The Stranger

In rural Bangladesh, young Kajal struggles with their gender identity while living with their mother Kohinoor and terminally ill grandmother. The sudden return of Kajal’s long-absent father, Javed, disrupts the fragile household, creating conflict between him and Kohinoor. Tensions deepen as Javed disapproves of Kajal’s cross-dressing and demands they be sent to boarding school, prompting Kajal to run away. Found ill but later recovering, Kajal learns Javed has left again, leaving only a bicycle as a parting gift. With their grandmother near death and their mother overwhelmed, Kajal defiantly pedals through the open fields wearing red lipstick—embracing a new chapter of self-discovery.

Directed by Biplob Sarkar, The Stranger leans on a strong ensemble — Ehan Rashid, Ratan Deb — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2023.