The RG Kar case, which sparked widespread outrage across West Bengal and beyond in 2024, is now set to be adapted for the silver screen. BJP leader Shankudeb Panda has announced a film inspired by the incident, saying it will bring fresh details surrounding the case before the public.
The project, titled Abhaya Shakti, takes its name from "Abhaya", the symbolic identity associated with the young doctor whose death at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital triggered protests across the country.
‘Abhaya Shakti’ aims to bring unseen aspects of the case to screen
Speaking to News Ei Samay about the upcoming film on Wednesday, Shankudeb said the project would go beyond what is already known about the case. “The makers plan to bring several fresh aspects of the RG Kar case to the screen, including details that have emerged only recently. In his view, the film goes beyond entertainment and seeks to become a significant part of the ongoing public discourse around the case.”
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The RG Kar incident, which took place on August 9, 2024, drew national attention and became one of the most discussed issues in West Bengal. Many observers have also linked the public anger over the case to the state's subsequent political shift.
Shankudeb to direct the project
Shankudeb Panda will direct the film himself. While he confirmed that several known faces from Kolkata's entertainment industry will be part of the cast, he chose not to reveal any names at this stage.
The filmmaker hinted at a diverse cast, saying the film will feature both actors from Kolkata and performers from outside the city.
Producer Rana Sarkar said shooting is expected to begin in August. According to him, the makers plan to use locations closely associated with the real-life events. "In many instances, the actual locations connected to the incident will be shown."
Debate over Tollywood's future
The film's announcement has also revived discussions about the functioning of Tollywood and allegations of political influence within the industry. Responding to questions about the industry's future under the new government, Shankudeb said opportunities should not depend on political affiliations.
“That will no longer be the case under the new government. Opportunities will not depend on whether someone is close to a particular political party or not. Everyone has an equal right to work.”
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He also dismissed speculation that the industry could come under the control of another politically connected figure.
“There is a perception among some that a BJP-backed figure similar to Swarup Biswas will now be running Tollywood. That is far from the reality. Things will become evident once the Information and Cultural Affairs Minister begins handling the portfolio.”
Is the film political?
With the announcement coming soon after the change of government in West Bengal, questions have already been raised about whether the film could be viewed as political messaging.
Addressing the issue, Shankudeb said cinema remains a platform for expressing ideas and perspectives. “Cinema is a space for expressing one's views. This is how I am choosing to express mine.” He also stated that the idea of making a film on the RG Kar case was not a recent one.
Panda acknowledged that the film might have been made sooner. However, he said other professional commitments had left him with little time, even though the idea had been on his mind for a long period.
Producer says climate has changed
Producer Rana Sarkar said he felt more confident backing the project after the political change in the state, while adding that such a film should have been made earlier.
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Sarkar said, “Shankudeb pitched the idea to him after the elections. He acknowledged that the political change in the state played a role in his decision to produce the film, adding that such a project was long overdue and that similar films should continue to be made.”
Casting decisions will not be based on politics
Following the RG Kar protests, several actors who publicly spoke out against the incident had claimed they faced professional difficulties. This has led to speculation over whether some of those artists could feature in Abhaya Shakti.
However, Shankudeb maintained that casting choices would be made solely based on what the story demands. “Casting will depend entirely on the demands of the characters.”
