Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box), released in 2013, is a landmark Bengali supernatural comedy-drama directed by Aparna Sen. Based on Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay’s novel, the film uses a box of gold ornaments as a metaphor to trace the evolving social position and empowerment of three generations of women against the backdrop of a changing Bengal. Core Themes and Narrative Structure
The film is structured around the lives of three women from different eras, linked by a wooden box containing 500 bharis of gold:
Generation 1: Rashmoni (Pishima): A child widow from an aristocratic Zamindar family who became obsessive and bitter due to social restrictions. Her attachment to the jewelry is so strong that she returns as a ghost to guard it from her greedy relatives.
Generation 2: Somlata: The timid but witty daughter-in-law who receives the box from Rashmoni's ghost. Unlike her predecessors, she uses the jewelry as capital to start a business, transforming the family's declining fortunes and establishing her own independence.
Generation 3: Chaitali: Somlata’s daughter, who represents a fully modernized and liberated woman. In a final act of empowerment, she gives the jewelry away to support the Bangladesh Liberation War. Critical Analysis: Feminism and Satire
The "Herstory" Perspective: Critics note that the film provides a "herstorical" perspective, reclaiming the narratives of women often silenced by patriarchal history.
Genre Blending: It is praised for its unique blend of period drama, social satire, and high-quality CGI used for supernatural elements.
Social Commentary: The film critiques the hypocrisy of the declining Zamindari class, where men remain idle while clinging to "aristocratic" pride, contrasted with the resilience and adaptability of the women. Reception and Awards
The Bengali film Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box), released on April 12, 2013, is a celebrated supernatural comedy-drama directed by the legendary Aparna Sen. Based on the novel by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, the film uses a box of gold ornaments to trace the evolving social status of women across three generations of a Bengali family. Plot Overview: A Legacy of Lust and Liberation
The story centers on Rashmoni (played by Moushumi Chatterjee), the matriarch of a decaying zamindar family who was widowed at a very young age. Possessive of her secret stash of 500 bhari of gold, she dies and returns as a foul-mouthed, hookah-smoking ghost to protect her treasure from greedy relatives. The narrative follows three key stages:
The Hoarding (Rashmoni): Representing the repressed desires and lack of agency of early 20th-century widows.
The Capital (Somlata): Rashmoni’s niece-in-law, Somlata (Konkona Sen Sharma), uses the jewels as capital to start a sari business, moving the family from landed gentry to industrious commerce.
The Cause (Chaitali): 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
The film is noted for its powerful performances, particularly the dynamic between the ghost and the living:
Directed by Aparna Sen and based on the novel by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay Goynar Baksho
(2013) is a supernatural comedy-drama that uses a single box of jewelry to trace the evolution of Bengali women across three generations. Core Narrative and Thematic Evolution The film's primary metaphor is the jewelry box
, which represents the shifting position of women in society from 1949 through the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Feminism in India First Generation (Rashmoni/Pishima):
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):
A timid but witty daughter-in-law who receives the box from Pishima’s ghost. She transforms the jewelry from stagnant "hoarded wealth" into active
, using it to start a business and become the family's secret breadwinner. Third Generation (Chaitali): Bengali Movie Goynar Baksho 2013 12
Somlata’s daughter, who represents the modern, educated woman. She views the jewelry not as security or capital, but as a resource for a greater cause, eventually donating it to the muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) during the 1971 war. Key Cinematic Elements Goynar Baksho (2013) - FAQ - IMDb
Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box) is a 2013 Indian Bengali-language supernatural comedy film directed by Aparna Sen. Based on a novel by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, it follows three generations of women and their evolving status in society, linked by a single box of jewels. 🎬 Essential Details Release Date: April 12, 2013. Director: Aparna Sen. Genre: Supernatural Comedy, Period Drama. Runtime: 141 minutes. Rating: 7.2/10 on IMDb. 🎭 Principal Cast Moushumi Chatterjee: Rashmoni (the Ghostly Pishima). Konkona Sen Sharma: Somlata.
Srabanti Chatterjee: Chaitali (Somlata’s daughter) and young Rashmoni. Saswata Chatterjee: Chandan (Somlata's husband). Paran Bandopadhyay: Chandranath (the Father-in-law). 📜 Storyline Summary Goynar Baksho (2013) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
(in alphabetical order) Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay. Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay. novel. Cast. Edit. (in credits order) Moushumi Chatterjee.
