Aditya Vikram Sengupta made a significant entrance into the film industry with his debut feature, Asha Jawar Majhe (Labour of Love), released a decade ago. This nearly wordless film, which premiered in 2014, earned him the National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director, along with several accolades at international film festivals. He subsequently released Jonaki in 2018, followed by Once Upon A Time in Calcutta, known as Mayanagar in Bengali. In anticipation of the film's release, which features Sreelekha Mitra and Bratya Basu, the director engaged in an exclusive interview with HT, discussing the film's postponed release, his connection to the city depicted in his works, and other related topics.

On the film's release

Mayanagar made its debut at the Venice Film Festival in 2021. The delay in its theatrical release in India has raised questions. The director explains, “The reasons for the delay are not particularly dramatic. The years 2020 and 2021 were dominated by the Covid pandemic. After its premiere in September 2021 at the Venice Film Festival, the film was scheduled for release in 2022. However, the Indian counterpart responsible for its distribution ceased operations, which led to a prolonged process of regaining operational rights before the film could be released.”

The director further expresses his lack of concern regarding the audience's reception, stating, “In fact, this aspect is the most thrilling part of the film's journey. It is a film intended for the public, originating from a place that is deeply connected to the city and its inhabitants. It encompasses various worlds within it, and from that perspective, I am eager to witness the local audience experience the film.”

The initial inspiration for the film emerged when Aditya encountered a dinosaur statue outside Kolkata's Science City, which was rapidly being obscured by the construction of a new flyover. This moment evolved into a narrative exploring the city situated at the crossroads of its historical and contemporary identities.

Aditya remarks, “There are no preconceived hopes or expectations in this endeavor. However, I am confident that audiences will find a deep connection to this film, regardless of their age or background. It tells a heartfelt story featuring relatable and charming characters from our everyday experiences. The performances are remarkable, and I believe Bengali cinema has not witnessed actors delivering such a level of excellence!”

Is there a connect with Satyajit Ray's Mahanagar?

The Bengali title of the film, Mayanagar, bears a notable resemblance to Mahanagar, the esteemed film by Satyajit Ray that premiered in 1963. Both films explore the city of Calcutta and its residents. “It is one of my favorite Satyajit Ray films… I have a deep appreciation for that film. However, the similarity in the title and its phonetics is unmistakable.”

From Asha Jawar Majhe to Jonaki and now Mayanagar, each of his films narrates tales about urban life and the individuals who inhabit these spaces. What captivates him most about these characters as a filmmaker? Aditya explains, “Even as a child, I felt a strong connection to my environment. There were no restrictions on my outings, and I made friends from various backgrounds. Throughout my travels, I have visited numerous places and encountered diverse individuals. I studied Western Classical Music—specifically piano—and participated in a band. I believed it was important to remain open-minded and not confine myself to a single path. This openness has allowed me to relate to a wide array of people, fostering a sense of empathy for their experiences. This perspective is reflected in my films, shaping how I approach my narratives.”

Mayanagar is set to premiere in theaters on February 7.

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