Winkle Twinkle (2026) [Movie Review] — A Surreal Journey Through Bengal’s Changing Politics

Srijit Mukherji's Winkle Twinkle is not a conventional political drama. Adapted from Bratya Basu's acclaimed 2002 play, the film blends history, memory, ideology, and surrealism into a deeply Bengali exploration of how time transforms both people and their beliefs.

The story follows Sabyasachi Sen, played by Ritwick Chakraborty, an idealistic political activist who falls asleep in 1976 and wakes up in 2002. The Bengal he returns to is almost impossible for him to recognise. Political ideologies have shifted, relationships have changed, and the convictions he once held so firmly now belong to another era.

Srijit Mukherji Creates a Visually Dreamlike Political World

One of the film's greatest achievements is its striking visual language. Rather than treating Bengal's political history like a textbook lesson, Srijit transforms it into something surreal and emotionally immersive.

The black-and-white sequences depicting the 1970s are particularly impressive, with flashes of red becoming a powerful visual symbol of political movements and ideological संघर्ष. The imagery immediately evokes the turbulent atmosphere surrounding Left-wing politics and the Naxalite era.

Clowns, magicians and fragments of memory also appear throughout Sabyasachi's world, blurring the line between reality and imagination. These visual choices effectively capture the confusion of a man whose past continues to haunt his present.

Ritwick Chakraborty Delivers the Film's Strongest Performance

At the centre of this ambitious political meditation stands Ritwick Chakraborty, who once again proves why he remains one of Bengali cinema's most dependable performers.

His portrayal of Sabyasachi is filled with contradictions. He is confident about his beliefs, yet confused by the world around him. He carries conviction but gradually experiences disbelief and disillusionment. Ritwick ensures that Sabyasachi never becomes merely a symbol representing Bengal's political past.

Instead, he feels like a deeply human character struggling to understand whether his principles still have a place in a rapidly changing society.

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Politics Enters Homes, Families and Personal Identity

Winkle Twinkle becomes most engaging when it explores how politics influences everyday life. The film understands that Bengal's political identity has rarely remained restricted to rallies, elections or party offices.

Politics enters friendships, marriages and family relationships. Generations inherit ideologies, challenge them and sometimes completely reject them.

The contrasting versions of Rajlokkhi, portrayed across different periods by Anashua Majumdar and Sohini Sarkar, further underline the passage of time. Through these characters, the film shows how the past and present constantly exist alongside each other.

Music and Supporting Performances Strengthen the Atmosphere

The background score complements the film's dreamlike tone without becoming intrusive. It supports the emotional and political atmosphere while allowing the visuals and performances to remain in focus.

The supporting cast, including Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Rajatabha Dutta, Debesh Chattopadhyay, and others, helps populate this complex political landscape with different perspectives and personalities.

A Demanding Film That Requires Patience

Despite its strengths, Winkle Twinkle is not always an easy watch. The political discussions are dense, and viewers unfamiliar with Bengal's social and political history may occasionally struggle to connect with every reference.

The deliberate pacing also becomes challenging in the second half, which feels longer than necessary. Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Sabyasachi's disappearance and possible repetition of his strange journey remains largely unexplained.

While this ambiguity works metaphorically, some viewers may still wish for greater narrative clarity.

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Final Verdict: A Thought-Provoking Political Meditation

Winkle Twinkle is unapologetically designed for viewers willing to engage with symbolism, history, and political discourse. It may not appeal to audiences seeking straightforward entertainment, but its visual ambition and intellectual depth make it an interesting addition to contemporary Bengali cinema.

Anchored by an exceptional Ritwick Chakraborty and guided by Srijit Mukherji's imaginative direction, the film asks an important question: what happens when the world changes completely while your beliefs remain trapped in another time?

Final Rating: ★★★⯪☆ (3.5/5) — A visually rich and thought-provoking political drama that turns Bengal's changing ideology into a surreal journey through memory, identity, and time.