Debanik Kundu, a young aspirant film, television fiction and commercial maker from Kolkata participated in the 13th Dhaka International Film Festival with his documentary Nrityer Talay Talay(The Rhythm of Dance). In an interview with Dhaka Tribune, Debanik shares about his new documentary and more.
Please tell us about the documentary film Nrityer Talay Talay.
My film Nrityer Talay Talay is a documentary based on two living dance pupils of Rabindranath Tagore. One of the pupil is Prithvi Bhaumik, whom Tagore called with the given name of Anubhaumik. In the show, Prithvi shares her cherished experience with Tagore and how he introduced the unique formations of dance melding techniques like Kathakaoli, Odissya and Arunachaal type.
You directed three feature films. Please tell us about them.
My maiden feature film is Shei Shomoyer Kotha. The story portraits the time around 1870s when Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar introduced the practice of widow remarriages to mainstream Hindu society, after Ram Mohan Roy’s steady combat against Sati practice.
Rangin Godhuli is my second feature film about a Bangladeshi couple who lost contact after the independence of Bangladesh. After 36 years, they accidently meet in Kolkata when they have already spent the prime of their life and have grandchildren.
My third feature film is Abhiman. This film is also connected to Bangladesh, as it shows the riot that broke out due to the Government’s decision regarding Taslima Nasrin’s asylum in Kolkata. The story of the film follows Ananya, a new bride played by Arpita Chatterji. Her husband loves her and her in-laws are fond of her. One night, there is a communal riot in the city. Ananya is stranded on the street. Alone and scared, she finds shelter in the garage of Shiraj, played by Parambrata, who is a thief. They spend the night together. The next morning, she returns to her in-laws. Everyone looks at her suspiciously, including her husband. They suspect Shiraj had raped her, because of the bloodstains on her sari. Her husband changes from a loving and caring friend to a hypocrite who can’t stand the sight of his wife.
Films from Kolkata are making waves again. How do you see this?
Film industry in Kolkata was in its worst condition around 10-15 years ago. But now, the scenario has changed considerably. Many young filmmakers are now engaged in making films with a vast area of context and aesthetic values of cinema. The audience of India appreciates this kind of initiative. I think a fight still exists between good films and bad films and it should continue.
