Tollywood 2022: The top Bengali films that became the talk of the town this year

There are hits, flops, and films that are widely talked about. This has been a good year for the Bengali film industry. The year started with restrictions at theatres due to Covid. Srijit Mukerji’s Kakababur Protyaborton and Aritra Mukherjee’s Baba Baby O partially bore the brunt of the limited occupancy. However, from May onwards, films like Aparajito, Bela Shuru, Byomkesh Hotyamancha, Karnasubarner Guptodhon, Ballavpurer Roopkotha, and several others initiated a good run. Even in December, three films, Sandip Ray’s Hatyapuri, Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy’s Haami 2, and Avijit Sen’s Projapati, are released and are going steady at the box office. 

Besides these commercially successful ventures, many other films initiated conversations and debates on social media. There are Jhilli, Dostojee, Hawa, and many others that are widely talked about. Here, we give you a lowdown on Bengali films that created conversations on social media or otherwise. Read on…

Aparajito

Released on May 13

Directed by Anik Dutta

Some panned the film for lack of originality and some went overboard with the striking resemblance between the lead actor Jeetu Kamal and maestro Satyajit Ray. however, no one could stop the waves it created at the box office. Clearly, the first blockbuster of the year, this Anik Dutta’s film left the netizens divided. 

Karnasubarner Guptodhon

Released on September 30

Directed by Dhrubo Banerjee

Karnasubarner Guptodhon is undoubtedly the highest-grossing Bengali film this year. Released during Puja, the third chapter of Sonada’s adventure utilised every bit of the festive season. The film was an instant success for its entertainment value.

Ballabhpurer Roopkotha

Released on October 25

Directed by Anirban Bhattacharya

Anirban Bhattacharya’s Ballavpurer Roopkotha is yet another success story of Tollywood this year. The film became a box office success purely based on word-of-mouth publicity. Based on playwright Badal Sircar’s seminal work, the film offers wholesome entertainment with a fantastic script and acting. 

Jhilli

Released on November 11

Directed by Ishaan Ghose

Jhilli won the Best Film Award in the International Competition on Innovation in Moving Images section at the 27th Kolkata International Film Festival. It is a raw narration of Kolkata’s underbelly. The film failed to impress the box office. However, it has so far received global appreciation. 

Dostojee

Released on November 11

Directed by Prasun Chatterjee

Prasun Chatterjee’s film on friendship is full of unperturbed love. The drama touches upon serious social issues like communal harmony and received immense love from people.

Projapati

Released on December 23

Directed by Avijit Sen

This Christmas release has everything to make it a success. It flaunts the sizzling chemistry of Mithun Chakraborty and Dev. besides, it is full of comedy and drama. The film is heading toward success. 

Hatyapuri

Released on December 23

Directed by Sandip Ray

After many years, Satyajit Ray’s iconic detective character Feluda is back during Christmas and the winter holidays. With this film, Indraneil Sengupta has emerged as the new Feluda and he has impressed audiences and critics alike. The film has started with a bang and will impress the box office.