straight from our surroundings, this film is for you. The University of Chankharpul not only satirically represents public academic institutions and exposes the broader injustice that goes on in the name of student politics in a way that feels all too familiar. It exposes the system that thrives on Boro Bhai sycophancy and exploitation of power.

As our protagonist marches forward in a world where flattery and shrewdness in the right place can ensure power, his ambition becomes an obstacle for others who aim to reach the same height. As the unsettling power struggle deepens, we can oddly notice ourselves rooting for our protagonist even when he challenges us morally and ideologically. Perhaps that is the testament to great character building. 

The film paces like a thriller, but is still thought-provokingly layered. The screenplay is executed with such finesse that every bit of the film feels organic. The dialogues are sharp, witty and cut right through. It takes the technique of "show don't tell" very seriously, as it focuses on storytelling with finer details, which is why this movie is not only seen but felt by the audience. 

The script does not leave any loose ends, and the conflicts that push the narrative forward feel natural rather than manufactured. The low budget has proven to be a strength, as the usual setting within the hall interiors and natural light promoted a chaotically authentic feel instead of any polished visuals.

The sound design does a commendable job; whether it was building tension, ambient noise or complete silence, everything felt well crafted. The editing sustains the natural rhythm of the film, keeping the grappling psychological pressure intact, even though there is room for improvement.

This movie featured all fresh faces, and every one of them gave a knockout performance. The acting proved to be emotionally poignant, lacking any melodrama or exaggeration that we often associate with typical Bangla movies. Devodyuti Aich deserves a special mention for his role as the main protagonist; he excelled in his turbulent portrayal of an idealistic man corroded by ambition and the system. 

One of the notable aspects of the film is that no character has any name; they are either addressed "bhai" or "dosto" or "mama". This deliberate choice was made, as Akash Haque puts it, "Names honour people. Over here (In 'The University of Chankharpul'), there is no honour. 

You will perhaps recognise these characters, but you will not know them." This goes on to prove how deeply intentional everything in this film feels. The addition of tracks such as "Sohomot Bhai" and "Rajnitir Moydan" was the cherry on top. 

However, audiences may notice the absence of female characters in the plotline, as the story sheds light only on male experience, whereas female students have also been victims of similar circumstances. Whether it was ignorance or a deliberate narrative choice, as the director himself mentioned about the inability to secure permission to shoot in female halls, an absence was felt.

In conclusion, this film deals with a theme that oddly feels befitting in a post-uprising Bangladesh context. It is about time that we stop alienating film from the grim realities of our contemporary society, and use it as a mirror to confront the truth. Aside from creating buzz at festivals and winning awards, this film succeeds in being a testament to the time and society it was created in. And that is the real success.