The beloved homemaker-detective is back, but the stakes are higher and the shadows are deeper. Mitin: Ekti Khunir Sandhane, the third film in the popular Mitin Mashi franchise, released in theatres on December 25, 2025, marking a deliberate and significant shift from its predecessors. Trading the lighter, family-friendly tone for a gritty murder investigation, this instalment sees Koel Mallick's Pragyaparamita Mukherjee navigating a web of betrayal, secrets, and hidden motives.
A Darker Turn for the Franchise
Adapted from Suchitra Bhattacharya's novel Megher Pore Megh, the narrative kicks off with a classic premise. A distressed wife approaches Mitin Mashi, played by Koel Mallick, after her husband fails to return home. What initially seems a routine missing person's case rapidly spirals into a complex murder mystery, entangled with love triangles, inheritance disputes, and emotional turmoil. Director Arindam Sil consciously steers the franchise into darker, more adult territory, focusing on a clue-driven, investigative narrative that relies on suspects and motives over spectacle.
The film's strength lies in its grounded setting. It is firmly rooted in Kolkata, with small anecdotes and cultural textures of the city adding a layer of authenticity. The cinematography employs a subdued, noir-tinged palette, using light and shadow effectively to build a tense atmosphere. The technical aspects—from the practical costume design to the strategic background score—work in harmony to support the thriller's mood without overwhelming it.
Performances That Anchor the Mystery
Koel Mallick anchors the film with confidence, portraying a more assertive and physically active Mitin Mashi, reflecting the film's intensified tone. While this shift occasionally feels overstated in moments of high drama, Mallick excels in the sequences of quiet deduction and observation, where the character's intellect shines.
The ensemble cast delivers solid, grounded performances. Gourav Chakrabarty stands out with a notably natural and restrained performance, adding credibility to the investigative proceedings. Koneenica Banerjee makes a strong impression in an emotionally charged subplot, while actors like Lekha, Subhrajit Dutta, and Shaheb Chattopadhyay provide assured support. Veterans like Dulal Lahiri and Anusua Majumdar offer dependable turns, and Roshni Bhattacharjee adds meaningful emotional texture despite limited screen time.
Where the Investigation Stumbles
Despite a compelling start and strong intrigue, the film's pacing encounters some hurdles. Portions in the middle stretch feel dragged, slowing the investigation's momentum. Some plot developments lean more on convenience than logical deduction, and an action-heavy sequence feels slightly out of sync with the franchise's cerebral nature. Occasional dips into melodrama also disrupt the otherwise measured tone.
Thematically, the film touches upon relevant issues of female empowerment, inheritance politics, and agency within domestic spaces. These themes run through the narrative, adding depth and contemporary relevance, even if they are not always explored in exhaustive detail.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes, the film has garnered a 3.5 rating from both critics and users. It successfully delivers an engaging whodunit experience for audiences seeking a mystery rooted in emotional conflict and urban realism, even if it doesn't fully escape the pitfalls of its genre.
