Charak Movie Review: Strong Storybuilding, Little Lasting Impact

Prachi Khandelwal

Charak sets out, from its very inception, to pull us into the world of the occult, with a noble aim to question the beliefs we carry to date. Does it succeed? I would say barely, as the final blow never quite lands.

If you enjoy cultural dramas blended with a touch of mystery and thrill, Charak might interest you. Directed by Sudipto Sen, known for “The Kerala Story”, the film tries to explore deep-rooted traditions, blind beliefs, and social realities that still exist in many villages of India. While the storytelling is engaging and the performances are convincing, the film struggles to leave the kind of lasting impact its trailer promised.

The Build-Up (Spoiler Free)

The story slowly unfolds in a village setting, capturing everyday life, traditions, and beliefs that shape the mindset of the people living there. The story does not seem to be in any hurry and takes its time to establish the atmosphere, allowing viewers to feel the rhythm of village life.

This slow-paced build-up works in creating authenticity, but at times it dilutes the core issue the film wants to highlight. Still, the unpredictability and a few unexpected twists sewn into the story keep the narrative engaging. However, as the story moves towards its conclusion, the resolution feels less powerful than the journey leading up to it. 

The cinematography and frames are very well designed, keeping in mind the aesthetics and visual appeal. The costume, the dialogue delivery, and the setup of the village make you feel like you’re experiencing the Charak festival firsthand. It’s real and raw, but a bit disturbing for sensitive hearts. 

Performances

The performances in the film stand out and play a major role in keeping the audience invested.

Anjali Patil delivers a powerful performance as Shefali. Her character is layered — feminist, strong, emotional, yet deeply connected to the traditions and beliefs of village life. She manages to portray this balance convincingly.

Sahidur Rahaman, playing Police Officer Subhash Sharma, delivers one of the most mature performances in the film. His calm yet impactful screen presence adds weight to the narrative.

Subrat Dutta and Shashi Bhushan bring emotional depth to their roles, making the situations feel real and relatable.

The young actors, Shankhadeep as Birsa and Shounak Shyamal as Kanu, truly steal the show. From innocence and excitement to fear in the film’s later moments, their performances feel natural and heartfelt.

What Works

The strongest aspect of Charak is its atmosphere and storytelling foundation. The film beautifully captures village life, its rituals, traditions, and belief systems that still exist today. The performances feel natural and convincing, adding emotional weight to the narrative. Small yet meaningful moments—like the upside-down slipper scene or the conversation about adoption with the line “Khud ka beta toh khud ka hi hota hai”—subtly highlight the deep-rooted mindset in society, making the story feel authentic and relatable.

What Doesn’t Work

Despite its strong build-up, the film doesn’t end on a note that truly stays with the audience. The climax feels less impactful than expected, leaving viewers wanting a stronger or more decisive conclusion. While the film attempts to raise awareness about blind faith and honour killings, the message doesn’t hit as hard as the trailer suggests, which weakens the film’s overall impact.

Final Verdict

Charak is a film with solid storytelling, strong performances, and an authentic rural atmosphere. It raises important questions about traditions and beliefs that still exist today.

However, the film doesn’t fully capitalise on its powerful themes. While the journey is engaging, the destination doesn’t hit as hard as expected.

Overall, it’s a 3/5 kind of film — worth watching once, but not necessarily in theatres. Waiting for its OTT release might be just as good an option.