Madhur Bhandarkar extending Satyajit Ray's 'Apu Trilogy', bringing us 'Avijatrik'
Bollywood filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar is all set to present his debut upcoming Bengali movie Avijatrik. And reports suggest that makers have also locked the release date for this much-anticipated film. Written and directed by Subhrajit Mitra, the drama is slated to hit the theaters on November 26 this year. It stars Arjun Chakrabarty, Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Arpita Chatterjee, and Ditipriya Roy in the lead roles.
Avijatrik has been backed by Gaurang Jalan and Bhandarkar under the banners of Gaurang Films and Bhandarkar Entertainment. This venture marks the Chandni Bar filmmaker's new beginning in the Bengali film industry as a producer. Earlier, as a producer, he had bankrolled Fashion, which starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Kangana Ranaut. Indu Sarkar, Calendar Girls, and Heroine are some of his other productions.
Avijatrik is a sequel to the classic Apu Trilogy, directed by Satyajit Ray. It will focus on the characters and/or plots that were not dealt with by the Academy Award winner in his three films, such as the "sublime bond" of a father (Apu) and his six-year-old son named Kajol. The film's plot will take off after the conclusion of the famed trilogy.
MADHUR BHANDARKAR'S FIRST BENGALI FILM GETS A RELEASE DATE... #Bengali film #Avijatrik - which marks #MadhurBhandarkar's foray into #Bengali cinema - to release in *cinemas* on 26 Nov 2021... Directed by #SubhrajitMitra... Produced by Gaurang Films and #MadhurBhandarkar. pic.twitter.com/ECq3GnJFyt
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 7, 2021
This movie has been filmed in black and white to retain the authenticity of Kolkata in the 1940s and also Ray's theme in the Apu films. Talking about it, Bhandarkar said, "As a director and a film buff, I have been a great admirer and fan of Satyajit Ray, and the journey of Apu always fascinated me." Bickram Ghosh has given the original score.
Apart from this, Bhandarkar is also busy with his 15th film, India Lockdown, the shooting of which got wrapped up in March. The film stars Prateik Babbar, Shweta Basu Prasad, Sai Tamhankar, Prakash Belawadi, and Aahana Kumra in pivotal roles. The Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji helmer also expressed he is likely to direct a comedy film after the completion of his lockdown drama.
