Nirbashito - This underrated gem is a telling story of freedom of speech

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that we live in extremely divisive times. The level of intolerance and rejection of ideas and ideologies that don’t concur with our own has to be unprecedented. This prompts us to revisit this lesser-known and perhaps, underrated Bengali film Nirbashito. It’s one of those rare films that strikes a delicate balance between artistic storytelling and emotional resonance, while remaining just as relevant even today.

The film’s title Nirbashito means “exiled” and this is a poignant story of an author forced into exile because her words threaten the political establishment. At the heart of the film is a deep exploration of isolation, identity, and the price of speaking the truth that could potentially expose the powers that be. Released in 2014, this film delves into themes that are just as compelling today. In a world where freedom of expression is constantly debated, Nirbashito feels strikingly relevant.

Apart from emotional depth and authenticity, this film renders a vicarious experience where you’re not just watching a story unfold but also living it through the eyes of the protagonist, a woman grappling with her sudden displacement.

Anchoring the journey of this author is the exceptionally talented Churni Ganguly, who also directs this one. As the protagonist finds herself exiled to a foreign land, far from her homeland, her cat and her creative work, Nirbashito cleverly intertwines two parallel stories: one of a woman in exile, and the other, of her cat left behind, symbolising the connection she longs to maintain with her home. As she navigates through loneliness and alienation, the film keeps you engrossed with its subtle yet powerful portrayal of her emotional battles.

You’d expect a slow-paced film like this to wane at some point, but it doesn’t. Nirbashito draws you in with a steady rhythm, shuffling between her life in exile and the struggles back home to care for her cat. The metaphor is clear but never heavy-handed or deliberate—exile is both physical and emotional.

This is Ganguly’s tour de force. She’s restrained yet raw, letting the nuances of her character's pain and resilience unfold quietly. It’s a performance that pulls you in, making you feel her loneliness and her strength in every scene. She is the beating heart of this film, and it's hard to imagine Nirbashito working as well as it does without her anchoring it so effectively. Then there’s Raima Sen, who, despite having a smaller role, adds a sense of grace and understated emotion to the film. Her presence provides balance and empathy to the story. Every time she’s on screen, you feel an unspoken warmth, a connection to the protagonist’s inner world. Kaushik Ganguly brings depth to the narrative and his character holds the emotional threads together, and adds dimension to the storyline.

In a world where borders are closing and freedom of speech is often questioned, the struggles of the protagonist feel more closer to home than ever. This film also speaks to our need for connection—be it with people, places, or even pets—and how exile isn’t just about geography but also about losing touch with a part of yourself. This is, evidently, a story about resilience, identity, and finding strength in solitude. Nirbashito is currently streaming on Jio Cinema, Hoichoi, and Apple TV+ in India.

Well that's the Lost and Found episode for today , I will see you in the next one. It's your host Nikhil signing off for now. Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by Kunal Guha