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by Shantiswaroop Tripathi
It is a golden moment for National Award-winning director Ram Kamal Mukherjee as eminent filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has praised Ram Kamal for his Bengali magnum opus Binodini Ekti Natir Upakhyan. Ashutosh and his wife Sunita Gowariker attended a private screening of the film in Mumbai and felt that this regional cinema from the heartland of Bengal needs to be seen nationally for a larger audience. He invited Ram Kamal and lead actress Rukmini Maitra to his Mumbai office and spoke in detail about their hurdles while making an unconventional film like Lagaan. Despite his busy schedule, Ashutosh has been in touch with Ram Kamal on every progress of the film. The film is scheduled to release on 24 January 2025.
When asked how he feels after watching Binodini Ekti Natir Upakhyan, Ashutosh says, “Bringing the golden age of Bengal theatre on screen is for the benefit of every generation – for that alone Ram Kamal Mukherjee needs to be applauded! His direction is poignant, bringing depth and sensitivity to the remarkable life of theatre artist Binodini Dasi ji. He has managed to showcase Binodini ji’s 70-year life span in a tight story. I am glad that Ram Kamal did not follow the dictates of the market while narrating this epic. It is pure. Rukmini Maitra’s portrayal of Binodini ji is captivating. She looks beautiful and dances very well while giving a wonderfully layered performance! This film is a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Indian theatre and its unsung heroes. I wish the entire cast and crew of Binodini immense success and recognition!”
Director of the film 'Binodini' Ram Kamal Mukherjee says- "The films 'Lagaan' and 'Jodha Akbar' are my two best period dramas of contemporary Indian cinema, and Ashu Sir will always remain the first Indian filmmaker to take pure Indian cinema to the Oscars. After the first cut of Binodini Ekti Natir Upakhyan, I was hesitant and approached Ashu Sir to see if he could preview my film, it was fortunate that he agreed and attended the screening at White Apple Studios in Mumbai. Ashu Sir also attended it, Madam, both were overwhelmed by Binodini Dasi's journey and thankfully liked the film. He admired that I could create a magical world, and still keep the audience captivated by my story, especially he was impressed with the music composed by Sourendro-Soumyogita but the biggest achievement for him was Rukmini Maitra's performance, he said that taking such a big film on her shoulders was a task which sometimes even male actors failed in. I am happy with the film that she willingly supported me. He invited Rukmini to Mumbai to convey the message. On renaming Star Theatre to Binodini Theatre after 140 years, Ashu Sir feels that this film should be seen from a different perspective. Coming from Bengal with a fixed budget limit, the canvas of the film is at par with any pan-India cinema. Binodini's life deals with the hardships of women in our society, and brings forth the musical journey of a star who never returned to stardom.''
Binodini Dasi's Journey: From Red Light to Theatre Star
The story of the film ''Binodini Ekti Natir Upakhyan'' revolves around the journey of Binodini Dasi, a young girl from the red light area of North Kolkata, who dreamed of becoming a theatre star. But her journey towards stardom was not easy, but equally complicated. However, she found a mentor in the form of playwright Girish Chandra Ghosh, who groomed her to become the superstar Natti Binodini. For a 'fallen woman' like Binodini, gaining respect in the 'babu' society was not an easy task, as people constantly dragged her past, and tainted her achievements to keep the flag of male chauvinism high. Binodini fell in love with rich and affluent men, but they too were reluctant to grant her social elevation (read marriage). From one heartbreak to another, she dedicated her life to Bengali theatre at the cost of returning to her old profession and settling with ‘investor’ Gurmukh Rai, who promised her to build a new theatre in her name. As destiny would have it, she was betrayed by her own people once again. Though she was hurt and bleeding from the inside, the wound was not visible to anyone except her. Binodini realized that she was chasing a mirage when she met spiritual guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa after her much-talked-about show Chaitanya Leela. Ramakrishna, a devotee of Goddess Kali of Dakshineswar Temple, blessed Binodini on stage. That acceptance from the almighty guru made her realize that she was chasing fame while peace lay within her. At the age of 24, when she was reigning as the 'signora' of Bengali theatre, she decided to quit acting.
Rukmini Maitra, who is making her Bollywood debut as a lead actress opposite Vidyut Jammwal in the film 'Sanak' and the heroine of the film 'Binadini' said, “It is an honour to receive so much praise from Ashutosh Gowariker, sir, for a character that is very close to my heart. When I met him at his office, I realized that he had watched the film closely and his comments were impeccable. I am glad that he feels that the film has national potential.”
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