Kabuliwala (1957)

In the bustling heart of Calcutta arrives Rahmat (Chhabi Biswas), a resilient fruit merchant from Afghanistan, seeking prosperity in a foreign land. Away from his homeland, he finds solace in an unlikely friendship with Mini (Oindrila Tagore), a spirited Bengali girl whose innocence mirrors his own daughter, left behind in Afghanistan. Residing in a boarding house with his fellow countrymen, Rahmat's life seems to be on an upward trajectory until a letter bearing news of his daughter's illness arrives. Faced with desperate circumstances, Rahmat resorts to selling his goods on credit, hoping to increase his business and return to his daughter. However, when he attempts to collect his dues, a heated dispute with a customer escalates into violence, leading Rahmat to stab his abuser in a moment of provoked fury. During his trial, Rahmat's simplicity shines through as he candidly admits the truth, earning him a 10-year sentence instead of a potential death penalty. After a decade, the day of his release arrives. Eager to reunite with Mini, he is confronted with the cruel passage of time, finding her on the brink of womanhood, about to enter marital bliss. The once familiar face of his cherished friend fails to recognize him, leading Rahmat to the heartbreaking realization that his own daughter might have forgotten him too. Touched by Rahmat's plight, Mini's father helps the now aged merchant return to his homeland, using funds set aside for Mini's wedding. Despite the years that have passed, Mini, in her own way, reaches out to Rahmat's daughter by sending along a gift, a poignant symbol of a friendship that transcended borders and age.

Kabuliwala is a drama movie featuring Chhabi Biswas and directed by Tapan Sinha.

Kabuliwala is currently streaming on Hoichoi.