From blackout to screening: Late Anik Dutta's 'respect restored' as Aparajito finally reaches Nandan

Nearly seven decades later, a film chronicling the making of Pather Panchali found itself at the centre of a controversy.

Directed by filmmaker Anik Dutta, Aparajito was denied a screening at Nandan, the state-run film and cultural complex closely associated with Ray, following its release in 2022 during the tenure of then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

While the reasons for the decision were never officially clarified, critics alleged that Dutta's vocal criticism of the Trinamool Congress government and his ideological positions may have contributed to the film's exclusion.

IBNS file photo of late Anik Dutta.

The irony was not lost on observers, as the film featured Saayoni Ghosh—now a Trinamool Congress MP—in a key role.

Dutta, a frequent critic of the previous state government, had earlier objected to what he described as the excessive display of Banerjee's portraits at Nandan during an edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival.

A month after the political change in West Bengal and shortly after Dutta's untimely death following a fall from the rooftop of his residence, Aparajito has finally found a place at Nandan under the new BJP-led government.

The film was re-released for a three-day screening beginning June 5.

Speaking at the screening, West Bengal minister Swapan Dasgupta recalled his long association with Dutta and stressed that ideological differences never affected their friendship.

"Anik and I believed in very different ideologies. Yet, I deeply admired his Bhooter Bhabishyot, which remains a truly remarkable film. I was shocked when I learned that Aparajito had been completely blacked out from Nandan for reasons that were never convincingly explained. However, despite that setback, the film could not be erased from the minds of audiences," Dasgupta said.

"I sincerely hope such incidents are never repeated. I look forward to an open and civil society where diverse opinions are respected, encouraged and allowed to flourish," he added.

Veteran actor and BJP MLA Roopa Ganguly echoed similar sentiments, recalling her long-standing friendship with Dutta.

"We were friends for many years, and although we held differing political views, those differences never led to bitterness or personal quarrels. All of us wanted this film to be screened and appreciated by audiences. Today, the respect and recognition he deserved have been restored," Ganguly said.

Actor-turned-BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh thanked Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the state government for what he described as creating an environment that honours distinguished artistic talent.

"For years, his talent and contribution to cinema did not receive the respect they deserved under a stagnant system. Today, that recognition has finally been restored," Ghosh said.

About Aparajito Cast

Aparajito features veteran actor Jeetu Kamal in the lead role of Aparajit Ray, a character inspired by Satyajit Ray.

Saayoni Ghosh plays Bimala Ray, modelled on Ray's wife Bijoya Ray, while Debashis Roy essays Subir Mitra, a character inspired by cinematographer Subrata Mitra.

Jeetu Kamal as late Satyajit Ray in Aparajito. Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube video

The film also features Anusha Viswanathan as Chandrabati Devi, based on Karuna Banerjee, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay in a special appearance.

Rather than using real names, director Anik Dutta created fictional counterparts of the personalities associated with the making of Pather Panchali, while closely mirroring their lives and contributions.