Jean-Luc Godard once remarked, “I pity the French cinema because it has no money. I pity the American cinema because it has no ideas.” This quote came to mind while watching 'Accident (2012)', a Bengali film directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee. While Bengali cinema occasionally delivers commendable works, it often struggles to find a wide audience. Meanwhile, several other Indian film industries thrive despite producing largely formulaic content.

Thematically, 'Accident' bears a resemblance to Atom Egoyan’s 'The Sweet Hereafter.' Both films explore the aftermath of a tragic bus accident involving schoolchildren—though in 'Accident', the tragedy is singular, whereas 'The Sweet Hereafter' deals with a collective loss. Without revealing too much of the plot, Accident intertwines contemporary issues such as rampant corruption, shifting moral values, and societal awakening. The second half transforms into a gripping ‘fight for justice’ thriller, as public outrage builds against a powerful nexus of corporate tycoons, bus owners, and politicians. The film’s depiction of mobilizing public opinion echoes the real-life protests seen during the R.G. Kar case last year.

While some sequences stretch credibility, 'Accident' remains a commendable effort in highlighting a pressing societal issue while crafting an engaging narrative. Shiboprosad Mukherjee delivers a compelling performance as the grieving yet determined father, while Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Debshankar Halder, and Rudranil Ghosh lend solid support.