Making a film on Rabindranath Tagore is big risk, says director of IFFI selection Rabindra Kabya Rahasya
Poster of Rabindra Kabya Rahasya and director Sayantan Ghoshal
Bengal and its love for Rabindranath Tagore is well known. For decades, the bard's songs and writings have been used in films and shows. There have been films that have showcased snippets of Tagore's life as well. But director Sayantan Ghosal's new film Rabindra Kabya Rahasya is different in so many ways. It does have Rabindranath Tagore playing a key character in the story but only to help solve a mystery set in the present day. The film recently premiered under the Panorama Section at the 54th International Film Festival Of India (IFFI) and received great response.
Ghoshal spoke to WION and admitted that he and the crew were pleasantly surprised at the interest the film had garnered at IFFI.
"The first screening at IFFI was a 10 am show. The film's crew was of course there and we were skeptical about how many people would turn up for the early morning show but it was 80 per cent full. By the time the film began it was full," said Ghosal while speaking to WION and added, "We got a very positive response on the first screening itself. People asked a lot of questions because Rabindranath Tagore played a key role in the film. Many people were keen to know which parts of the film were fictionalised and which were based on facts. So I am happy that the film was able to create a sense of intrigue. It did get a great response at the festival."
Rabindra Kabya Rahasya has a complex storyline,with two stories set in two different timelines and yet connected. A century ago, the poet Ekalavya Sen fell victim to deception by his peers, who shamelessly plagiarised his poetic works. Seeking retribution, Ekalavya orchestrated their demise. In a race against time, poet and sleuth Abhik Bose teams up with Rabindra Sangeet singer Hiya Sen to decode a century–old mystery, triggered by a vengeful poet’s message. As they delve into a web of murders echoing Rabindranath Tagore’s life, they unearth hidden artifacts, a nefarious plot to undermine India’s cultural heritage, and a truth that could reshape history. The film stars Ritwick Chakraborty, Srabanti Chatterjee and Priyanshu Chatterjee (who plays Tagore) among others.
Ghoshal admits making a film on Tagore was a big risk, considering the film uses an iconic figure from reality and places him in a fictional tale. "It is risky to make a film on Tagore. Every Bengali has a portrait of Tagore in their home. They are very sensitive about the poet. There is something unique about the crisis of the movie. It's global, and its not very personal to the protagonist at least yet it keeps the audience hooked because of the mystery element."
The film also talks of a global conspiracy that could harm the image of the bard. We asked if the thought of it irking people at large ever crossed his mind. "There was a lot of discussion that went on for 3-4 months before the first draft happened. Global conspiracy angle can become political easily in a country like India. But that didn't stop us from telling the story. We were in love with the core concept and wanted to tell the story," affirmed the director.
The director was all praises for its lead actors. Having worked with Ritwick in web series in the past, Sayantan stated he wanted to make a film with the actor and he was the first choice for the lead role. Priyanshu, on the other hand, was recommended by the film's makeup artist.
The film was also competing with 9 other films for UNESCO's Gandhi Medal award at IFFI. It lost to a French, British and Greek co-production film called Drift.
Rabindra Kabya Rahasya will be released in theatres in early 2024.
