Charak: Fair of Faith is an Indian Hindi-language folklore suspense thriller film directed by Shieladitya Moulik.
The film is produced by Sudipto Sen, under his banners: Sipping Tea Cinemas and Sudipto Sen Productions.
The film was released by PEN Studios on 6 March 2026 in India and 13 March internationally. The film is inspired by true events.
Produced by Sudipto Sen
Directed by Shieladitya Moulik
Associate Producer: Rajesh Bhatt
Story by Sanjay Halder
Screenplay & Dialogues by Farauq Malik
Starring: Anjali Patil, Sahidur Rahaman, Subrat Dutta, Nalneesh Neel, Shashi Bhushan
Cinematography by Manas Bhattacharyya & Prashantanu Mahapatra
Edited by Praveen Angre
Music & Background Score by Bishakh Jyoti
Production Design by Angana Sen
Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Bishakh Jyoti & Kinjal Chatterjee
Production Companies: Sipping Tea Cinemas & Sudipto Sen Productions
Release date: 6 March, 2026
Running time: 120 minutes
Country: India
Language: Hindi
In the quiet, remote village in the eastern part of India, the story unfolds during the Charak Mela, a festival steeped in devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. It's a world where ancient rituals and occult practices bring devotees from afar, driven by a powerful belief: even sacrificing a child could fulfil even the most impossible desires. Against this backdrop, the story probes the unsettling clash between faith and humanity, exploring how belief can push ordinary people to extraordinary - and horrifying - acts.
The Charak Mela is a spectacle of intense devotion, with trance-induced men piercing iron hooks through their skin, fire-walking devotees, Aghoris wielding human skulls, and mournful dances around symbolic sacrifices.
The festival's fervour sets the stage for a shocking incident: two local school children, Birsa and Kanu, go missing. Days later, Kanu's body is discovered in a pond, while Birsa remains missing, triggering panic and despair among their families and the village. Central to the story is Sukumar, an autorickshaw driver whose faith has transformed into an insatiable desire. Though he and his barren wife Bimla have come to love Birsa, the son of his troubled friend Bikash and loyal Sabitri, Sukumar's belief that a sacrifice could fulfil his longed-for dreams leads him to contemplate an unspeakable act.
The narrative unfolds with multiple layers of relationships and ambitions: the tender friendship between Birsa and Kanu; the scheming of local politician Shantiram; the companionship of police officer Subhash and his wife Shefali; and the quiet but dark alliances. Sukumar forms with people like Jagan, a fellow driver, and Bhima, an Aghori ready to assist in sacrificial rituals.
As the Charak Mela approaches its crescendo, Subhash and his team launch an investigation, facing limited resources and political interference. Their pursuit of justice shifts from suspicions of sacrificial rituals to human trafficking, becoming even murkier when the body of forest guard Baga is discovered. And this is just the beginning of twists and shocks.
The mystery surrounding Kanu's death and Birsa's disappearance unfolds through flashbacks, revealing not only the darkness lurking beneath Sukumar's faith but also the extraordinary desperation of parenthood, love, and desperation.
In the story's climactic finale, amidst the intense rites of Charak Mela, Sukumar's faith collides with his humanity, leaving the village and the audience questioning: can blind faith ever justify sacrificing innocence? And can the boundless love of a parent prevail over even the most deeply ingrained beliefs?
Ultimately, the story is a raw, unsettling exploration of faith versus humanity, questioning how far human beings could move or sacrifice... in the name of faith and devotion... After all, from time immemorial human beings have proved the following: Faith is a complex business - it creates and destroys too...
The principal photography was done in the picturesque Purulia in West Bengal & Devgarh in Jharkhand. It was shot in two schedules in 2024.
The 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. The lyrics of the second title, Jogi Mera Sach, was written by Amarnath Jha and sung by the notable Shankar Mahadevan.
The music rights were acquired by Times Music.
The film initially faced trouble from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its explosive and expositive story telling. It was referred to a higher reviewing committee. After three screenings, the august committee gave the film an A certificate with minor cuts.
I think it's an impressive film. Good production value.
LevelK, Denmark
The film looks great.
EMPIRE Magazine (Bauer Media, UK)
Your trailer looks so great.
FOCUS FEATURES, UK
It's an interesting premise and trailer.
NEON RATED, USA
Times of India: 3.5/5 rating.
The compelling story, backed by effective twists, keeps the tension alive till the end. Its haunting, realistic milieu makes this a must-watch.
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Subhash Jha (Bollyspice): 3.5/5 rating.
This is a film that needs to be seen for telling us what Kantara never would: faith and religion without borders is not recommended.
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India Today: 3/5 rating.
With its unsettling themes, atmospheric storytelling and strong performances, Charak manages to leave a lingering impact.
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Amar Ujala: 3/5 rating.
It's a good one-time watch.
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JAGRAN: 3/5 rating.
A story of faith versus superstition. Each scene will give you goosebumps. The climax of Charak is tremendous.
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ABP News: 1/5 rating.
It feels like a pirated copy of a duplicate Kantara and ultimately disappoints by failing to explore the Charak festival as promised.
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Vikram Malhotra, Abundantia Entertainment
Compelling. Though-provoking. Thrilling. Well-crafted and deeply impactful.
Pankaj Shukla
Charak resonates strongly with the richness of Indian culture and mythology. If you wish to understand India, Charak is a must-watch.
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MID-DAY:
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.
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International News & Views: 3/5 rating.
It is a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy suspenseful social thrillers with cultural depth.
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Cine Tales: 3/5 rating.
Charak succeeds in creating a disturbing yet compelling cinematic experience.
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Indian Community (USA): 5/5 rating.
Charak is a bold, compassionate, and utterly unforgettable piece of cinema. It does not shout for your attention. It earns it — quietly, devastatingly, and permanently. Watch it. This is exactly the kind of film that reminds you why cinema matters.
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One World News: 4/5 rating.
With its intense storytelling, realistic performances, and socially relevant themes, Charak succeeds in delivering a haunting cinematic experience.
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Bapamtv: 4.5/5 rating.
A film like Charak walks in, sits you down in a dark room, and whispers a terrifying truth about blind faith right into your ear. It's not an easy watch, but by God, it’s a necessary one.
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Films Time: 4/5 rating.
Charak (2026) is a bold and atmospheric thriller that explores the complex relationship between faith, tradition, and human endurance. Charak reminds us that faith can inspire extraordinary courage—but it can also reveal the deepest fears hidden within the human soul.
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Mathrubhumi (Shoma Chatterjee, Film Historian):
The unique feature of the film is that it is both character-driven and incident-driven and the clashes that happen when these two elements - the characters on the one hand and the incidents of kidnapping of two kids in the village on the other turn the film into a high-drama document.
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Review with Kavita: 3/5 rating.
Charak successfully combines suspense, folklore, and drama to create a movie that will stay in the audience's mind long after watching.
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