Rituparna Sengupta, Yash, Nussrat promise revival of commercial Bengali films with Shikarr

Amid the growing number of "content-driven" films, which are often criticised for not reaching out to the masses, Sinha's Shikarr is set to be a commercial film.

Rituparna, who has acted in diverse genres of films over the decades, said she was "excited" because such films are a must to cater to the wider audience.

Rituparna Sengupta | Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

She says, "I am very excited because I am a product of commercial cinema, which should exist. So many directors and producers have worked in commercial cinema. We should not forget commercial cinema and its contribution."

"The mainstream cinema is important because a huge number of people watch it. A huge section of the audience come to the theatres to watch larger-than-life films," the senior actor added.

In the same line, Yash says, "We can't bilittle something that has given us fame and success. Commercial films are needed for the sustenance of everyone associated with an industry."

Yash Daasguptaa | Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Shikarr, which is a social thriller set in the backdrop of rural Bengal, features Rituparna and Yash in the main lead.

This is the first time the duo will share the screen space together.

Set in the backdrop of rural Bengal at a place called Shantipur, the film revolves around a local messiah Dev (played by Yash), a flamboyant character who rides around town helping young and old.

The people of Shantipur worship him like a true hero and women are crazy about him.

(From L to R) Nussrat Jahan, Yash Daasguptaa, Rituparna Sengupta | Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Agni, a single mother (essayed by Rituparna Sengupta) is posted as a government official in the town who soon gets embroiled in a controversy that makes her come face to face with Dev. What happens next forms the crux of the story.

Tollywood actor-MP Nussrat Jahan, who plays a significant role in the film, plays Jinia who will add spunk and relief to the serious thriller plot.

Basking in the joy of the return of commercial films, Nussrat says, "I visit the rural areas a lot. Majority of people in the rural areas want to watch commercial cinema. They are big fans of commercial films with songs, glamour, quality stories together.

"I feel commercial films should be made to cater that demand. Both me and Yash had started our careers as commercial actors."

Nussrat Jahan | Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Director Sinha says, "People in the interior areas wait for commercial films. They can relate to this form of films the most."

The music and background score of the film will be helmed by Aditi Bose.

Shikarr is planned to go on floors in March end.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)