'Jaago Uma' unlockdown version seeks to rekindle the invincible spirit of Kolkata

The unlockdown version of 'Jaago Uma', the title track of Srijit Mukherji’s celebrated film Uma (2018), seeks to rekindle a fighting spirit against the COVID-19 pandemic. The original version too had a similar kind of approach as it celebrated humanism and positivity.

Composed by Anupam Roy, who also had a few other memorable songs from the film, including 'Aalosyo', the unlockdown version of 'Jaago Uma' has been rendered by Rupankar Bagchi. The song features the director, along with all the actors, including Sara Sengupta, Jisshu Sengupta, Anjan Dutt, Rudranil Ghosh, Anirban Bhattacharya along with members of the production unit. Quarantined at their respective homes, all of them convey messages which seek to rekindle the spirit of Kolkata.

Due to the lockdown, the usual buoyant spirit of the city has given way to a heavy feeling of hoplessness.  The song seeks to create hope, with optimistic messages to revive the city's work culture, its festive mood and the people-to-people connect that it is known for.

In the film Uma, Durga Puja celebrations had a special significance and the title of the film was chosen because of its close connection to goddess Durga. This year, the uncertainty regarding the festival, one which all Bengalis wait for, has made it difficult for people to look ahead to the rest of the year.

'Jaago Uma' features all the actors signalling a return to a happy future soon, interspersed with images and visuals of Kolkata in monochrome. While the city gets adorned in the most beautiful colours and lights during the biggest festival, the monochromatic tone suggests that the city has taken on a lifeless grey shade in the lockdown. However, the shining faces of all the artistes featured in the song is like a beacon of hope in these dark times.  

Watch the song in the link below: