A child widow who is bitter, foul-mouthed, and fiercely protective of her "streedhan" (jewelry inherited as dowry). For her, the gold is a surrogate for the life and sexual freedom she was denied by patriarchal norms. Even as a ghost, she hoards it as her only source of power. Second Generation (Somlata):
Played by Srabanti Chatterjee, Chaitali represents the modern, liberated woman of the 1970s. She inherits the box in a completely different political climate, ultimately choosing to use the gold for a cause much larger than personal wealth. Themes and Cinematic Brilliance 1. Subversion of the "Pious Widow" Trope
Aparna Sen's Goynar Baksho (2013) is a satirical period drama that uses a box of jewelry to track the evolving status of three generations of Bengali women. Spanning from post-partition 1949 to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the film blends supernatural comedy with a strong feminist subtext. Plot Overview The story centers on
, ensuring her treasure isn't stolen by greedy male relatives. Generation 1 (Pishima): Bengali Movie Goynar Baksho 2013 12
If you haven't seen Goynar Baksho , or are looking for a rewatch, it offers: An exceptional story by . A masterclass in acting by Konkona Sen Sharma . A funny, heart-warming, and thought-provoking plot. A refreshing take on ghost stories.
The narrative centers around Rashmoni (played wonderfully by Moushumi Chatterjee ), a child widow who, throughout her life, was denied the joy of wearing her vast collection of jewelry. Even after her death, her spirit remains bound to the iron safe holding her treasure, refusing to let her greedy family take it.
Somlata’s daughter, Chaitali (Srabanti Chatterjee), an educated woman of the 1970s, ultimately donates the jewelry to the Mukti Bahini during the Bangladesh Liberation War, signifying a complete shift from personal greed to collective social good. Key Cast and Crew A child widow who is bitter, foul-mouthed, and
Aparna Sen's direction ensures the heavy themes of partition, patriarchy, and shifting economies never weigh down the film's comedic rhythm [1]. The background score uses traditional Bengali folk instruments, perfectly capturing the changing eras. The cinematography relies on warm tones for the historical eras, creating a nostalgic yet ghostly atmosphere.
The film captures the essence of post-independence Bengal and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, focusing on the changing dynamics of the Bengali joint family.
Goynar Baksho (2013): A Timeless Bengali Classic That Unlocks Generations of Womanhood Subversion of the "Pious Widow" Trope Aparna Sen's
In the sequence of the film (approximately halfway through), something pivotal happens: The men of the house discover the box is empty, and Ratna’s ghost reveals a shocking truth about her past love—a freedom fighter who gifted her the jewels, not her late husband.
Played by Konkona Sen Sharma, Somlata enters the decaying, feudal household as a timid bride. Unlike her husband and in-laws, who are lazy and stuck in past aristocratic glory, Somlata is practical. Guided (and haunted) by Rashmoni’s ghost, she uses the jewelry to start a business and save the family from poverty.
Aparna Sen crafted a film where the box is just a metaphor. The real treasure is the silent understanding between women across generations and dimensions (living or dead).