Under Bolpur’s scorching 31°C sun, Chanchal Chowdhury pedaled forward on his bicycle, dressed in a loose fatua and sporting a full beard. His destination: Mohanpur, his ancestral home, located about four kilometers from Bolpur, with banyan roots sprawling around the house. In the courtyard, Bratya Basu sat behind the trolley camera as the shooting of the upcoming film Shikor was underway.
This film is being made by combining two stories by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. During a break between action and cut, both the actor and director spoke for some time. This was Chanchal's first visit to the poet's land. Emotionally moved, he said, “It feels like a dream. This place has drawn me so many times. I couldn't come. I've been shooting for quite a while now. Haven't had the chance to explore yet. But I have plans to visit several places. Rabindranath is the beloved poet of our hearts. How can I not explore after coming to his land?”
When asked about the reason for agreeing to act in this film, he said, “Villages have always attracted me. I feel a pull. Though I currently live in Dhaka, I'm actually a village boy. When I'm cycling through rural paths in the film, so many old memories come flooding back. While making this film, I've repeatedly looked back. Here, a beautiful father-son relationship will be seen. My father's character has many similarities with my personal life. Because this character is afflicted with dementia. Someone who forgets everything in moments. My father was also afflicted with this disease in his final years. Another reason for doing this film is Bratya-da (Basu). There's a comfort in working with him. That attracts me tremendously.”
A film from this side of Bengal after quite some time – is this long gap due to political reasons?
“No. If you notice carefully, you'll understand that this gap is quite natural for me. I make fewer films. I don't understand politics or countries. We are Bengali film artists. We make films for all audiences. There's no division here. Films are made for Bengali film audiences worldwide. I don't think there's any place for politics there. Work is being discussed in this part of Bengal. Several projects are also in the pipeline on the other side of Bengal. Both series and films.”
Later, speaking with director Bratya Basu, it was learned that a two-day shoot in Varanasi had already been completed. Eight days of shooting had been done in Bolpur. The director says, “Actually, I'm rootless. That's why I keep searching for roots throughout my life. This film is a story of search. A story of relationships.”
Why did you want to tell a social story?
“This film also speaks of politics. Life is not devoid of politics. There's no conflict between social stories and politics. This film will tell a story of social love.”
He informed that the film is planned for release in March next year. The film is produced by Firdausul Hasan. Music direction by Prabuddha Bandyopadhyay.