Released in 2013, Goynar Baksho ("The Jewelry Box") is a critically acclaimed Bengali horror-comedy directed by Aparna Sen . Based on a story by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay
, the film follows three generations of women and their evolving relationship with a box of inherited gold, serving as a metaphor for the changing position of women in Bengali society. Core Narrative and Characters
The film spans roughly half a century, moving from post-partition India to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Rashmoni (Pishima): Portrayed by Moushumi Chatterjee
, she was widowed at age 11 and lived a life of severe austerity while obsessively guarding her 500-bhari gold jewelry box
. After her death, she returns as a mercurial ghost to ensure the jewelry stays within the family. Konkona Sen Sharma
, she is a timid but witty bride who enters the declining Zamindar household. She uses the jewelry not for vanity, but as capital to start a business and save the family from poverty. Portrayed by Srabanti Chatterjee
, Somlata’s daughter represents the modern woman. Evolved beyond material attachment, she eventually gives the jewelry away to support the Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) in the Bangladesh Liberation War Major Themes
The narrative structure of Goynar Baksho is unique. It is divided into three distinct segments, each representing a different generation of women in a Bengali household, centered around a single, unifying object: a heavy iron jewelry box.
Whether you typed “Bengali Movie Goynar Baksho 2013 12” looking for a sequel, a specific part, or a release date, the truth is that one film is enough. Goynar Baksho is a complete universe—funny, sad, and fiercely feminist. It proves that a ghost can be wiser than the living, and a box of jewels can hold more power than a bank vault.
If you haven’t seen it, stop searching for “Part 12” and start watching from the beginning. You’ll laugh with Pishima, cry with Somlata, and cheer for Chaitali. And after the credits roll, you’ll realize: some boxes are best left opened.
Have you watched Goynar Baksho? Share your favorite Pishima dialogue in the comments below — and no, there’s still no Part 12!
Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box) is a 2013 Indian Bengali-language supernatural comedy horror film directed by Aparna Sen. Released on April 12, 2013, the film is a satirical period drama based on the novel of the same name and the short story Rashun Sunadana by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay. Plot Summary
The story spans three generations of women in a displaced Hindu zamindar (landlord) family, focusing on their changing positions in society through the lens of a haunted jewelry box.
The First Generation: Rashmoni (Pishima), a child widow, is fiercely possessive of her box of 500 bhari of gold ornaments. After her death, she returns as a foul-mouthed ghost to guard the treasure from her greedy relatives.
The Second Generation: Somlata, the shy but witty new bride, is entrusted with the box by Rashmoni's ghost. Somlata uses her intelligence to pawn the jewels to fund a sari business, moving the family from declining aristocracy into commerce. Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box), released in 2013,
The Third Generation: Chaitali, Somlata’s daughter, represents a modern era of rebellion. Living through the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, she eventually gives the jewelry away to support the freedom fighters (muktijoddhas). Cast and Crew Role Rashmoni (Pishima) Moushumi Chatterjee Somlata Konkona Sen Sharma Chaitali / Young Rashmoni Srabanti Chatterjee Chandan (Somlata's husband) Saswata Chatterjee Chandranath (Father-in-law) Paran Bandopadhyay Director/Writer: Aparna Sen Cinematography: Soumik Halder Music: Debajyoti Mishra Themes and Reception
Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box) is a 2013 Indian Bengali-language supernatural comedy-drama film directed by Aparna Sen. It explores the lives of three generations of women and their evolving positions in society, linked by a secret box of jewels. Key Details Release Date: April 12, 2013. Director: Aparna Sen.
Source Material: Based on the novel Goynar Baksho and the short story Rashmonir Sonadana by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay. Starring: Moushumi Chatterjee as Rashmoni (Pishima) at 70. Konkona Sen Sharma as Somlata. Srabanti Chatterjee as Chaitali and a young Rashmoni at 22. Saswata Chatterjee as Somlata's husband. Plot Overview
The story begins with Somlata, a new bride entering a declining zamindar (landlord) family. The family’s matriarch, Rashmoni (Pishima), is a widowed aunt who is obsessed with her secret jewellery box containing 500 bhari of gold.
Generational Shift: After Rashmoni dies, she returns as a ghost to guard her treasure, eventually entrusting it to Somlata.
Changing Times: Somlata uses her wit to convince the ghost to let her pawn the jewels to start a business, transforming the family from idle gentry to commercial success.
The Liberation War: The narrative eventually moves to 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War, where Somlata's daughter, Chaitali, decides to donate the jewels to the Mukti Bahini cause. Critical Reception
Rating: Generally positive, with Times of India giving it 4.5/5 stars.
Highlights: Critics praised the performances of Moushumi Chatterjee and Konkona Sen Sharma, the film's satirical humor, and its feminist undertones.
Availability: The movie is available to stream on platforms like Hotstar .
Aparna Sen’s Goynar Baksho (The Jewelry Box), released in 2013, is a landmark in Bengali cinema that blends magical realism, biting satire, and feminist history. Clocking in at approximately 140 minutes, the film is an adaptation of Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay’s popular novel, weaving a multi-generational tale through the lens of a haunted heirloom. The Plot: Three Generations and a Ghost
The story follows three generations of women in the Rashmoni family, tied together by a legendary wooden jewelry box containing 500 bhari of gold.
Rashmoni (Pishima): Played with fierce brilliance by Moushumi Chatterjee, Pishima is a child bride who became a widow at 12. Having spent her life denied of any pleasure, she becomes obsessively attached to her jewelry. After her death, she returns as a foul-mouthed, hilarious ghost to ensure her box is kept safe.
