Charak: Fair of Faith is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language thriller film directed by Shieladitya Moulik and produced by Sudipto Sen. The film was released on 6 March 2026. It is produced under the banners Sipping Tea Cinemas and Sudipto Sen Productions.[4][5]
| Charak: Fair of Faith | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Shieladitya Moulik |
| Written by | Farauq Malik |
| Produced by | |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Manas Bhattacharyya Prashantanu Mahapatra |
| Edited by | Praveen Angre |
| Music by | Bishakh Jyoti |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Pen Marudhar |
Release date |
|
Running time | 120 minutes[3] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Plot
editThe film is set in a remote village in eastern India during the annual Charak Mela, a traditional festival associated with the worship of Hindu deities Shiva and Kali. The narrative unfolds amid ritual practices and acts of religious penance that form part of the local cultural landscape.
During the festival, two schoolchildren, Birsa and Kanu, go missing. Several days later, Kanu's body is found in a pond, while Birsa remains missing. The incident causes distress within the village and prompts a police investigation.
The story focuses on Sukumar, an autorickshaw driver who is childless and deeply religious. As the search for the missing child continues, Sukumar's personal beliefs and motivations become central to the unfolding events. The film explores themes related to faith, social relationships, and moral conflict within a rural setting.[6][7]
Cast
edit- Anjali Patil as Shefali
- Sahidur Rahaman as Police Officer Subhash
- Subrat Dutta as Manoranjan
- Shashi Bhushan as Sukumar
- Nalneesh Neel as Jagan
- Sankhadeep Banerjee as Birsa
- Shounak Shyamal as Kanu
- Debasish Mondal as Aghori Bhima
Reception
editThe Times of India rated 3.5/5 and commented that a compelling story, backed by effective twists, keeps the tension alive till the end.[8]
Sana Farzeen of India Today rated 3/5 and reviewed that the film explores devotion that often blurs humanity.[9]
Amit Bhatia of ABP News gave 1 stars out of 5 and said that "Charak: Fair of Faith feels like a pirated copy of a duplicate Kantara and ultimately disappoints by failing to explore the Charak festival as promised."[10] Shruti Sampat of Mid-Day writes that "It may not be an easy watch, but the film succeeds in delivering a thought-provoking and chilling look at the dangers of blind belief."[11]
Music
editThe electrifying background score has been composed by Bishakh Jyoti. The first song title, Ghor Aghor, was penned by Anant and sung by Bishakh Jyoti & Kinjal Chatterjee.[12] The lyrics of the second title, Jogi Mera Sach, was written by Amarnath Jha and sung by the notable Shankar Mahadevan.[13][14] The music rights were acquired by Times Music.
Controversy
editReferences
edit- ↑ Keshri, Shweta (27 February 2026). "Charak vs censors: Producer Sudipto Sen says art shouldn't be restricted". India Today.
- ↑ "Sudipto Sen-Backed Charak: Fair of Faith Explores the Dark Side of Devotion in Gripping New Trailer". www.deccanchronicle.com. 26 February 2026.
- ↑ "Charak - Fare of Faith (15)". British Board of Film Classification. 9 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ "The Kerala Story Director Says 'Life Got Difficult' After Box Office Success". NDTV. 27 February 2026.
- ↑ "Charak Teaser Out: Sudipto Sen's Folklore Thriller Explores Dark Side Of Blind Faith". News 18. 16 February 2026.
- ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (28 February 2026). "Sudipto Sen on Charak finally being passed by CBFC, "Their first reaction was, 'This film is against Sadhu-Sant', later they changed their mind" : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama.
- ↑ Service, Statesman News (16 February 2026). "Faith, fear and folklore: Sudipto Sen unveils teaser of 'Charak: Fair of Faith'". The Statesman.
- ↑ "Charak Movie Review: A tense thriller set amid haunting devotion". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ↑ Farzeen, Sana (6 March 2026). "Charak review: Sudipto Sen's film explores devotion that often blurs humanity". India Today. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ↑ Bhatia, Amit (6 March 2026). "Charak: Fair Of Faith Review A Poor Kantara Rip-Off That's Hard To Sit Through". ABP News. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ↑ Sampat, Shruti (6 March 2026). "Charak film review: Sudipto Sen backed, questions the thin line between faith and danger". Mid-Day. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ↑ Mukherjee, Sidharth (25 February 2026). "Charak: Fair of Faith Trailer Release Time: 'The Kerala Story' Director Sudipto Sen Presents New Folkfore Film". www.filmibeat.com. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ Ganguly, Dharitri (4 March 2026). "Shankar Mahadevan's powerful vocals lead Jogi Mera Sach from director Shieladitya Moulik's Hindi film Charak: Fair of Faith". Indulgexpress. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "Jogi Mera Sach adds spiritual layer to Charak: Fair of Faith". The Times of India. 5 March 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "'Truth Is Uncomfortable': 'The Kerala Story' Director Sudipto Sen's Film 'Charak' Denied CBFC Clearance | Exclusive". News 18. 22 February 2026.
- ↑ Keshri, Shweta (27 February 2026). "Charak vs censors: Producer Sudipto Sen says art shouldn't be restricted". India Today. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "Sudipto Sen reacts to CBFC setback for 'Charak: Fair of Faith': 'We presented facts, not fiction'". The Times of India. 22 February 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 11 May 2026.