Ekti Raat (একি রাত)

Ekti Raat (transl. One Night) is a beloved 1956 Bengali comedy film directed by Chitta Basu and stars Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen. The story revolves around misunderstandings and slapstick comedy involving two couples when a simple journey leads to hilarious complications. Released on 26 April 1956, this movie became a major hit in Bengali cinema. The plot is based on the story Bhimpalashree by Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay.

The comedy draws from miscommunication: Sushavan and his wife Anita are separated during a train journey, leading Sushavan to travel with Santana, who is another man’s wife. Circumstances force them to pretend to be a married couple to stay at a hotel that allows only married guests. Their adventure, a runaway puppy, and a series of family misunderstandings create a heartwarming and humorous affair. The film’s catchy soundtrack features songs sung by Sandhya Mukherjee, with lyrics by Gauriprasanna Mazumder. Ekti Raat is still remembered as one of the best Uttam-Suchitra comedies and was adapted into a 1990s TV series, ‘Manush’. There is no direct Bollywood Hindi remake of this film, but its story style influenced many Indian comedies.

Key Details:

• Release Year: 1956
• Language: Bengali
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Director: Chitta Basu
• Main Cast: Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen
• Music: Nachiketa Ghosh