Sep 19, 2026 7:03pm IST
‘Termite’ Review: Shaunak Sen Crafts A Quiet, Soulful Masterpiece On Old Delhi And Urban Solitude
Shaunak Sen captured international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination with his breathtaking documentary “All That Breathes”, and now he makes a remarkable return to the festival circuit. Making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, his 31-minute short narrative film “Termite” arrives as one of the season’s most anticipated visual works.
Set in the dense, maze-like alleys of Old Delhi, Termite delves into the subtle anxieties of urban loneliness, aging, and the quiet decay of human connection. The story follows two middle-aged termite exterminators whose predictable daily existence is suddenly disrupted when one receives an unexpected marriage proposal. Faisal Malik as Saud and Valavane Koumarane as Ajith deliver grounded, deeply honest performances that give the narrative its emotional spine. Their rapport on screen feels effortlessly authentic, capturing the comfortable silence and unsaid friction of a lifelong camaraderie facing an uncertain future. Supported by brilliant turns from Vipin Sharma and Shilpa Shukla, the ensemble cast grounds every scene in raw, unfiltered truth.
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What makes "Termite" so striking is how Sen uses the delicate, creeping nature of a termite infestation as a poetic mirror for emotional distance. Just like the unseen insects quietly hollow out wooden structures from within, urban isolation slowly erodes the foundation of long-standing friendships without making a single sound. Rather than leaning on dramatic outbursts or forced cinematic twists, the film honors the quiet spaces between words, allowing the audience to feel the heavy dread of two people drifting apart despite sharing the same small world.
The visual framing of Old Delhi deserves equal praise. Instead of relying on postcard clichés of the historic capital, the camera wanders through cramped stairwells, peeling paint and dusty shadows. The location becomes a living, breathing character that echoes the inner lives of its protagonists. Through this exquisite backdrop, viewers get to absorb the authentic charm of Old Delhi while navigating the intricate, fragile emotions of its inhabitants.
Ultimately, "Termite" is a poignant exploration of how hard it is to hold onto warmth in an ever-changing city. Sen has managed to package a profound, humanized story into a brief runtime, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer long after the credits roll.
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