Set in Kolkata, Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox) tells a tale of resilience and strength in facing any challenge head-on until a solution is found.
A debut feature by Tanushree Das (editor of Eeb Allay Ooo!) and Saumyananda Sahi (cinematographer of Cannes winner All That Breathes and a graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India), it held its world premiere at the 75th Berlinale, in the newly launched Perspectives section.
Baksho Bondi offers insight into the unremarkable yet deeply complex life of Maya, portrayed brilliantly by Indian actor Tillotama Shome. Maya juggles multiple jobs to support her family of three: an ex-army husband struggling to find work—he spends his time catching frogs and delivering them to colleges for experiments—and a teenage son who dreams of becoming a dancer.
Set in Kolkata, the film presents a city where the old and the new exist in rigid compartments. Its cinematography starkly contrasts the wealth of the elite with the struggles of the poor. The city’s past glory lingers in its crumbling, disfigured walls, which also serve as a visual metaphor for the film’s underlying class divide. This backdrop frames Maya’s daily struggles as a low-income woman striving to maintain dignity and respect—especially after her PTSD-afflicted husband becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
Throughout the film, we get aspects of her past life: she once belonged to a well-to-do family, received a good college education, and even won sports awards. But circumstances—particularly her marriage—have burdened her with more struggles than happiness. These elements are subtly woven into the script, such as when she recalls winning school awards. The film also explores the societal prejudice she faces for marrying outside her community (a significant pressure in Bengali society), yet this never diminishes her love for her husband. Despite his perceived failures, Maya remains steadfast, navigating his mental health challenges while holding her family together.
Other characters—the wealthy employers Maya works for, the chicken coop owner—add depth, illustrating the social fabric of eastern India and linking Maya’s past to her present. The film emphasizes the unbreakable familial bond, particularly through Maya’s resilience and her son’s unwavering belief in her. This tight-knit dynamic is a reflection of many Indian families.
Tillotama Shome infuses Maya with raw energy and the quiet angst of a struggling wife and mother, balancing dignity with the emotional toll of her circumstances. The film also marks several notable debuts: young Sayan Karmakar shines as Maya’s son, while Chandan Bisht makes your heart beat faster as her wounded, anguished husband.
Ultimately, Shadowbox is simple tale of resilience which touches your heart and makes you wonder how love gives one strength and bonds together over impossible circumstances.
Film Fest Report is an accredited media at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.
