Multiple award-winning director Suman Ghosh has just unveiled the first look of his movie, Puratawn (The Ancient). This promo will be part of the upcoming European Film Market, which runs alongside Berlinale. The movie has created a big buzz, but what is more significant is legendary actress Sharmila Tagore’s return to the big screen after a 13-year-hiatus. Puratawn also features two other actors of amazing talent: Rituparna Sengupta and Indraneil Sengupta.
Produced by Rituparna’s Bhavna Aaj O Kal, the film plays against a backdrop of rich Bengali culture and poignant emotions. As it explores the intricacies of relationships and the enduring essence of heritage, we see Sharmila’s character grapple with the challenges of aging that may well redefine her very existence. As she celebrates her 80th birthday along with her daughter, Rituparna, and son-in-law, Indraneil, in their ancestral home, events unfold pushing the narrative through a complex journey.
Ghosh, a National Award-winning moviemaker for his debut, Footsteps,has helmed nine features and two documentaries. His notable works include Nobel Thief (a 2011 Busan premiere), Shyamal Uncle Turns Off The Lights (debuted at New York MoMA), Scavenger of Dreams (world premiere at Busan in 2023) and latest, Kabuliwala, with Mithun Chakraborty (which is now running in Kolkata garnering good reviews). His latest documentary, Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen, which had its world premiere at this year’s Rotterdam International Film Festival, was recently reviewed in these columns.
Sharmila Tagore, a Pillar of Indian cinema, is renowned for her distinguished career, having received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2013, the third-highest civilian award in India, recognizing her exceptional contribution to the world of entertainment. Born into the illustrious Tagore family, her cinematic journey includes classic roles in award-winning movies such as Satyajit Ray’s Apur Sansar and Devi. A versatile actress, she garnered a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in Aradhana and several lifetime achievement awards (Filmfare, Screen, Anandalok, etc). Her influence extends beyond the screen; she served on the Cannes jury in 2009 and headed the Indian Film Censor Board from 2004 to 2011.
Rituparna, a highly acclaimed Bengali superstar, is celebrated for her exceptional contributions to cinema, particularly her National Award-winning role in the impactful movie, Dahan. Known for her versatility, she has graced the screen in various critically acclaimed works, including Rituparno Ghosh’s Utsab, Aparna Sen’s Paromitar Ekdin and Buddhadev Dasgupta’s Monodo Meyer Upakhyan
Indraneil is renowned for insightful roles in Bengali cinema, including notable works like Autograph and Arekti Premar Golpo (which premiered at Berlin in 2010). This year, he will be seen in Hubba.
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