Chobiwala (2026) [Movie Review] — Rahul Banerjee Shines in an Uneven Drama

Chobiwala starts with the makings of a thoughtful Bengali drama but gradually loses its way. Directed by Bappa and written by Shantanu Nath, the film follows Vishwakarma Malakar, a passionate photographer whose quiet life begins to change when new relationships force him to confront his emotional struggles. With Rahul Banerjee delivering the film's strongest performance, Chobiwala has moments of genuine feeling, but its inconsistent writing and tonal shifts prevent it from becoming the moving drama it initially promises.

Chobiwala Builds an Intriguing Emotional World

The opening portion of Chobiwala is arguably its strongest. The film takes its time introducing Vishwakarma, an unrecognised photographer whose passion for his craft has left him somewhat isolated from the world around him. His frustrations and quiet disappointments create a grounded emotional foundation.

The relationship between Vishwakarma and Mala also initially feels convincing. Their domestic interactions have an everyday quality, allowing the characters' anxieties and compromises to emerge naturally. There is enough emotional detail here to suggest that Chobiwala could have developed into a compelling intimate drama.

Unfortunately, the film struggles to maintain that focus.

The Story Loses Its Direction in the Second Half

The biggest problem arrives when the screenplay introduces a supernatural element into the central domestic story. The idea itself isn't necessarily misguided, but the execution feels underdeveloped. Instead of adding another meaningful layer to Vishwakarma's emotional journey, the subplot makes the narrative increasingly scattered.

As the supernatural thread becomes more prominent, the film moves away from the grounded relationship drama that worked so well in the first act. The transition isn't sufficiently developed, making the second half feel like a different film from the one that initially showed promise.

The uneven screenplay is particularly frustrating because several conversations between Vishwakarma and Mala are genuinely well observed. Their exchanges carry emotional honesty and reveal a writer capable of creating believable human moments. However, the overall structure feels as though it needed more refinement before production.

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Rahul Banerjee Gives the Film Its Best Performance

Rahul Banerjee is easily the most accomplished part of Chobiwala. He plays Vishwakarma with impressive restraint, avoiding unnecessary melodrama even when the screenplay occasionally pushes in that direction.

His performance is built around subtle details—hesitation, body language, and the quiet exhaustion of a man whose artistic talent has gone largely unrecognised. Banerjee understands that Vishwakarma doesn't need to constantly explain his pain; much of it can be communicated through silence and expression.

His controlled performance also exposes the film's weaknesses. The actor brings a consistency to the character that the surrounding filmmaking doesn't always match.

Debolina Dutta's Performance Mirrors the Film's Uneven Tone

Debolina Dutta begins strongly as Mala, bringing a believable weariness to a woman dealing with emotional compromises. Her early scenes alongside Banerjee have a natural rhythm and provide some of the film's most convincing domestic moments.

However, her performance becomes increasingly heightened as the story progresses. The shift feels connected to the screenplay's changing tone and makes Mala's later portions less effective than her introduction.

Sreelekha Mitra's special appearance is pleasant but somewhat disconnected from the larger narrative. While enjoyable on its own, it doesn't significantly deepen the story or its central characters.

Music Brings Much-Needed Emotional Weight

If the performances provide one major strength, the music is another. Soumya Rit's score, supported by Rupam Islam's vocals, often succeeds in creating an emotional impact that the accompanying scenes struggle to achieve.

The production design and costumes are functional and appropriate to the film's world, although they rarely provide a distinctive visual identity.

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Final Verdict: A Promising Idea That Falls Short

Chobiwala is an uneven Bengali drama with a promising first act, sincere character moments, and a strong central performance from Rahul Banerjee. Its biggest weakness is the screenplay's inability to maintain a consistent direction once the supernatural subplot enters the story.

There is clearly a better film hidden within Chobiwala. The domestic drama, particularly Vishwakarma and Mala's relationship, has enough emotional substance to carry the narrative. Instead, the film reaches for additional ideas without developing them fully.

Rating: ★★⯪☆☆ (2.5/5)

FAQs About Chobiwala (2026)

Who directed Chobiwala?

Chobiwala is directed by Bappa, with a screenplay by Shantanu Nath.

Who stars in Chobiwala?

The film features Rahul Banerjee, Debolina Dutta, Arpan Bose, Shantanu Nath, Sreelekha Mitra, Aradhana Jana, and Rimii Deb, among others.

What is Chobiwala about?

The film follows Vishwakarma Malakar, a passionate but unrecognised photographer whose relationships force him to confront his personal struggles and anxieties.

Is Chobiwala worth watching?

Chobiwala has worthwhile performances, particularly from Rahul Banerjee, and a promising first half. However, its uneven second half and underdeveloped supernatural subplot may disappoint viewers looking for a consistently grounded drama.