Goynar Baksho To Mahanagar: 5 Bengali Films That Celebrate Women Spirits

Bengali films have excelled in their portrayal of women who aren't searching for a "saviour," whether they be adaptations of Mahashweta Devi, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, or Rabindranath Tagore's works, or movies helmed by Aparna Sen or Satyajit Ray. Instead, as they go through the world, they engage in their own conflicts.

From the early days of silent films to the present day, Bengali cinema has always been at the forefront of portraying women in a positive light and showcasing their struggles, aspirations, and triumphs. This article explores five Bengali films that celebrate the indomitable spirit of women.

Parama

The 1985 Bengali drama film Parama is the second directorial venture of actor Aparna Sen. The film is a powerful portrayal of the life of a middle-aged housewife named Parama (Rakhee Gulzar). It explores Parama's inner world and her quest for personal fulfilment, as she struggles to break free from the patriarchal constraints of her traditional Bengali society. The film highlights the importance of self-discovery and individualism, as Parama seeks to reconcile her own desires and aspirations with the expectations of her family and community. At the same time, Parama explores the limits of a married woman's mental fortitude when confronted with a sexually liberating act.

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Sonata

Directed by Aparna Sen, the 2017 film stars Sen, Shabana Azmi, and Lillete Dubey in lead roles. The film takes you through an evening at one of these three friends’ homes where they, now in their 50s, come together to have wine and examine their lives. This film makes for a must-watch for every young and middle-aged woman in the world.

Mahanagar

The 1963 Bengali film Mahanagar, directed by Satyajit Ray, showcases a nuanced and progressive portrayal of women for its time. The film follows the story of Arati, a housewife who takes up a job as a saleswoman to support her family's financial needs. Through Arati's journey, the film explores the challenges faced by women in breaking free from patriarchal norms and carving out a space for themselves in a male-dominated society. The film also delves into the themes of identity, autonomy, and agency, as Arati struggles to balance her newfound independence with her responsibilities as a wife and mother.

Paromitar Ek Din

The 2000 Bengali film Paromitar Ek Din tells the story of two women from different generations and backgrounds, explores their relationship, and the issues that they face as women in Indian society. The younger woman, Mithi, is a modern, independent woman who struggles to balance her career and personal life. The older woman, Paromita, is a traditional housewife who has never had the opportunity to pursue her own dreams.

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Goynar Baksho

Starring veteran actor Moushumi Chatterjee, Konkona Sen Sharma, Srabanti Biswas, Saswata Chatterjee, and Kaushik Sen, the 2013 Bengali horror comedy film Goynar Baksho is yet another Aparna Sen directorial. Based on the well-known story of Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, the film is about three generations of women and their shifting social status as related to a box of diamonds passed down from one generation to the next.