Here are the top 10 Bengali films that made us happy in 2023

One more year is over and the Bengali film industry offered us films of various flavours throughout 2023. From the commercial success of Dawshom Awbotaar and Raktabeej to critically acclaimed Shesh Pata and Mayar Jonjal – this year we had all-round entertainment from Bengali films. As the year draws to a close, we give you a list of the top 10 Bengali films of the year that we enjoyed the most. Read on… 

10. The Eken – Ruddhaswas Rajasthan

Directed by Joydeep Mukherjee

The franchise got promoted to the big screen from OTT last year. This year, the second film was released and was an instant hit. With the unputdownable popularity, Anirban Chakrabarti’s second Eken Babu outing on the big screen ranks 10th on our list. 

9. Jongole Mitin Mashi

Directed by Arindam Sil

Mitin Mashi has a dedicated audience. After the first film, Koel Mallick’s Puja release is perfect entertainment for the young audience. Through her fights against the poachers, Mitin Mashi also focuses on safeguarding the environment and the importance of wildlife conservation.     

8. Ghore Pherar Gaan

Directed by Aritra Sen

Also read: Top 10 Bengali web series of 2023 and here’s where to watch them 

This is one of the finest musicals of 2023. The film delves into the life of a young girl – delectably played by Ishaa Saha – who goes to London after getting married and faces challenges to get used to the high-flying life. She meets Imran (Parambrata Chatterjee) a musician and starts to love the city. While GPG failed to make a significant mark at the box office, the film leaves a lasting impact with its music and performances. 

7. Raktabeej

Directed by Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy 

With Raktabeej, Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy storm into an untested genre, thriller, and made a lasting impact. During Durga Puja, Raktabeej was the dark horse which gave tough competition to others. While the audience loved the film, the subject and storytelling have communal biases that are disturbing.  

6. Pradhan, Directed by Avijit Sen 

Palan, Directed by Kaushik Ganguly

Also read: Bengali web series to look forward to in 2024 and where to watch them 

Pradhan and Palan jointly rank sixth on the list. Palan is Kaushik Ganguly’s tribute to Mrinal Sen. Billed as an extension of Khjarij, the film will be remembered for the stupendous performance by Anjan Dutt. On the other hand, Pradhan brings back the hit trio – Dev, director Avijit Sen and producer Atanu Roychaudhuri. This social drama does not shy away from criticising a corrupt political system by taking real-life references. It is a full-on entertainer. 

5. Dawshom Awbotaar

Directed by Srijit Mukherji

This Durga Puja, Srijit got back to business with his ambitious cop-universe thriller Dawshom Awbotaar. With Prosenjit Chatterjee and Anirban Bhattacharya’s delicious bromance and Anupam Roy-Rupam Islam’s hit numbers, the film makes an easy entry to the top five 

4. Ardhangini

Directed by Kaushik Ganguly

More than a story of an ex and current wife, Ardhangini is also about the self-respect of a woman and how she stands by it. It is a social drama that delves into the silent patriarchy that plagues even the so-called liberal humans. 

3. Kabuliwala, Directed by Suman Ghosh

Niharika, Directed by Indrasis Acharya

Suman Ghosh’s Kabuliwala and Indrasis Acharya’s Niharika are the joint third on our list. Kabuliwala not only brings back the nostalgia of the classic but Mithun Chakraborty once again startles us with his gorgeous performance. Subhankar Bhar’s cinematography is a treat to watch. On the other hand, Niharika takes us to solitude. Built on a constant melancholy note, this independent venture of Indrasis Acharya is complex and delectable. 

2. Mayar Jonjal

Directed by Indranil Roy Chowdhury

The charm of Indranil Roy Chowdhury’s storytelling is he takes us through intense and layered plots effortlessly. Mayar Jonjal is a perfect example of his style. This film will be remembered for Ritwick Chakraborty and others’ acting, use of background score, and fascinating cinematography.  

1. Shesh Pata

Directed by Atanu Ghosh

Atanu Ghosh’s film will arguably be considered Prosenjit Chatterjee’s finest performance ever. The film could just be watched because of him. Gargi RoyChowdhury, Vikram Chatterjee, and Rayati are also fascinating. The film is lavishly written and made with great care. And hence, this stands first on our list.