Jazz City: Arifin Shuvoo's Role in a Revolutionary Tale

Arifin Shuvoo's New Role in Jazz City

In 2023, Bangladeshi actor Arifin Shuvoo portrayed the iconic Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the biopic Mujib, directed by Shyam Benegal. In the latest series Jazz City on Sony LIV, Shuvoo takes on the role of a club owner in Kolkata, who shows only a passing interest in Rahman and the liberation movement he was part of.

Created and directed by Soumik Sen, Jazz City aims to encapsulate the essence of rebellion, bravery, and sacrifice that led to the separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan in the late 1960s, culminating in the formation of Bangladesh in 1971. The series seeks to remind viewers of India's significant role in Bangladesh's independence, despite some segments of the Bangladeshi population having moved on from this historical context and Mujib's legacy.

“It is the story of a nobody who found the courage to become a somebody,” the voiceover states, filled with clichéd expressions. The fast-paced narrative places Shuvoo’s character, Jimmy Roy, in the midst of a covert Indian operation aimed at assisting rebels, which includes safeguarding three Bangladeshi students fleeing from the Pakistani military.

Jimmy is a prominent figure at Jazz City, frequented by the elite of Kolkata and featuring performances by the resident singer Pamela (Alexandra Taylor). Pamela sings songs with unusual English lyrics and captures the attention of the club's new manager, Rambahadur (Sayandeep Sengupta).

Indian intelligence officer Sinha (Shantanu Ghatak) identifies Jimmy as the ideal candidate to execute critical aspects of their mission. Jimmy’s former love, Sheela (Sauraseni Maitra), whose compassion for the refugees arriving in Kolkata stirs his conscience, motivates him to take action in protecting the fleeing students (Samudra Singha, Arindam Sardar, Dipagra Banik). Meanwhile, across the border, Pakistani general Hanif (Shataf Figar) grows increasingly agitated by Mujib Rahman’s rising influence, while also dealing with the torture of protestors and the pursuit of the students.

Soumik Sen, known for his work on Gulaab Gang and co-directing Jubilee, attempts to evoke a classic Hollywood vibe through reflections on Bengali culture and historical lessons. However, his approach leads to a disjointed and repetitive series that stretches over ten episodes, covering what could have been addressed in a shorter format.

The amateurish execution detracts from Sen’s ambitious goal of intertwining personal emotions with professional challenges and revolutionary motivations. Given that much of the series is set in a nightclub, the music fails to impress.

Some performances are exaggerated to the point of being comical, such as Shataf Figar’s explosive Army officer and Alexandra Taylor’s over-the-top portrayal of Pamela. In contrast, Arifin Shuvoo, Shantanu Ghatak, Sayandeep Sengupta, and Sauraseni Maitra deliver more restrained performances in a series that struggles with its foundational concept. Shuvoo is a fitting choice for Jimmy, whose evolution from a mere hustler to a brave revolutionary is marked by charm.

Shuvoo’s charismatic presence is one of the few compelling reasons to continue watching. His role in Jazz City hints at a Kolkata filled with intrigue, populated by spies and rebels. Among the enigmatic characters is a priest with a thick accent and unconventional views on forgiveness.