New Delhi: In honour of the centennial of Mrinal Sen’s birth, Bengali filmmaker Anjan Dutt is creating the biography Chaalchitra Ekhon. On May 10, Anjan Dutt’s semi-biographical film will be released in cinemas and on over-the-top platforms simultaneously.
On May 2, 2024, a trailer for the highly-anticipated film was unveiled, providing an insight into the story universe.
Through the lens of a cinematic narrative, the film explores the friendly relationship of renowned directors Mrinal Sen and Anjan Dutt.
We’re here at the grand premiere of #ChaalchitraEkhon at #PriyaCinema✨
Chaalchitra Ekhon, @anjandutt‘s tribute to #MrinalSen, premieres on 10th May on #hoichoi and in select theatres.#SVF pic.twitter.com/IYiOtuWkFy
— SVF (@SVFsocial) May 9, 2024
Plot
On the centennial of the director Mrinal Sen’s birth, this film pays homage to him by following the extraordinary mentor-protégé relationship that began in 1981 when Anjan Dutt began working with the film master.
The film captures the deep connection between Mrinal Sen and Anjan Dutt by transporting the audience back to the 1980s. It touches on Sen’s philosophy and strong love of film, which reflects Dutt’s admiration for his teacher.
About the Inspiration of the Film
Born in a village near Faridpur, Bangladesh, Mrinal Sen moved to Kolkata after finishing school. Before making his cinematic debut in 1955 with Raat-Bhor, he studied physics at Scottish Church College, Kolkata.
His 1981 film Chaalchitra starred Anjan Dutt as the sensitive and defiant Deepu. Producing the film together was a watershed event in their friendship, which was filled with continuous conversation, debates, and precious times spent together.
Chaalchitra Ekhon is a touching tribute to Mrinal Sen’s legacy, written by Dutt in memory of his mentor, and performed by an ardent follower of his teachings. Filming mostly took place in Sen’s home so that he and Dutt could reenact significant occasions from their lives together.
আসছে মৃণাল সেনের এক অজানা গল্প হইচই ও কিছু বাছাই করা cinema hall-এ!#ChaalchitraEkhon, @anjandutt‘s tribute to #MrinalSen, premieres 10th May in select theatres and on #hoichoi. @neelinc @SVFsocial @SVFMusic @SangeetBangla #AnjanDuttProduction pic.twitter.com/w7jKRDToqp
— Hoichoi (@hoichoitv) May 4, 2024
When and Where to Watch?
On May 10, 2024, Chaalchitra Ekhon will be shown on Hoichoi, an over-the-top platform, and in several West Bengali theatres, giving viewers a look into Anjan Dutt and Mrinal Sen’s deep connection.
ANJAN DUTT’S ‘চালচিত্র এখন’ GOES DIRECT-TO-DIGITAL ROUTE… #ChaalchitraEkhon – the tribute to #MrinalSen in his birth centenary year by #AnjanDutt – will premiere on @hoichoitv on 10 May 2024… will release in *selected theaters* on the same date. #Poster…#SENtenary #hoichoi pic.twitter.com/YQwxoKu4oV
— West Bengal Box Office /𝕏 (@WB_BoxOffice) April 22, 2024
The film already made waves at several film festivals before its official release. The film was given special jury commendation during its debut in the International Division of the Kolkata International Film Festival. Following its screening at the 2024 Dhaka International Film Festival, Anjan Dutt was honoured with the Best Actor Award for his film about Mrinal Sen.
#ChaalchitraEkhon এসে গেছে এখন হইচই ও কিছু বাছাই করা cinema hall-এ – list রইলো তোমাদের জন্য! @anjandutt‘s tribute to #MrinalSen in his centenary year is now streaming on #hoichoi and playing in select theatres!#SawonChakraborty #BidiptaChakraborty #SuprobhatDas… pic.twitter.com/wEB9TICRvs
— Hoichoi (@hoichoitv) May 10, 2024
Cast and Crew
With Anjan Dutt in the lead role Mrinal Sen and Shawon Chakraborty portrays Anajan Dutt’s character, the film features Bidipta Chakraborty as Geeta Sen, Mrinal Sen’s wife. The film’s score was overseen by Nil Dutt, son of Anjan Dutt.
