Bengali movies have such a rich cultural history that includes great films like Pather Panchali, Charulata, Bela Seshe, and many more. Bengali cinema still carries the same legacy and is as rich and diverse as no other regional Indian cinema. It brings out some of the best thrillers, romances, detective stories, and family dramas that you won’t find in any other cinema industry, including Bollywood! Yes, you heard that right. And some of the best Bengali movies of 2023 so far have proven this to be true.
Bengali movies feature iconic characters like Byomkesh Bakshi and films that can touch your heart, even when made in Hindi – remember Piku? That’s the charm of Bengali movies – they are simple, intelligent, and captivating till the end. Now, let’s explore the 12 best Bengali movies of 2023 so far.
Also Read: 10 Best Bengali Web Series To Binge Watch Today!
1. Mayar Jonjal
A gritty crime drama about a lot of things in the life of a petty thief who runs away with a whore’s money but ends up crossing paths with a man who wants to stop his wife from working as a housemaid. The story takes many more complicated turns that raises many questions in the mind of the viewers. This Bengali flick has got good reviews and a 7.2 rating on IMDb. If you want to watch a movie with many twists- this one is for you!
2. Shesh Pata
It revolves around the story of a yesteryear prolific writer who now lives a broken life. He is given a chance to come out of his debt and explore different meanings of freedom. The story also takes a new turn when the viewer realizes that the original story for which the publishing house is offering the writer a hefty sum is about his late wife who was murdered. This sensational movie was well appreciated by the critics and got a 9.3 IMDb rating- a must-watch.
3. Revolver Rohoshyo
This mystery thriller movie is about a detective who works at the Danny Detective Agency and becomes the chief of the agency on the demise of its head- Danny. The first case he receives after becoming chief is of tracing the whereabouts of the wife of a wealthy businessman. Will he succeed? Watch this mystery film to know the full story! This is a nice watch if you want to watch a cozy mystery thriller after a tiring day.
4. Byomkesh O Durgo Rahosyo
It is a detective thriller film about detective Byomkesh along with his sidekicks Ajith and Pandey, who try to solve the murder mystery of the renowned historian Ishan Chandra Majumder and the gold coin and the family that seems to be cursed. It is another one of all the movies that are made on Byomkesh Bakshi. It is directed by Birsa Dasgupta and for all those who love Byomkesh Bakshi stories. It is one of the best Bengali movies of 2023 that you should watch.
5. Cheeni 2
This is another movie in the successful Cheeni franchise. This comedy-drama movie shows the story of a housewife, Mishti, who is ignored blatantly by her kids and husband. She meets a young woman and they both, despite a huge age gap, forge a friendship of understanding and sharing their dreams with each other. Cheeni 2 is a nice women-oriented BFF movie that you can also watch on a date with your bestie and realize the importance of finding solace in a stranger who becomes more than all other relations.
6. Shohorer Ushnotomo Din E
It is a romantic drama about two Kolkata-based lovebirds- Ritoben and Anindita who separate after a college romance to pursue their life dreams. However, destiny brings them together again when Ritoben returns from London as a Ph.D. scholar and Anindita is now a successful RJ. The movie shows their rebounding and talks about the second chances that life gives us. This 2023 coming-of-age love story is not like any other typical romance flick and is a great way to understand rekindling your old romance.
7. Shibpur
It is a compelling crime thriller that revolves around the life of a woman who tries all the tricks in the book to get justice for the murder of her husband. But when the law does not give her justice, she goes beyond the law to punish those who were involved in her husband’s murder. Her journey that started with seeking justice soon turns dark and she becomes the most feared mobster in Shibpur. This thriller drama got average reviews, however, if you want to watch a story that takes you deep into the mobster activities happening in West Bengal then watch this one.
8. Fatafati
This social drama movie focuses on the life of a tailor who aspires to become a big fashion designer. However, despite her hard work, she is name-called for being on the heavier side. She wants to prove that a curvy body is also beautiful and can’t stop her from achieving whatever she wants in life. Will she succeed in doing so? Watch the movie to know Phullora’s full story! Many Bengali movies like ‘Tadatadi’ and ‘Motamuti’ were made on this topic- but Fatafati is considered better than them by many critics.
9. Chengiz
This action crime thriller is written by Neeraj Pandey and Rajesh Ganguly and shows the underworld life that existed in Calcutta during the 70s and mid-90s. It brings alive the charm of the old and Victorian Calcutta while also showing the grim side that existed on the streets of Chengiz. This a great thriller with all the old-world charm that you can enjoy in one film.
10. Aaro Ek Prithibi
It is an Atanu Ghosh drama that is considered a ‘non-genre flick that talks about a lot of things in one simple movie. It tells the story of Prathibha, a 27-year-old woman who goes to London after three months of her marriage to live with her husband but finds herself trapped in a web of lies, fraud, and danger. Now she must find the courage to fight against all odds and get out of this mess. The movie has the capacity to keep you hooked till the end and live along Pratibha.
11. Dilkhush
This romance drama movie tells the story of 4 couples who find themselves lucky to have a perfect life partner when everyone else is dealing with breakups and broken marriages. However, technology comes between them and messes up their lives.
12. Abar Bibaho Obhijaan
It is a comedy-drama film about three prisoner friends. When a fellow prisoner gifts Bullet Singh 100 crore rupees worth of property and gives half of it to the other prisoner friends he has. It is a sequel to the hit comedy movie ‘Bibaho Obhijaan’ and would bring back the same magic that the first film brought.
Which movie did you like the most from the above-compiled list of Best Bengali Movies of 2023 So Far? Tell us in the comments.