The Bengali film industry has come to a halt following the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
The shocking incident has triggered widespread protests and led to an indefinite postponement of several major Bengali film releases.
Popular actor-director Parambrata Chattopadhyay’s much-anticipated film Ei Raat Tomar Amar, which promised a reunion of stars Anjan Dutt and Aparna Sen, was set for a grand release on August 30.
However, in light of the ongoing unrest and the intense public focus on the case, the film’s release has been put on hold indefinitely.
The tragedy has not only shocked the medical community but has also deeply affected the Bengali film industry.
Actors, producers, directors, and technicians have united in their response, joining protests across the city and beyond.
Producer Rana Sarkar, whose film Onko Ki Kothin was also scheduled for release, explained, “In the midst of such a crucial movement demanding justice, we cannot focus solely on our commercial interests. The public mood is sombre, and the industry is reflecting that.”
Sarkar and many others in the industry feel that in these times, celebrating commercial ventures is inappropriate.
The Bengali film industry has faced multiple crises in recent months, beginning with a strike by technicians in July, followed by political instability in Bangladesh.
The rape and murder of the junior doctor have added to the industry’s woes, causing further disruptions.
Alongside Ei Raat Tomar Amar, other films have also had their release dates postponed. These include Ron Raj’s Porichoy Gupta, Saurav Palodhi’s Onko Ki Kothin, and Krishnendu Chatterjee’s Jomaloye Jibonto Bhanu.
The latter, a tribute to actor Bhahndu Upadhaya, has had its release rescheduled to November 22, replacing its planned special screening on August 26.
Parambrata Chattopadhyay, whose film’s title draws inspiration from the iconic Bengali song ‘Ei raat tomar amar’, emphasised the need for sensitivity. “In this current atmosphere, it’s not the right time for celebratory events. We have decided to delay the release in solidarity with the ongoing protests,” he stated.
Industry’s stand
The Bengali film industry has long been known for its political engagement and vocal stance on social issues.
Madhuja Mukherjee, a screenwriter and professor at Jadavpur University, stated to The Print, "The industry has traditionally been politically engaged and responsive to state matters. It’s not surprising that the film community has actively joined the protests, as this aligns with their historical role."
Despite the industry-wide pause in film releases, television shoots continue as scheduled. However, the focus has shifted significantly towards addressing the injustice surrounding the RG Kar incident.
Numerous industry figures have shown their support through various means. Actor and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty took to Instagram to express her support for the victim and joined protests in the streets.
Actor Raj Chakraborty and his wife, actress Subhashree, participated in a 200-member rally organised by Bengali film actors. Other prominent figures like Srijit Mukherjee, Kaushik Sen, Saswata Chatterjee, Paoli Dam, and Churni Ganguly have also lent their support to the cause.
The protests have been likened to a scene from Uttam Kumar’s Nayak: The Hero (1966), where the protagonist regrets not participating in a protest. Mukherjee added, “The movement has been spearheaded by women’s organisations and ordinary citizens, creating significant pressure for the industry to act.”
Focus on justice
The past weekend saw several films being released across India, but in Bengal, promotions for the new releases were minimal. Two films, Padatik, a biopic on filmmaker Mrinal Sen, and Babli, a romantic film, faced limited viewership due to the ongoing crisis.
Abir Chatterjee, an actor from Babli, took to Instagram on August 15 to announce that the film’s special screening, scheduled for August 16, had been called off. “Given the current circumstances, it is our responsibility to pause any celebratory events,” Chatterjee stated.
His film managed to earn Rs 18 lakh in its first week, while Padatik made Rs 6 lakh. However, promotional efforts for Padatik were further hindered by the recent protests in Bangladesh, which prevented lead actor Chanchal Chowdhury from travelling to India.
In addition to the film releases, female artists in the Bengali film industry are advocating for safer working conditions.
Over 100 female artists, including Aparna Sen, Swastika Mukherjee, and Paoli Dam, have collectively addressed the West Bengal Tele Academy, demanding better support systems to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.
Producers are adjusting their marketing strategies in response to the crisis.
For instance, producer Rana Sarkar plans to focus on film festivals in November and December.
“Even if the theatre release is delayed by six months, it is secondary. Justice is what matters most,” he affirmed.
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