Kolkata: Phantom pregnancy—a rare and unsettling medical phenomenon—takes center stage in the thought-provoking film No'mas No'din Ontahin (Silence of the Womb), directed by Soumdeep Ghosh Chowdhury. Premiering at the Kolkata International Film Festival and competing in the Indian Language Competition category, the film delves into the physical, emotional, and social ramifications of this misunderstood condition.
Phantom pregnancy, also known as pseudocyesis, occurs when a woman believes she is pregnant despite the absence of a fetus. This condition can bring about profound physical changes such as the cessation of menstruation and abdominal enlargement, yet leaves women emotionally devastated when the truth is uncovered.
Speaking at the film's press conference yesterday, director Soumdeep Ghosh Chowdhury explained the inspiration behind the project:
“Phantom pregnancy is a deeply misunderstood condition, especially in socio-economically marginalized communities where lack of awareness fuels superstitions. Women are often blamed and shamed, making it an emotionally harrowing experience. The film aims to shine a light on these issues while showcasing the psychological toll on the couple.”
The film stars Shreya Bhattacharya as Srimoyi, a young woman grappling with the complexities of phantom pregnancy, and Sagnik Mukherjee as her husband, Sidhu, who also struggles with societal and personal pressures. Discussing her role, Shreya shared:
“While I was aware of phantom pregnancy, stepping into Srimoyi’s shoes and portraying her emotional journey was a profoundly challenging experience.”
Sagnik added,
“Fatherhood also brings anxiety and societal expectations, and my character reflects the quiet struggle of a man navigating judgment and blame alongside his wife.”
Silence of the Womb not only explores the medical intricacies of phantom pregnancy but also casts a critical lens on the stigma surrounding infertility in Indian society. In many cases, women are unfairly held responsible, with little understanding of rare conditions like pseudocyesis, especially in underprivileged and less-educated communities.
The film’s evocative score is composed by Shubhdeep Guha, with Sujoy Dutta Roy helming the editing to craft a compelling narrative.
As a bold entry at this year’s Kolkata International Film Festival, Silence of the Womb invites audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, societal expectations, and the urgent need for empathy and education around women’s health.
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