Dhumketu

Dhumketu is a film which should have seen the light of the day in 2016. But for reasons best known to film's producers, it remained canned fir 9 years till it was finally released on the 14 August, 2025. I am told it was an eagerly awaited film of Dev- Subhashree duo.

And my God, what a reception the public has given to its belated release! On a Tuesday 4 PM show, the crowd was uncontrollable at an Inox in Kolkata. Every seat was taken. I haven't seen quite anything like this for a Bengali movie in recent times.

No doubt the pair doesn't disappoint. They look fresh like the morning. Locales, somewhere in a hilly town, look beautiful! Mountain trains give it a romantic frame. Snowy slopes are breathtaking. Songs are mellifluous.

Subhashree has always been a natural but Dev has surprised us with his acting prowess. For most part of the film he carries a prosthetic disguise admirably. He looks the eighty year old man he tries to portray.

But what remains a little confused, is the plot. The protagonist of a terror group located in deep snowy mountains looks to be a nationalist but seems he's angry with the establishment. Whom does he plan to eliminate in such a massive suicide bomb attack? We don't know. Is he such an important functionary? Things look a tad contrived and facile. The so-called terrorist Bhanu( who happens to be the elder son of a Bengali teacher) has fled his home as 'powerful' people are trying to eliminate him. His younger brother has been killed.

Bhanu is sent for his 'Final mission' to some place near his hometown. He is in a disguise. He decided to stay at the house of his childhood friend Jogesh, the post master. Jogesh is shocked to see his old friend but he cannot ask questions regarding the mission. Likewise the audience can also not ask for clarifications of Kaushik Ganguly, the director.

Acting wise, Dhumketu is excellent but plot wise, rather weak. Ten years back, Kaushik Ganguly perhaps, wasn't so mature as he's at present. You can not help. What had to be done, has been done. Done and dusted. Cinematography is competent and as said, locales are beautifully captured.

A special mention must be made about Rudranil Ghosh's Jogesh! He's very good in emotional and other scenes. He's an excellent actor, we all know. Dev was a revelation.

A watchable if not a great film.

Good story, Rudranil was mind-blowing, Deb and Subhasree were also good, specially the accent of Dev was way more better than other films of him. Not a masala movie but a good one time watch. Short length, good bgm , minimalist dialogues. The title of this movie is very much justified with the role of Dev .Overall good.

Title: A Haunting Return: A Review of Kaushik Ganguly's 'Dhumketu' Kaushik Ganguly's much-anticipated film, 'Dhumketu,' finally graces the silver screen, and it proves to be a rewarding and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. A decade in the making, the film, starring Dev and Subhashree Ganguly, transcends the long delay to deliver a compelling narrative anchored by nuanced performances and a captivating atmosphere. 'Dhumketu' is a far cry from a typical commercial potboiler; it's a slow-burn emotional thriller that delves into themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the haunting echo of the past.

At the heart of the film is Dev's career-defining performance as Bhanu Singha. Once a man who fled his past, he returns as a ghost of his former self, burdened with a mission and a profound need for redemption. This isn't the action hero audiences have come to expect; it's a vulnerable, complex portrayal that showcases Dev's evolution as an actor. His performance, especially in the later stages with the use of subtle prosthetics and body language, is a testament to his dedication. While the physical transformation is commendable, it's the emotional depth he brings to Bhanu that truly resonates.

The film's success is also largely due to its strong ensemble cast. Rudranil Ghosh delivers one of his finest performances as Jogesh, Bhanu's long-lost friend. The chemistry and easy camaraderie between Dev and Ghosh are a highlight of the film, providing moments of warmth and levity that serve as a crucial emotional anchor. Subhashree Ganguly, in her role as Rupa, is a serene and understated presence. Her performance is poised and effective, capturing the essence of a woman whose dreams have remained just out of reach. While Parambrata Chattopadhyay's role is brief, he makes a significant impact, demonstrating a powerful screen presence in a pre-climax scene with Dev where dialogue is minimal but the tension is palpable.

Kaushik Ganguly's masterful direction and storytelling are evident throughout. He weaves a complex tapestry of past and present, using a non-linear narrative to slowly unravel Bhanu's story. The screenplay, though at times uneven, is held together by its focus on human relationships and the emotional weight of the characters' decisions. The film is visually stunning, with cinematographer Soumik Haldar capturing the moody, picturesque landscapes of the mountains with a quiet poetry that enhances the introspective tone of the film.

While the film is not without its flaws-some critics have noted that the background score by Indraadip Dasgupta can be a bit over-the-top at times-these are minor imperfections in an otherwise impressive work. The film's music, by Anupam Roy, is a notable strength, adding to the emotional beats of the story.

'Dhumketu' is a film that will linger in the minds of its audience. It is a must-watch for Dev's fans, who will witness a new side of his acting prowess. For those who appreciate character-driven narratives, evocative visuals, and a story that leaves a lasting emotional impression, 'Dhumketu' is a rewarding cinematic journey. It's a reminder that some stories, like a comet, may take a long time to appear, but when they do, they leave a brilliant and unforgettable trail.

"Dhumketu" is a never-seen-before intense drama, bolstered by power-packed performances from Dev, Subhashree, Rudranil, and others. The background score by Indraadip Dasgupta and music by Anupam Roy help the movie progress effectively.

However, the editing feels lazy, with some scenes being repetitive. The screenplay is sluggish in the first half, but it picks up pace post-interval. Dulal Lahiri, Alakananda Roy, and Ardhendu Chatterjee are extraordinary despite their limited screen time.

Dev delivers one of his best performances. Subhashree looks tremendously gorgeous, and her performance feels natural. But the show-stealer is undoubtedly Rudranil Ghosh , a definite National Award contender.

Overall, the climax justifies the storyline. "Dhumketu" may not be a masterpiece or a crowd-pleaser, but it certainly stands out as a milestone in Bengali cinema for its unusual experimentation.

Dev and Rudranil nailed their acting. 2/3 of the movie is great and a bit slow but at the end idk what happened and why happened this to Bhanu, I didn't have any clue to justify the last scenes . At the end it claimed that, it's an incomplete story .

But the movie songs are soo beautiful 5/5🗿Arijit , Shreya and Anupam Roy as always nailed it.