Ruchira reviews Griha Pravesh, a Bengali film that explores a haunted mansion where a betrayed bride finds her trauma and new hope shattered by a guest’s shocking secret, for Different Truths.
The 2025 Bengali movie Griha Pravesh, which I recently watched, made me think deeply. The film stands out as it explores various facets of human psychology and behaviour. A brainchild of noted director Indradeep Dasgupta, the movie’s name itself is replete with significance. Etymologically, it means ceremonial entry into new premises (in both Bangla and Sanskrit). In this case, it denotes the entry of unknown, strange or external influences into the portals of a family house in North Kolkata.
The story revolves around three lost and lonely souls: Titli (played by Shuvasri Sengupta), who was tragically betrayed and abandoned by her husband within a week of their wedding. He proceeded to the US, reportedly on a new assignment; soon after, he vanished into thin air, severing contact even with his parents. For the greater part of the film, the parents are portrayed as they await their son’s return.
Out of a sense of guilt mingled with shame and remorse, the aged parents-in-law, Apratim (played by Kaushik Ganguly) and Srimoti(Sohini Sengupta), lavish their affection on the helpless creature who certainly can’t be blamed. On her part, Titli reciprocates their feelings and devotedly looks after her bedridden, hypersensitive mother-in-law. The trio is supported by a distant relative named Bilu and an old, faithful retainer, the middle-aged Minati.
From the claustrophobic atmosphere of the ‘Rajbari’ (palatial building, mansion), steeped in heritage and antiquity, Titli finds occasional respite in her friendship with Moyurakhi, a beautician-come-single mother.
To keep her fruitfully occupied and distracted from the trauma that she had undergone, the old man encourages his bahu to start a homestay in a wing of their sprawling mansion. This facility is inaugurated during the Durga Puja season; the first guest to check in is Megh Basu, a doctor-turned-avid photographer, who mingles with the family pretty easily, providing medical aid to the aged ones and going all out to help them.
The guest’s presence in the house is equivalent to a gust of fresh air. Since both are young and full of beans, they hang around a good deal. Titli even takes him off on a guided tour of the metropolis when Megh reveals that he is actually a probashi (nonresident Bengali). Their interactions and vibes win tacit disapproval of the two seniors, particularly the mother-in-law, but they decide to ignore it, given the young lady’s pathetic circumstances. Gradually, emotions and passion are kindled in the hearts of both, though Titli tries her utmost to keep her feelings under control.
Now, there appears to be a twist in the tale. Much to her horror, Titli discovers that Megh is in fact a close friend cum sex partner of her ‘absconding’ husband, and that the latter had passed away some time ago! Megh was in town to immerse Shaon’s ashes, which he had carried all the way. Everyone present is dumbstruck. No wonder from the outset Megh appeared to be quite at ease, rather than stiff and formal in a new ambience. His late partner might have duly briefed him about his Kolkata residence.
Also, there is a great surprise in store for the viewers at the end of the film: after the secret liaison between Shaon and Megh is exposed, leaving everyone scandalised, it was natural to expect that Titli and Megh would now move on together. But much to their dismay, Titli decides to opt for her boyfriend of long ago, who makes a fleeting appearance as the film draws to a close.
As a confessed movie buff and critic, I would like to air my personal view at this juncture: Since the newlywed husband, Shaon, had let her down so unscrupulously, Titli could have easily walked out of the house without sparing a thought for the aged relatives. But it was her inner voice, coupled with the milk of human kindness within her, which prevented her from taking such a drastic step. Also, we are told that she was an orphan raised by maternal relatives who hardly nurtured any sentiments towards her. Hence, she realised it would make sense to stay put with her parents-in-law, who were at least fond of her in their own way. These facts need to be taken into account while judging her character in the film.
Ultimately, the film explores themes of resilience, change, and the complexities of human relationships.
Picture from IMDb
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