Kolkata International Film Festival warms up to the audience in the weekend

After a brief rainy spell, the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival has finally gained momentum. The weekend saw a crowded Nandan area with a fascinating Cine Adda on Saturday. The theme of the Cine Adda was: “What attracts today's generation, imaginary or realistic movies.” Prosenjit Chatterjee, Kharaj Mukherjee, Abir Chatterjee, Ritabhari Chakraborty, and Jeetu Kamal talked about this on the stage. The talk show was anchored by Raj Chakraborty. 

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Some films become super hits and some other films get rejected by the audience. Can we guess which film will be a success and which film will not? What does the new generation like? These are the questions that made the discussion a lively one.

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In the beginning, Prosenjit reminded the audience that cinema means imagination. He opined that commercial films with a touch of fantasy as well as realistic films, are necessary. He said, “I don’t think I could work in Utsav if I did not act in Sasurbari Jindabad. Commercial films made me a star.” He also stressed on Bengali films based on literature. 

Ritabhari said that those who love painting find the works of Picasso and Raja Ravi Verma equally important. Abir sent the ball to the audience's court on the topic of the new generation's liking. He said, “We should listen to them more because films are made keeping the audience in mind.” Kharaj said that actors have to change themselves according to the demands of the audience. He said, “People still want to see larger-than-life characters, but we should remember that it should be realistic.” Meanwhile, Jeetu said, “I like those films where imagination borders reality.” 

Prosenjit concluded by saying, “Previously we saw that changes come to Bengali films every ten or twelve years. Now we see rapid changes because people view numerous contents on the OTTs and their demands change.” He requested the audience, “You surely watch films in other languages. But also be proud of Bengali cinema. Good works are done here, too.” 

American director Laurence Kardish delivered the Satyajit Ray Memorial Speech on Saturday. Aparna Sen was there in Sisir Mancha at the program.