Saswata Chatterjee, Rituparna Sengupta, Ditipriya Roy and a host of other artistes were recently spotted at the Mahurat of their upcoming film, Achena Uttam, which is being directed by Atanu Bose.
Based on matinee idol Uttam Kumar's life, the film will feature an ensemble cast of 70 artistes. Saswata will star as the Mahanayak — as the superstar was popularly known — while Sengupta and Ditipriya will play the roles of actresses Suchitra Sen and Sabitri Chatterjee respectively. According to the director, the film will go beyond Uttam Kumar’s public persona and film career.
Newcomer Tirtharaj Basu will feature as the young Uttam Kumar. Actress Srabanti Chatterjee will be seen as his wife Gouri Devi, Sayantani Roy Choudhury will feature as Supriya Devi and Sampurna Lahiri will essay the role of Sumitra Mukherjee. Biswanath Basu will be seen as Uttam Kumar's brother actor Tarun Kumar.
Speaking to online portal Looptoop.com, Bose said, “After more than 40 years, no one has replaced Uttam Kumar in the industry and he is still the undisputed Mahanayak. However, at the same time, he was one of us — who had his own wishes, experienced losses, went through hard times in his life. Achena Uttam will highlight these areas.”
Saswata said his deep devotion and respect for the actor made him take up the role. “Primarily, I want to forget that I am enacting Uttam Kumar and I want to enjoy the entire process instead of getting pressurised by the expectation to present myself as the legend. I want to give my best according to the directors’ demands. I am simply excited and feeling lucky to anticipate that I will be lip-syncing the same songs he did. That’s enough for me,” added the actor, known for his performances in Meghe Dhaka Tara (2013), Rajkahini (2015) and Kahaani (2012).
Sengupta echoed Saswata’s thoughts, saying, “I will not try to emulate Suchitra Sen and I don’t think anyone ever can. I simply want to regard it as a performance like my other acts so that there is no scope for comparison.”
The research work of the film has been conducted by Sibasish Bandopadhyay. Supriya Dutta will do the camerawork and Upali Chattopadhyay will compose the music for the film.
The film will go on the floors in April.