Souvik Saha
At a time when commercial cinema often focuses on larger-than-life entertainment, Onekdin Por takes a quieter, more emotional approach. Directed by Sourav Palodhi, the film explores themes of ageing, loneliness, companionship, and hope with sincerity. It may not be a perfect film, but its honest storytelling, strong performances, and meaningful message make it a worthwhile watch for audiences who appreciate content-driven Bengali cinema.
Story
The film follows Biswanath (Shankar Debnath), an elderly widower left alone after the death of his wife while his son settles abroad. Rather than spending the rest of his life in isolation or moving to an old-age home, Biswanath and his close friend Ashish (Biplab Bandyopadhyay) decide to convert their home into a shared living space where people from different generations can live together like one family.
Looking after this unique household is Mallika (Chitrangada Satarupa), a compassionate young woman who travels long distances every day while quietly dealing with her own family struggles and emotional challenges. As new residents enter the home, each carrying loneliness, illness, financial hardship, or personal loss, the film highlights how compassion and human connection can give people a renewed purpose in life.
The premise is emotionally engaging and socially relevant. However, while the idea is strong, the screenplay doesn’t always make the most of it.
Performances
The biggest strength of Onekdin Por is undoubtedly its performances.
Chitrangada Satarupa delivers the standout performance of the film. As Mallika, she brings warmth, maturity, and emotional honesty to every scene. Her natural acting and expressive screen presence make her the emotional anchor of the story.
Shankar Debnath portrays Biswanath with dignity and restraint, while Biplab Bandyopadhyay adds warmth and authenticity as his lifelong friend. Their chemistry feels believable and heartfelt.
The supporting cast, including Bimal Giri, Shubhankar Ghatak, Suparna Das, Debesh Ray Chowdhury, Madhumita Sengupta, and Seema Mukhopadhyay, all contribute sincere performances, although some characters could have benefited from stronger development.
Music & Technical Aspects
The music is one of the film’s strongest assets. Composer Saptak Sanai Das creates a soulful soundtrack that beautifully complements the emotional tone of the narrative. The song “Megheder Naam,” sung by Durnibar Saha with lyrics by Dhrubajyoti Chakraborty, is particularly memorable and leaves a lasting impression.
Sourav Palodhi also fills the film with nostalgic touches—old neighbourhoods, bus journeys, roadside tea stalls, handwritten letters, and simple everyday moments—that create a comforting atmosphere. The cinematography embraces simplicity and occasionally reflects the director’s theatrical storytelling style with visually pleasing compositions.
A Special Mention
Producer Prosenjit Chatterjee deserves special appreciation for backing a film that moves beyond the usual commercial formula. At a time when market-driven entertainers dominate the box office, supporting a content-driven story like Onekdin Por is a bold creative decision. Regardless of the film’s imperfections, it reflects a sincere attempt to tell a meaningful story rooted in human emotions, and Prosenjit deserves recognition for encouraging such cinema in the Bengali film industry.
What Works
- Excellent performance by Chitrangada Satarupa
- Heartwarming and socially relevant subject
- Strong chemistry between the senior actors
- Soulful music and memorable songs
- Nostalgic atmosphere and emotional message
- Honest attempt to tell a meaningful story
What Doesn’t Work
Despite its emotional sincerity, the film struggles with pacing. The second half feels stretched, and several scenes become repetitive, reducing the overall impact. The screenplay lacks enough dramatic conflict to consistently hold the audience’s attention, and tighter editing would have made the emotional moments even more effective.
Some supporting characters are introduced with interesting backstories but are not explored in enough depth, leaving certain emotional arcs feeling incomplete.
Final Verdict
Onekdin Por is a sincere and heartfelt Bengali drama that reminds us of the importance of companionship, kindness, and finding purpose in life. While the screenplay and pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential, the film succeeds because of its genuine emotions, memorable music, and strong performances.
It may not be a flawless cinematic experience, but it is a film made with honesty and heart. Audiences who enjoy emotional, relationship-driven stories will find enough to appreciate, even if the narrative occasionally loses momentum.
Cine Kolkata Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
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