Exclusive! Indrasis Acharya on five years of Bilu Rakkhosh: Struggle of making an independent film remains the same

Indrasis Acharya’s critically acclaimed film Bilu Rakkhosh is completing five years of its release this year. To mark the event, the director has hosted a special screening of the Koneenica Banerjee, Joy Sengupta and Kanchana Moitra-starrer drama. Besides, there will be a book release on a compilation of the film’s old and new script and the critical appreciation notes of the film. The screening and the book release will take place on June 9 at Nandan 2.

Talking to OTTPlay exclusively, Indrasis said, “This was my debut film and I am very proud of it. The first script that I wrote was discarded by many production houses because of its dark nature. Later, I modified and rewrote the script and finally, the film was made. However, the first script is still very close to my heart. I am happy that the scripts are now documented and published.”

Palash Burman of Kolikata Letterpress has compiled the book that will also feature the critical reviews of the film. The lead actor of the film, Joy, said, “I can confidently say that Bilu Rakkhosh represents the best of the tradition of independent cinema globally. It is born out of an undying passion to speak in the language of cinema. The film is based on an idea, which is deeply personal and then it is finally materialised by the intervention of a group of friends contributing limited funds without condition. It is a coincidence that I, with my allegiance and admiration for the independent art-house school of cinema, happened to be in the centre of this. From its genesis to projection – I have been a part. I would sincerely like to believe that I was not just an actor, but an active collaborator to realise Indrashis’s inner demons (Rakkhosh) in the form of Bilu’s alienation on the screen.

After Bilu Rakkhosh, Indrasis’ Pupa and The Parcel have also garnered critical acclaim. Meanwhile, the director is gearing up to send his new film Niharika to global festivals. “In all these years, one thing remained constant – the struggle to finish an independent film. With Niharika, we crowdfunded in batches to finish portions of the film. I am grateful that so many people came forward to help finish the project,” said the filmmaker.

Bilu Rakkhosh is streaming on YouTube.