The Bengali film industry has kicked off 2026 with a light-hearted yet thought-provoking offering, "Nari Choritro Bejay Jotil." Released on January 9, this comedy-drama stars Ankush Hazra and Oindrila Sen in lead roles, directed by Sumeet Goradia. The film presents a familiar fantasy premise but wraps it in local flavour and contemporary social commentary, earning a 3.5-star rating from both critics and early audiences.
A Plot with a Familiar Yet Fresh Twist
The narrative centres on Jagatdata, affectionately called Jhontu (Ankush Hazra), an event planner grappling with everyday life. His world takes a bizarre turn when he mysteriously acquires the ability to hear women's thoughts. While the core idea echoes Hollywood's What Women Want, the screenplay by Sreejib effectively localises the concept. Jhontu, who harbours quiet feelings for his long-term tenant Aankhi (Oindrila Sen), initially sees this power as a tool for personal gain.
What follows is a fast-paced story structured through multiple flashbacks, narrated by the veteran Prosenjit Chatterjee. The film uses Jhontu's newfound ability as a lens to explore the inner lives, insecurities, and unspoken contributions of the women around him, including his mother, grandmother, and sister.
Strengths in Performance and Presentation
The film's success hinges on its relatable characters and consistent humour. Ankush Hazra delivers a confident performance, balancing Jhontu's comic misadventures with his journey toward self-realisation. Oindrila Sen brings a necessary warmth and restraint to Aankhi, grounding the film's emotional core. Debraj Bhattacharya is a natural fit as Jhontu's best friend, while supporting acts by Sohag Sen, Ipshita Mukherjee, and Sohini Sengupta add depth and keep the emotional graph steady.
Technically, the film is vibrant and energetic. Animesh Ghorui's cinematography is vivid, perfectly matching the film's breezy tone. The music, composed by Silajit, Ishan Mitra, and B-Show, features popular reimagined numbers like "Danda Tudung Tudung" and "Shono Go Dokhino Hawa," adding to the overall entertainment quotient.
Beneath the Laughter: A Social Message
While packaged as a mainstream romantic comedy, Nari Choritro Bejay Jotil attempts to weave in a significant social subtext. Beneath the layer of situational jokes and fantasy, the film comments on patriarchal perspectives and how society often overlooks the unpaid, unnoticed labour of women. It questions the skewed lens through which feminism is sometimes viewed, particularly in traditional settings.
The film is not without its flaws. The plot stumbles in the latter half, with some climactic developments feeling rushed and absurd. However, the strong performances and the film's self-aware, engaging nature help it overcome these hiccups.
In conclusion, "Nari Choritro Bejay Jotil" is a crowd-pleaser that manages to entertain while prompting reflection. It marks another successful collaboration between Ankush Hazra and the director duo Sumeet–Saahil after Mirza. For audiences seeking a funny, feel-good movie with a heart and a hint of a message, this Bengali release is a worthy watch.
