Rabindra Kabya Rahasya (2025) [Film Review]: A Literary Neo-Noir That Rewards the Patient Viewer

Sayantan Ghosal’s Rabindra Kabya Rahasya is a Bengali-language neo-noir that fuses literary intrigue with period flavor. It doesn’t always tie every loose end, but strong performances and arresting cinematography make it a worthwhile watch for fans of literary puzzles and slow-burn thrillers.

Synopsis — History, murder, and a ciphered past

When a century-old crime whispers to the present

The film opens when Professor Abhik Bose (Ritwick Chakraborty), a cipher expert, notices an unsettling pattern: a set of 2021 murders echo a trio of killings from a hundred years earlier. As Abhik’s investigation deepens, clues thread from Kolkata to London and point toward a murderer obsessed with Rabindranath Tagore and the fraught world of publishing. Joined by singer Hiya Sen (Srabanti Chatterjee), he must decode cryptic messages while timelines and motives blur.

Direction & screenplay — Ambition with occasional drift

Mood and mystery come first, sometimes at narrative cost

Director Sayantan Ghosal and writer Sougata Basu aim for a heady blend of literary reverence and procedural sleuthing. The movie excels when it trusts atmosphere—moody reveals, layered clues, and quietly eerie flashbacks. Yet the screenplay sometimes wanders: the first half can feel episodic, and certain historical conjectures are drawn with more suggestion than proof. While this lends the film an enigmatic quality, viewers seeking airtight plotting may find it frustrating.

Performances — Subtlety anchors the enigma

Acting that elevates the film’s intellectual core

Ritwick Chakraborty is compelling as Professor Abhik, balancing academic detachment with dogged curiosity. Srabanti Chatterjee brings warmth and credibility as Hiya, providing an essential human counterpoint. Priyanshu Chatterjee’s portrayal of Tagore is a restrained highlight—an intimate, dignified turn that lingers in memory; a single close-up captures a world of emotion without grandstanding. The ensemble, including Joy Bhowmik, Bidipta Chakraborty, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, and Rajnandini Paul, adds texture; Rwitobroto’s brooding poet is particularly evocative.

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Cinematography & production — A visual poem

Kolkata’s grit and London’s poise, framed with care

Tuban’s camera work is the film’s most persuasive asset. The director invests in a precise visual language: bustling Kolkata streets, shadowed interiors, and London’s quieter architecture are rendered with equal attention. Flashbacks in black-and-white are moody and textured, giving the historical thread a haunting solidity. Costumes and makeup (especially the period looks for Tagore) are faithful and convincing, supporting the film’s immersive world-building.

Music & tone — Safe choices, serviceable payoff

Rabindra Sangeet anchors but rarely surprises

Debajyoti Mishra’s score relies largely on Rabindra Sangeet, which fits the subject but keeps the soundtrack conservative. The music supports the mood without ever taking bold risks; a more adventurous score might have amplified the film’s tension and modern resonance.

Strengths and weaknesses — Who will enjoy it?

A textured mystery that favors mood over exposition

Strengths: polished cinematography, strong lead and supporting performances, and a concept that blends literary history with a detective’s curiosity. Weaknesses: an uneven first half, occasional narrative leaps that invite skepticism, and moments where historical speculation outpaces substantiation. Viewers who love puzzles and atmosphere will be engaged; those wanting strict historical fidelity or rapid pacing may be less satisfied.

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Final thoughts — A rewarding watch for curious minds

An elegant, if imperfect, literary thriller

Rabindra Kabya Rahasya isn’t flawless, but it is thoughtfully made and visually compelling. Sayantan Ghosal’s film succeeds most when it leans into mood, performance, and the strange poetry of its premise. If you enjoy Bengali cinema that mixes literary homage with mystery, this neo-noir offers a richly textured experience—and a handful of uncanny moments that stay with you after the credits roll.

Rating: 6.5/10