Unlocking ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’ (2025): A Deep Dive into Female Friendships, Nostalgia, and Unfulfilled Dreams

A moving story of friendship and desire, Anuparna Roy’s debut film, “Songs of Forgotten Trees,” first shone at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where she bagged the Best Director award. Set in bustling Mumbai, the film follows Thooya, a hopeful actress and part-time sex worker, and Swetha, a customer service agent who becomes her flatmate. Their dynamic forms the heart of the story, revealing layers of class and caste struggles urban women navigate daily.

Roy’s focus is on how space impacts relationships and identity. By using striking visuals—like wires cutting through vivid skies and cramped living conditions—she immerses us in Thooya and Swetha’s world. Initially, their relationship is that of strangers; however, as they grow closer, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways.

Thooya embodies the modern urban woman. She is educated, goes to therapy, and supports her younger brother. Yet, she longs for a childhood friend, Jhuma, whose story mirrors real-life issues faced by many, particularly marginalized individuals. Jhuma’s fate reflects societal pressures, like early marriage—a poignant reminder of how many lives are impacted by systemic issues.

Their landlord, Nitin, complicates their lives. He juggles flirtation and dominance, bringing emotional turmoil into their shared space. Despite living in a modern city, women still grapple with their choices in relationships. Swetha, on the other hand, confronts the daily grind of her job, dealing with unsolicited attention and the expectation to meet men’s desires. Her experiences touch on broader themes of gender and entitlement in Indian society.

As the film unfolds, themes of desire and emotional struggles come to the forefront. While men’s desires often result in women’s pain, female desire remains complicated and constrained. The film teases the viewer with hints of romance but focuses more on the meaning of connection, intimacy, and what friendship truly entails.

Roy’s storytelling captures everyday challenges women endure, often highlighting emotional and societal pressures that are subtle yet pervasive. The film reminds us of similar works, like Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light,” yet it stands out by exposing the harsh realities women face in a patriarchal landscape.

Despite the film’s exploration of friendship, it leaves the audience with a feeling of longing and unresolved issues. The absence of resolution reflects the ongoing struggles women face in both urban and rural settings. Roy subtly suggests that female identity is shaped by relationships, memories, and spaces we inhabit.

In a world where such stories resonate deeply, “Songs of Forgotten Trees” encourages viewers to reflect on their own connections and the legacies of lost friends. This exploration feels particularly relevant in discussions surrounding women’s rights and social norms today.

For more insights into films that explore themes of companionship and societal issues, check out this analysis on new-generation Malayalam cinema.

More about “Songs of Forgotten Trees”:

• Cast: Naaz Shaikh, Sumi Baghel
• Links: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Letterboxd

This film serves as a poignant reminder of the power of stories to convey complex human emotions and societal issues.

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