🏜️ Sonar Kellay Jawker Dhan (2025) – A Daring Bengali Treasure Hunt That Strikes Gold
Move over Hollywood, Bengali cinema just dropped a desert-set mystery-adventure that blends nostalgia, folklore, and good old-fashioned treasure hunting. “Sonar Kellay Jawker Dhan”, directed by Sayantan Ghosal, is not just a movie—it’s a revival of Bengali pulp thrillers and a love letter to treasure-hunting tales of yesteryear.
🧭 The Story: Old Legends, New Danger
Set against the majestic backdrop of Jaisalmer Fort, the film introduces us to Mukul Dhar, a young man haunted by cryptic dreams of a hidden treasure and an ancient stone said to possess life-altering powers. Echoes of Sonar Kella? Definitely. But this story goes deeper.
Enter Bimal and Kumar, the modern-day Desi Indiana Joneses, on a mission to uncover the truth. Joined by the sharp and fearless Dr. Rubi Chatterjee, they’re up against time, traps, and a shadowy villain hunting the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.
This isn’t just a treasure hunt. It’s a race to protect history, heritage, and a boy whose mind may hold the key to it all.
🎭 The Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble
Parambrata Chattopadhyay shines as Bimal, combining intellect with calm heroism.
Gaurav Chakrabarty’s Kumar adds the loyal charm we’ve grown to love in this duo.
Koel Mallick is a standout as Dr. Rubi, bringing both emotional depth and action chops to her role.
Suprobhat Das as Mukul adds vulnerability and intrigue—he’s not just a plot device but the emotional heart of the story.
Together, this ensemble creates magic, and each character has room to breathe and evolve.
🎬 The Direction & World-Building: A Visual Adventure
Sayantan Ghosal delivers a film that feels polished, atmospheric, and grounded in lore. The cinematography captures the beauty and danger of the desert—Ramyadip Saha’s lens turns sand into suspense. Every fort corridor, every coded message, and every looming threat adds to the immersive experience.
The pacing? It slows down at points, but just when you feel too comfortable, it hits you with a twist or an eerie reveal.
🎵 Music & Mood: Old-School Meets Modern Pulse
Rathijit Bhattacharjee’s music leans on classical textures with suspense-driven undertones. It doesn’t overpower the film—it builds atmosphere, especially during puzzle-solving scenes or desert confrontations. A few more memorable themes could've elevated it further, but the score delivers where it matters.
🧪 Themes: Heritage, Greed, and the Unknown
Beneath the adventure lies commentary on heritage preservation vs. exploitation. The film questions our relationship with history—do we protect it or plunder it? Mukul’s visions aren’t just spooky—they’re symbolic of how the past speaks to us if we choose to listen.
Also worth noting: the presence of a strong female character in Rubi, who isn’t just tagging along but actively reshaping the course of the mission.
⭐ Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Bengali Cinema Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
If you're a fan of Satyajit Ray’s Sonar Kella, Hemendra Kumar Roy’s adventure novels, or just love a good mystery set in exotic lands—“Sonar Kellay Jawker Dhan” should be on your radar.
It may not be flawless, but it's refreshing, ambitious, and it dares to treat Bengali audiences to something more than domestic drama. Here's hoping this franchise continues—because this is the kind of storytelling Bengali cinema needs more of.
