Deri Hoye Geche (2025) [Movie Review]: A Heartwarming Bengali Romance

Saptaswa Basu’s much-anticipated Bengali romantic drama Deri Hoye Geche (premiering Nov 28, 2025) is a tender tale of love, fate, and second chances. The film stars veterans Anjan Dutt and Mamata Shankar in lead roles, supported by Apala Chowdhury and Arijit Dutta. According to official listings, Basu directs this 1 hr and 48-minute drama/romance thriller. Set against the lush backdrop of rural Bengal, Deri Hoye Geche (meaning “Too Late”) tells the story of two former lovers who reunite decades later. With a solid 4/5 star rating from critics, this new release promises an emotionally rich, well-crafted cinematic experience.

Plot and Theme

The film revolves around Rishi Chatterjee (Anjan Dutt), a 70-year-old retired Kolkata cop, and Sanghamitra Guhathakurta (Mamata Shankar), a disciplined homestay owner in rural Bengal. Rishi, carrying years of regret and loneliness, disguises himself to visit Sanghamitra’s homestay as a guest. As a BookMyShow synopsis notes, “a retired policeman takes on a disguise to meet his long-lost love”. When the two ex-lovers finally meet after decades apart, a warm yet poignant interplay of laughter, memories, and unspoken emotions unfolds. Director Basu has emphasized that the film explores time and destiny – how small decisions can create a chain reaction that shapes lives. The narrative is concise and visually driven, focusing on those fleeting moments when past and present collide. Audiences are in for a thoughtful, subtle love story that celebrates mature romance and the idea that it’s never too late for closure or new beginnings.

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Direction and Screenplay

Saptaswa Basu’s direction is a standout aspect of Deri Hoye Geche. Basu intentionally avoids melodramatic clichés and instead adopts a restrained, cinematic style. He describes this project as “a love story with time as a theme”, charting the “journey of two characters, destined to meet more than once in different phases of life.” This meta-layer adds depth to what might otherwise be a simple romance. The screenplay, developed by Arnab Bhaumik from a story conceived by producer Saptarshi Sen and co-writer Apala Chowdhury, was refined over months of pre-production. Elements of a police procedural and surprise plot twists are woven in, ensuring the film remains unpredictable. Thanks to this strong foundation and careful craftsmanship, the film feels authentic and well-paced. Basu’s emphasis on visual storytelling is evident: the film “is not very verbose and is completely designed with cinematic treatment”. In short, the direction and writing deliver a fresh Bengali drama that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.

Cast and Performances

The casting of Anjan Dutt and Mamata Shankar is a major highlight. These seasoned actors have shared the screen in acclaimed films like Kharij and Grihajudhha, and here their chemistry is as natural as ever. Basu notes that they “are truly gifted” and that their on-screen chemistry “has developed and aged well over the years”. Dutt’s portrayal of Rishi combines charisma with quiet pain – he convincingly balances the character’s gruff ex-cop exterior and inner vulnerability. Shankar as Sanghamitra brings serenity and warmth to the role; she embodies a sense of class, tradition, and cultural pride that mirrors her character’s values. Together, they engage in delicate emotional exchanges that feel lived-in rather than scripted. Their strengths as actors shine through in small nuances: they often rely on gestures and expressions instead of words, effectively “trimming the dialogue and adding bits in between lines” to create subtle, layered performances. The result is a deeply believable chemistry – every glance and pause carries weight. Supporting actors like Apala Chowdhury (as Sanghamitra’s young aide) and Arijit Dutta (as a friendly policeman) add warmth to the ensemble, but it is undoubtedly the Dutt–Shankar pairing that carries the film’s heart.

Cinematic and Technical Highlights

Visually, Deri Hoye Geche makes excellent use of its Bolpur setting. The filmmakers chose Bolpur (Santiniketan area) deliberately: Sanghamitra’s homestay represents Bengal’s cultural heritage, and a pastoral locale like Bolpur suits her character’s roots. Cinematographer Ankkit Sengupta captures the verdant countryside and cozy home interiors in a fresh, understated palette, lending a serene beauty to the scenes. The rural backdrop contrasts nicely with brief flashbacks to Rishi’s Kolkata days, underscoring the distance between their worlds. Meanwhile, the editing by Md. Kalam and musical score by Tapas Dutta (with lyrics by Arnab Dutta) underscore the film’s gentle tone. Though not overtly flashy, the music features folk-inspired melodies that complement the romance and nostalgia. Overall, the film’s technical craftsmanship – from its thoughtful shot composition to its ambient sound design – enhances the emotional intimacy without ever distracting. This polished production quality makes Deri Hoye Geche feel like a polished, mature addition to contemporary Bengali cinema.

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Emotional Appeal and Conclusion

Above all, Deri Hoye Geche succeeds as a touching, heartfelt drama. Its emotional appeal lies in honest storytelling and universal themes of love, regret, and fate. The film reassures audiences that true affection can endure across years and that people can change and grow. Fans of emotionally rich cinema will appreciate its subtlety: rather than melodrama, it offers restrained, realistic scenes that draw viewers in. By the final moments, the film delivers a powerful payoff – a reminder that late-in-life love can still bring joy and closure. In critical terms, Deri Hoye Geche earns a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) for its strong lead performances, sensitive direction, and overall artistry. With its blend of nostalgia, romance, and surprises, this Basu-directed drama is poised to be a crowd-pleaser for Bengali film enthusiasts. It stands out as a refreshing and mature love story, one that film buffs will likely savor for its sincerity and grace.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)