6 Must-Watch Bengali Movies For Immersive Learning

family watching Bengali movies together on big screen

Have you ever thought about watching Bengali movies? I understand it might seem challenging if you’re new to the language, but give it a try – you’ll likely fall in love with it! Bengali movies are filled with memorable stories, strong feelings, and multicultural messages that make an impact on society because they have always shown progressive transformation and are culturally relevant.

Bengali movies perfectly depict Bengal traditions, culture, and intellectual capital. From beautiful views of landscapes to poetic versions, the movies bring the Bengali spirit out. In this article, I will share six Bengali movies that will enable you to gain insights into Bengali culture.

Origins Of Bengali Cinema

Bangla cinema originated in the early years of the 20th century. It gained international acclaim after great luminaries like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, and Mrinal Sen. Bengali movies showcase that reality and rationality form the foundation of Bengali cinema and are not restricted to just art house films, thrillers, and entertainers.

The Bengali cinema, which has its gross cultural icon and is sympathetic to emotions, is one of the biggest parts of Indian cinema. The first Bengali film was Billwamangal, which was released in 1919. This film was silent, and D. B. Deodhar directed it. This film depicts the life of Billwamangal, the legendary poet of India.

6 Films That Showcase The Richness Of Bengali Culture

Below are six Bengali movies I’ve watched — some in my childhood, some during college, and a few in recent years. All these films hold a special place in my heart as they capture the true spirit of Bengalis and their lives.

1. Pather Panchali – 1955 (পথের পাঁচালী – ১৯৫৫)

English meaning: Song of the Road

The first film that opened a new world for Bengali cinema was Pather Panchali (1955) by Satyajit Ray. This movie portrays struggles, storms, and sunlight, which can best be described as the life of a rural family in Bengal. Set apart from Calcutta, the film, based on the novel by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, reflects the Bengal countryside and follows the childhood of a boy named Apu and his sister, Durga. It revolves mostly around their poor yet aspiring lifestyle and their life’s subject matters, which are poverty, family, and survival.

I remember watching this movie during my winter holiday. It was a winter evening, and all our neighborhood friends were having a picnic on our house’s terrace. I still recall the quiet moments when the film’s raw emotions touched our hearts, leaving many of us teary-eyed. Despite the chill in the air, the powerful message of resilience and the family bond created an indescribable warmth among us.

2. Charulata – 1964 (চারুলতা – ১৯৬৪)

English meaning: The Elegant Woman

The film Charulata, made in 1964 by Ray, touches the same notes as the other works of unfulfilled desires and intellectual awakening. The movie is based on the Bengali novella Nastanirh written by Rabindranath Tagore, and the story is set in Bengal in the nineteenth century. It is a picture of the life of a pampered woman, Charulata, who gets emotionally attached to a young man, Amal, who is her husband’s cousin. Most focused on exaggerating its characters, the film focuses on Charulata’s psychological issues as a woman who demands mental and emotional fulfillment.

I remember watching this movie with my mom. She is a big fan of Tagore’s works and kept pausing to explain the subtleties, making the experience even richer. By the end, we sat silently, moved by the film’s beautiful portrayal of emotions and relationships in this masterpiece of Bengali media.

two movie tickets along with popcorn on the table

3. Chokher Bali – 2003 (চোখের বালি – ২০০৩)

English meaning: A Grain of Sand

Chokher Bali is a new movie by late Rituparno Ghosh based on the story of Tagore’s novel. This Bengali movie is the story of a young widow named Binodini who goes to work in a Bengali household. As passionate and spirited as Binodini, the intelligent character brought to life by Aishwarya Rai creates tension and stirs the spiritual emotions of the household members. It is important to mention aspects of life such as love, betrayal, and the role of women in traditional Bengali society. It sweetly reflects Bengal traditions, festivals, and emotions.

I read this story when I was in 8th grade. That year, I read many of Rabindranath Thakur’s stories, and Chokher Bali was one of them.

