Shibpur trailer review: Is Swastika and Parambrata’s film our answer to Mirzapur?

Despite all the controversies, allegations, and counterarguments, Arindam Bhattacharya’s political thriller Shibpur is ready to be released. The trailer of Swastika Mukherjee-Parambrata Chatterjee’s film was dropped on June 13 and takes no time to grab your attention with sheer violence and smart dialogue. 

People who are used to watching gang-war films may not find the trailer out of the box. We have plenty of examples starting from Satya to Gangs of Wasseypur, Mirzapur, and a lot more to delve into. However, it is undeniable that we have not seen much smart, sleek violence on the big Bengali screens. In a way, the Shibpur trailer promises to offer something that we are not quite used to in the Bengali language. 

Also read: Swastika Mukherjee on Shibpur trailer launch: Sexual harassment is not a joke and there is no forgiveness for it 

Besides, the characters are intriguing as well. Swastika looks stunning as a widowed gang lady. Kharaj Mukherjee, who plays the character of a butcher in a local market, seems to chop off human hands as swiftly as chicken legs. His verbal encounter with Rajatava Dutta leaves a mark. Parambrata brings in an intrinsic swag of IPS Sultan Ahmed on screen. Overall, the trailer looks fresh and intriguing. 

However, we must remember it is just the trailer and not the film. There are many instances of bad films after a fresh trailer. Shibpur is based on true events that took place in the area in the 80s. If the film manages to capture the time and deliver what it promises in the trailer, we may expect a good political thriller and our very own gang war film that is not a shoddy adaptation of South cinema. Let’s hope for the best.