Poet-lyricist Srijato Bandopadhyay to make directorial debut in Manab Jamin

Writer Srijato Bandopadhyay announced his directorial debut Manab Jamin, which is being produced by Rana Sarkar. The poet-author, who is remembered for penning the words of songs such as 'Chol Rastay Saji Tramline' from Autograph (2010), 'Balir Shawhor' from Mishawr Rohoshyo (2013) and 'Esho Hey' from Ek Je Chhilo Raja (2018) and made his debut as a screenwriter in Indraadip Dasgupta’s Kedara (2019).

The Ananda Puraskar-winning writer feels there is an unexplored connection between poetry and films. Speaking to Anadabazar Patrika, a Bengali daily, Bandopadhyay said, “Writing songs or stories for films and directing them are completely different. Producers had a hard time trusting me with direction. I am thankful to have received Rana Da’s support.”

Though the casting of the film hasn't been finalized, Bandopadhyay confirmed that the film will be a romantic comedy. “I believe romance and comedy are two treasure elements of Bengali cinema. So many films used to be made in these genres before and then they were adapted into Hindi as well. Bengalis have been deprived of those elements for long," said the Filmfare Award-winning lyricist.

The filmmaker further said that he would be following the legacy of his favourite filmmaker Tapan Sinha. “I want the audience to get the essence of Sinha’s film in mine,” said Bandopadhyay, who believes his friendship with actors and actresses from the industry will make his task an easy one.

However, the director confirmed that the film has nothing to do with Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay’s novel of the same name. The shooting schedule of the film will depend on the pandemic situation. The music of the film will be done by Joy Sarkar.