Language: Bengali
Age Rating: UA13+
Genre: Drama / Slice-of-Life
Suman Ghosh’s Puratawn is a cinematic ode to memory, nostalgia, and the delicate bonds of family. Marking the return of the legendary Sharmila Tagore to Bengali cinema, this film is as much a visual poem as it is a narrative journey. Released on April 11, 2025, Puratawn eschews dramatic highs in favor of quiet introspection, offering an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Plot Overview
Set against the backdrop of an old Bengali household, Puratawn follows the life of an octogenarian woman (Sharmila Tagore) as she navigates the intertwining threads of past and present. Her memories—both cherished and haunting—refuse to let go, creating a poignant tapestry of emotions. At its core, the film also explores the complex dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship, where love and misunderstandings coexist.
This isn’t a story driven by plot twists or grand revelations but rather by the quiet moments that define human existence—glances exchanged, silences shared, and memories revisited.
Check Out: Puratawn – The Ancient Trailer Review: Sharmila Tagore’s Enigmatic Return in a Bengali Supernatural Saga
What Works
✅ Sharmila Tagore’s Stellar Performance
Sharmila Tagore is the heart and soul of Puratawn. Her portrayal of an aging woman lost in her memories is breathtakingly authentic. She doesn’t just act; she inhabits the role, using silence and subtle expressions to convey emotions that words cannot.
✅ Visual Poetry in Cinematography
The film’s cinematography captures textures with meditative beauty—ancient caves, overgrown roots reclaiming buildings, and the soft light filtering through old windows. Every frame feels like a painting, adding depth to the narrative.
✅ Themes of Nostalgia and Memory
The film’s exploration of memory is universal yet deeply personal. It delves into how our past shapes our present and how we cling to fragments of time even as they slip away.
✅ Subtle Direction by Suman Ghosh
Ghosh’s direction is restrained yet impactful. He allows moments to breathe, giving audiences time to absorb the emotions without rushing through them. His storytelling feels intimate and deeply empathetic.
✅ Music That Resonates
The background score complements the film’s emotional tone without overpowering it. The use of Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic song “Purano Sei Diner Katha” adds a layer of poignancy that stays with you.
What Falls Short
❌ Uneven Character Arcs
While Sharmila Tagore’s character is richly developed, some supporting roles—like Rituparna Sengupta’s daughter character—feel underexplored at times, leaving certain emotional beats less impactful than they could have been.
❌ Deliberate Pacing May Not Appeal to All
The slow pacing, while intentional and fitting for the narrative style, might test the patience of viewers expecting a more dynamic plot progression.
Performances
🎭 Sharmila Tagore (Protagonist): Magnificent and nuanced; her performance anchors the film with grace and emotional depth. Her silences speak louder than words.
🎭 Rituparna Sengupta (Daughter): A solid performance that captures the push-and-pull of a mother-daughter relationship. However, her character arc could have been more layered to match Tagore’s gravitas.
🎭 Indraneil Sengupta (Supporting Role): Holds his own in limited screen time, adding quiet strength to his scenes without overshadowing others.
🎭 Supporting Cast: The ensemble cast delivers competent performances that enrich the story’s emotional texture without drawing attention away from its central themes.
Technical Aspects
🎥 Cinematography: A visual masterpiece that captures both the physical textures of old spaces and the emotional textures of human connections.
🎵 Music: The score elevates key moments while staying understated—a perfect match for the film’s tone.
✂️ Editing: While effective overall, some scenes could have been trimmed for tighter pacing without losing their emotional impact.
🎬 Direction: Suman Ghosh crafts a deeply personal narrative with care and precision, making this film feel like a heartfelt conversation rather than a spectacle.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Puratawn is not just a movie—it’s an experience that invites you to reflect on your own memories and relationships. With Sharmila Tagore delivering one of her finest performances in recent years and Suman Ghosh’s poetic direction, this film is a quiet triumph for Bengali cinema.
While its slow pace and uneven character arcs may not resonate with everyone, those who appreciate contemplative storytelling will find it deeply rewarding. If you’re in search of a film that values subtlety over spectacle and intimacy over grandeur, Puratawn deserves your attention.
This is cinema at its most heartfelt—a gentle reminder that life’s beauty often lies in its smallest moments.