4. Praktan – 2016 (প্রাক্তন – ২০১৬)

English meaning: Ex

Praktan is an emotional drama about love, relationships, and personal growth in the new generation. The film is based on the story of a brief encounter between two estranged lovers of the opposite sex during a train trip. When they meet after years, memories of their past relationship resurface, filled with love, ego, sacrifice, and regret. The movie reflects the issues of relationships in present society. Praktan is considered one of the best movies in Bengal cinema for its music, performance, and acting, which are genuinely emotional and realistic portrayals of life and second chances.

5. Projapoti – 2022 (প্রজাপতি – ২০২২)

English meaning: Butterfly

Projapoti is another Bengali family drama film directed by Avijit Sen. The movie stars Mithun Chakraborty, Dev, and others and focuses on the relationship between a father and his son. This film explores love, death, and how families should hold on to their loved ones despite their flaws. The father, a widower, feels lonely and abandoned, while the son struggles to balance his personal dreams with family duties and expectations. It’s true that the film evokes deep emotions and presents a familiar story. With powerful performances, heartfelt dialogues, and a soulful soundtrack, Projapoti is one of the most immersive family dramas any Bengali audience could wish for.

6. Bohurupi – 2024 (বহুরূপী – ২০২৪)

English meaning: Chameleon

Bohurupi (2024) is a Bengali film directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, and the scriptwriter is Nandita Roy. It is a thriller film based on a real story that happened in the village of Raipur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, from 1998 to 2005. If you like suspense thrillers, you should definitely watch this one. It’s a great success in terms of direction, with perfect pacing, well-constructed suspense, and excellent casting. The film also carries a strong social message, highlighting the struggles of the poor and downtrodden in society.

Recently, I watched this movie in the theater, and I must say this is a great movie of 2024. It is just awesome, with a perfect blend of acting and direction.

Here are ten+ words related to Bengali cinema that will help you talk to locals about Bengali movies.

EnglishBengaliTransliterationPronunciation
Artist শিল্পীShilpi
Sceneদৃশ্যDrishya
Dialogue সংলাপ Songlap
Drama নাটকীয়তাNatakiota
Musicসঙ্গীতSangeet
StoryকাহিনীKahini
Cinematographyচিত্রগ্রহণChitrogrohon
Actressঅভিনেত্রীAbhinetri
Film festivalচলচ্চিত্র উৎসব Cholochitro Utsob
Screenপর্দাPorda
Producerপ্রযোজকProyojok

How Do You Say “Movie” In Bengali?

The word “movie” is translated as Cholchchitra (চলচ্চিত্র) in Bengali.

Frequently Asked Questions On Bengali Movies

1. Who Is The Father Of Bengali Cinema?

Satyajit Ray is best described as the godfather of modern Bengali cinema. He was not only an Indian filmmaker but also internationally recognized for his films, especially Pather Panchali, which featured realist narratives and profound humanism.

2. Who Are Some Of The Renowned Actors In Bengali Cinema?

Some of the renowned actors are Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen, Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, Mithun Chakraborty, and Rituparna Sengupta. They are not only actors but also the legends of Bengali cinema. These actors have contributed a lot to Bengali movies, and by their outstanding performances, they have defined Bengali cinema art in India and overseas.

3. What Is The Difference Between Bengali Art Films And Mainstream Films?

Bengali art films explore themes of self-exploration, social cause, and psychological perspective. These films are usually more complex in content and often less conventional in form. In contrast to art films, mainstream Bengali films are relatively more commercial, focusing on entertainment, love, and tragedy.

four friends watching movie in a theater and laughing and holding popcorn in hand

To Sum Up Bengali Movies

From Ray’s Pather Panchali to the latest films like Bohurupi, all aim to portray the pain and pleasure of life, love, and transformation. No matter what subject matter they portray, Bengali movies offer a glimpse into a world of vivid aesthetic experiences.

Bengali movies are also a great way to learn the Bengali accent so that you know the correct pronunciation of Bengali words and phrases. For furthering your Bengali speaking skills, you must also explore the basic Bengali phonetics.

If you’re interested in learning the language, watching the movies alongside the lessons provided by the Ling app will bring you one step closer to mastering it.

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