Souvik Saha
Movie Rating
Story
After nearly a decade in the making, Kaushik Ganguly’s Dhumketu finally hits theatres, bringing back the iconic on-screen duo Dev and Subhashree Ganguly. The film tells the story of Bhanu, a man who mysteriously resurfaces after years, now living under the shadow of his extremist past. His journey back to his old life, his wife Rupa, and a love left behind forms the emotional spine of the film.
The narrative moves between present and past through seamless flashbacks, gradually revealing Bhanu’s choices, regrets, and inner conflicts. While the core love story is touching, the lack of detailed explanation about Bhanu’s radicalization leaves a gap in emotional payoff.
Star Performances
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Dev delivers a layered performance, excelling both as the younger passionate Bhanu and the older, weary man scarred by time. His prosthetic makeup transformation—crafted by Vikram Goyendar—is strikingly realistic.
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Subhashree Ganguly plays Rupa with grace, lending warmth and quiet resilience to the story. Her scenes with Dev carry the same magic that once made them Tollywood’s favorite pair.
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Rudranil Ghosh is a standout as Jogesh, Bhanu’s loyal friend, whose emotional dance sequence is one of the film’s most heartfelt moments.
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Chiranjeet Chakraborty, Dulal Lahiri, and Alokananda Roy provide strong support, though Chiranjeet’s role feels too brief for his stature.
Direction & Technical Excellence
Kaushik Ganguly crafts a film that is visually and emotionally rich.
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Cinematography by Soumik Halder is breathtaking—snow-covered mountains, misty valleys, and intimate close-ups all feel like fine art.
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Music by Anupam Roy complements the tone beautifully. The romantic number “Ekhanei Biday Bolo Na” is picturised with heartfelt tenderness, while other tracks heighten key emotional beats.
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Editing keeps the story flowing smoothly despite the film’s two timelines, though the middle act could have been trimmed for tighter pacing.
The Good
✔ Powerful performances by Dev, and Rudranil Ghosh
✔ Stunning cinematography that enhances the romance and drama
✔ Heart-touching music and background score
✔ Emotional depth in the love story
The Bad
✘ Some unanswered questions about Bhanu’s extremist phase
✘ Mid-Section Lag – The pacing slows significantly in the second act, which may test the patience of some viewers.
✘Dragged Pacing in Parts – Certain sequences feel stretched, especially in the middle portion.
✘Boring Segments – Some scenes lack energy and emotional depth, slowing audience engagement.
Last Word
Dhumketu is a heartfelt, beautifully shot film that thrives on its performances and emotional weight. While the story could have benefited from sharper detailing and a stronger motive for its central conflict, the film delivers enough charm, nostalgia, and artistry to make it worth watching.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨☆☆ (3.5/5) – A visually poetic reunion for Dev–Subhashree fans, powered by soulful music and strong acting.
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