Puratawan: The Ancient Movie Review : Sharmila Tagore delivers a pitch-perfect performance in this drama

Suman Ghosh has long explored the intricacies of human relationships and the emotional undercurrents that shape them, often drawing viewers into narratives that build toward a quiet catharsis – as seen in Kabuliwala, Kadambari, Basu Paribar, and The Scavenger of Dreams. In Puratawn-The Ancient, he tells the story of Ritika (Rituparna Sengupta), a working woman who returns to her ancestral home to be with her ageing mother (Sharmila Tagore). What begins as a visit soon turns into a journey of discovery, as Ritika uncovers fragments of her mother’s past she never knew existed.
The film unfolds in a gentle, non-linear fashion, interweaving memories and moments to slowly reveal the emotional architecture of its characters. The editing, by Aditya Vikram Sengupta, is sharp and economical. Certain storylines, like Ritika’s relationship with Rajeev (Indraneil Sengupta), feel underdeveloped, perhaps intentionally so, allowing space for the film's visual and emotional textures to take centre stage.
Ghosh’s attention to detail is evident in both character and setting. The camera lingers on the faded beauty of old spaces – the cracked geometry of skin, the play of light on still water – evoking a poignant sense of time and memory. Alokananda Dasgupta’s music, particularly the haunting Dooray (sung by Shreya Ghoshal and penned by Rajeshwari Dasgupta Ghose), beautifully complements the film’s mood.
Sharmila Tagore delivers a deeply moving performance as Ritika’s formidable yet tender mother. Her portrayal is subtle and precise – every pause, every glance layered with meaning. The film gently reminds us of her age, but never lets it define her. Rituparna Sengupta is equally compelling as Ritika, capturing a woman pulled between personal obligations and professional demands. Indraneil’s quiet presence adds weight to his otherwise restrained role, while Ekavali Khanna makes a brief but notable appearance as Ritika’s friend.
Puratawn-The Ancient addresses the often-overlooked emotional terrain of an ageing population with sensitivity and grace. Though the ending feels somewhat hurried, the film remains a thoughtful meditation on memory, identity, and the quiet transformations within families. With its strong performances, evocative visuals, and resonant music, it definitely makes for a good watch this Naboborsho.