Annapurna Basu’s directorial venture Sharthopor arrives as a quiet yet powerful family drama, exploring the fragile threads of sibling relationships and the emotional weight of an ancestral home. Starring Koel Mallick and Kaushik Sen in lead roles, with Ranjit Mallick and Indraneil Chakraborty in key parts, the film avoids loud melodrama and instead offers a slow-burning, intimate narrative.
Story & Theme
The film revolves around Aparna (Koel Mallick) and her elder brother Saurav (Kaushik Sen). Their deep childhood bond begins to crumble when Saurav decides to lease part of their ancestral house to a builder, ignoring Aparna’s equal stake. What follows is not just a property dispute, but a layered exploration of love, betrayal, responsibility, and the right to one’s share. The ancestral home becomes more than a backdrop — it’s a symbol of memory, belonging, and conflict.
Performances
Koel Mallick shines in one of her most restrained performances to date. As Aparna, she balances dignity with vulnerability, embodying the struggle of a woman who must fight for her rightful place in her own home. Kaushik Sen is equally compelling, particularly in scenes that expose the character’s inner fragility beneath his assertive exterior. Ranjit Mallick lends warmth in a brief but effective role, while Indraneil Chakraborty adds weight to the ensemble.
Direction & Craft
Annapurna Basu deserves credit for resisting formulaic melodrama. She opts instead for realism — measured pacing, silences that speak, and conflicts that feel painfully familiar. The camera lingers on the ancestral home, making it a character in itself, while the script raises uncomfortable but necessary questions: Why must daughters still go to court for their rightful inheritance? Why do bonds of love so often collapse under the pressure of ownership?
Strengths
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Stellar performances, especially by Koel Mallick and Kaushik Sen
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A relatable, socially relevant theme
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Authentic emotional tone, without over-dramatization
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Strong cinematography capturing the soul of a family home
Weaknesses
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The slow pace may test the patience of viewers seeking commercial entertainment
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The storyline of property disputes is familiar, though handled with nuance
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Some emotional payoffs remain muted due to the realistic approach
Verdict
Sharthopor is not a conventional entertainer — it is a reflective, intimate film that mirrors the conflicts hidden within many families. It is best experienced with patience and openness, rewarding viewers with performances and emotions that linger long after the credits roll.



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