By Special Correspondent
IFFI is reckoned as one of Asia’s oldest and India’s biggest film festival& started its journey in 1952.The 51st IFFI 2020, has been rescheduled to 16-24th January 2021, is organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, through the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), and the Indian Film Industry. We are delighted to note that AVIJATRIK has been selected in the Panorama section at the 51st edition of IFFI amongst 22 other notable Indian films.
Gaurang Films’, has been in the production of quality and content-oriented films (feature, short, documentary etc) since 1976 in multiple Indian languages. Our films are recipients of National & International awards.
Avijatrik is a unique film with a rich legacy & soulful music. With ‘Avijatrik’ (The Wanderlust of Apu) – the enduring and endearing character of ‘Apu’ is all set to return after 60 years on the big screen! It is the sequel to the classic “Apu Trilogy”, directed by Satyajit Ray. The plot takes off from where “The Apu Trilogy” had ended in 1959 with “Apur Sansar. The story revolves around a sublime bond between a father (Apu) and his 6-year-old son (Kajol). The film has explored a beautiful tapestry of pure interpersonal relationships to recreate the magic of Apu– sharing adventures with his beloved son, Kajol. The music of the film is by internationally acclaimed exponents, such as Bickram Ghosh and Anoushka Shankar, of the Indian classical genre& direction by Subhrajit Mitra.
Said Producer Gaurang Jalan – “2020 is the centenary year of Pandit Ravi Shankar &2021 of legendary Satyajit Ray.It is also a befitting tribute to the evergreen Soumitra Chatterjee whose portrayal of Apu is irreplaceable.Avijatrik has been shot in B&W with an ensemble of experienced cast and crew at 68 locations to retain the rich aesthetic flavor that compliments its backdrop of 1940’s India.We are indeed proud of Team Avijatrik!”
The film is co presented by Bhandarkar Entertainment & NCKS Explorations.Said co-Producer Madhur Bhandarkar- “I have been a great admirer of Satyajit Ray.The journey of Apu has always fascinated me.We hope the film will be a visual treat to moviegoers across the globe.We are happy to be a part of this period saga along with Gaurang Films!”
“I am overjoyed – more for the film than myself. The entire team has worked extremely hard to make Avijatrik come to life. The research and scripting is unbelievable, so is the cinematography. I thank the makers for believing in me; it would be any actor’s dream to play Apu and I was the fortunate one in this case. This acceptance and respect is for the entire team” , remarked the lead actor Arjun Chakraborty who has essayed the role of Apu in Avijatrik.
Said its Director Subhrajit Mitra -“It’s good to be recognized and appreciated by your own country. Being selected in IFFI Indian Panorama itself is a proud moment for me and team Avijatrik as only the best of best, the country has to offer in this year are part of this elite list. Apu has returned after 60 years, let the journey begin. Let us all celebrate “the wanderlust of Apu”.
Each succeeding year, IFFI has provided Indian and foreign film enthusiasts with an opportunity to share ideas, skills and technology, promoting a common culture of film making and film viewers. Despite the pandemic, the range and depth of Indian&International films at the 51st IFFI are noteworthy.
Perhaps, Avijatrik can claim to be in the happy space of being the only Bengali film to make it to 51st IFFI (in Panorama)& 26th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) in the competition!