Somalata: Konkona Sen Sharma plays the timid daughter-in-law who becomes the reluctant guardian of the ghost's treasure. Under Pishima’s supernatural "guidance," Somalata uses the gold to lift the family out of financial ruin, transforming from a shy bride into a shrewd businesswoman.
Chaitali: The third act follows Somalata’s daughter (Sranti Mukherjee), representing the modern woman. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the box finally finds its ultimate purpose, evolving from a symbol of greed to one of sacrifice and revolution. Themes: Feminism and Social Change
At its heart, Goynar Baksho is a subversive look at the status of women in Bengali society. Pishima’s ghost isn't scary; she is a manifestation of the repressed desires of widows who were historically marginalized. The jewelry box represents the only "wealth" or agency these women ever possessed.
The film masterfully transitions from the decaying feudalism of the early 20th century to the fiery political landscape of the 70s. As the gold is gradually sold or given away, the film suggests that a woman’s worth is no longer tied to her ornaments, but to her independence and her contribution to the world. Technical Brilliance
Performances: Moushumi Chatterjee steals every scene she is in, delivering a performance that is both comic and heartbreaking. Konkona Sen Sharma provides a perfect foil, showing incredible range as her character ages.
Direction: Aparna Sen balances the whimsical elements of a ghost story with the gravity of historical shifts, ensuring the film never feels like a caricature. The Plot: A Trilogy of Eras The narrative
Music: Debojyoti Mishra’s score captures the changing eras perfectly, using traditional Bengali folk and classical influences to ground the magical elements. Why It Remains a Must-Watch
Goynar Baksho is more than just a period piece; it is a celebration of the female spirit. It manages to be funny, spooky, and politically poignant all at once. For fans of Bengali cinema, it stands as a testament to how traditional storytelling can be used to deliver a powerful, modern message.
Whether you are watching for the stellar performances or the rich cultural history of Bengal, this 2013 gem remains a shining example of Aparna Sen's directorial prowess.
🎬 Goynar Baksho (2013) : A Supernatural Comedy Masterpiece
Looking for a movie that perfectly blends humor, history, and a touch of the supernatural? Directed by the legendary Aparna Sen, Goynar Baksho
(The Jewellery Box) is a must-watch Bengali classic that explores the changing roles of women across three generations. Why you should watch it:
The Story: Based on Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay's novel, the film follows a matriarch named Pishima (played brilliantly by Moushumi Chatterjee) who becomes a ghost to protect her beloved box of jewels.
The Cast: Features powerhouse performances by Konkona Sen Sharma and Srabanti Chatterjee.
The Theme: While it's a "supernatural comedy," it deeply examines the deprivation and empowerment of women in a patriarchal society. Quick Facts: Release Year: 2013 Genre: Supernatural Comedy / Drama Language: Bengali
Streaming: You can often find Bengali hits like this on platforms such as Sony LIV or Hoichoi.
Whether you're a fan of Bengali cinema or just love a good ghost story with heart, this jewellery box is worth opening! 💎👻
#GoynarBaksho #BengaliCinema #AparnaSen #KonkonaSenSharma #IndianMovies #GhostStory #ClassicCinema
1. A Feminist Fable Disguised as a Family Drama At its heart, Goynar Baksho asks: What is a woman’s wealth worth? For Rashmoni’s generation, jewellery was a status symbol and financial security she couldn’t touch. For Somlata, it’s a tool to save the family from ruin. For Chaitali, it’s startup money to open a garment business. The film brilliantly shows how women’s relationship with money and autonomy evolves.
2. Magical Realism Done Right Rashmoni as a petni is not scary—she is hilarious, cranky, and poignant. Moushumi Chatterjee delivers a career-best performance, floating through walls while chain-smoking and complaining about modern morals. Her ghostly presence is a metaphor for the lingering grip of patriarchal tradition.
3. Performances to Remember
4. The Music Songs like "Moner Pakhi" and "Aaj Jhoro Jhoro Mukhoro Boney" are hauntingly beautiful, composed by Debajyoti Mishra. The music feels like a soft breeze through a crumbling old house.
One of the film's strongest pillars is its casting. The decision to cast Moushumi Chatterjee as Somalata was a masterstroke. Known primarily for her roles in Hindi cinema, Chatterjee delivers a career-defining performance in Bengali. She captures the tremulous fear and hidden steel of a woman who has never been allowed to speak her mind.
Konkona Sen Sharma, as Chaitali, provides the perfect foil. Her performance is imbued with a quiet strength and pragmatism. Where Somalata quivers, Chaitali stands tall. The chemistry between the two—particularly in the scenes where the living interact with the dead—is seamless, blending humor, tension, and tragedy.
Srabanti Chatterjee appears in the third segment as the granddaughter, representing the modern generation that views the "Baksho" with detachment, seeing it as antique rather than essential, signaling the final break from the feudal past.
Headline: "The Box That Keeps Watch"
Line: "One family’s sparkle hides a century of stories."