Director Samarpan Sengupta's Pratyabartan offers a well-observed yet familiar portrait of an urban, upper-middle-class Bengali family grappling with emotional distance beneath a carefully maintained social facade. The film, released on 1 May 2026, delves into the lives of a family forced to confront their hidden tensions after a scandal involving their teenage daughter.
Plot Overview
Dipankar (Silajit Majumdar), a successful heart surgeon, is torn between his demanding profession and the pressure of establishing a hospital with his business partner (Rana Basuthakur). Meanwhile, his wife (Aparajita Adhya), an NGO owner battling her own dependencies, struggles to connect with their 15-year-old daughter, Disha (Avipsa 'Mishtu' Chatterjee). Feeling overshadowed by her parents' social standing, Disha turns to social media for validation. However, a scandal at a rave party hosted by an influencer (Suprovo Tagore) forces the family to retreat to their ancestral home in rural Bengal. What follows is a gradual unravelling of hidden insecurities and difficult truths.
Performances
Silajit Majumdar delivers a strong performance as the conflicted patriarch. Anjan Dutt fits naturally into his role as the father, while Roopa Ganguly brings warmth and compassion. However, it is Aparajita Adhya who stands out, portraying a woman caught between control and emotional breakdown. Debutante Mishtu impresses as Disha, convincingly depicting a teenager torn between seeking parental attention and the allure of social media, often leading to poor decisions. Kharaj Mukherjee, in a brief role as a psychiatrist, adds warmth, and Koneenica Banerjee brings depth as a school principal balancing two worlds.
Direction and Script
Director Samarpan Sengupta handles the familiar theme with sincerity, but the script has its flaws. Some subplots feel rushed, and certain resolutions come too easily. The first half builds interest effectively, but the second half becomes crowded with new characters, making it harder to stay emotionally connected. The ending, in particular, feels underdeveloped, touching on themes like cancel culture without fully exploring the family's deeper emotional conflicts.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography beautifully captures the scenic landscapes of rural Bengal, but the editing feels stretched in places. The CGI could have been better. Music by Bonnie Sengupta is pleasant and works especially well in the second half, complementing the emotional beats.
Ratings
- Direction: 2.5/5
- Dialogues: 2.5/5
- Story: 2.5/5
- Music: 3.0/5
- Visual Appeal: 3.5/5
Note: The overall critic's rating is not an average of the sub-scores above.
While Pratyabartan may not break new ground, strong performances, particularly from Aparajita Adhya and Mishtu, make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate character-driven family dramas.
