Only a few contemporary Bengali movies have made it to the major international film festivals off late. Many believe these days not many realistic films are being made in Bengali industry which can reflect the volatile situation of our society.
Goutam Ghose, the only Indian filmmaker to receive the Vittorio Di Sica Award in Italy in 1997, feels Bengali filmmakers should start making films on humanity and tolerance more.
“I think it is just a phase of a cycle for Bengali cinema. When we were younger, the socio-economic situation around would shake us up and in all the films of that time, we could see the reflection of that. Now, for some reason, directors are making more of detective films and thrillers to cater to the taste of the audience. Nevertheless, I feel the trend of making realistic films will return again because all the ups and downs and upheaval of the present times, need to get reflected in cinema,” explains the national award winning filmmaker.
He also expressed his views on the recent not-so promising scenario of Bengali cinema. “I also think that because of the same reasons, now Bengali films are not meeting the international standards. I feel that now filmmakers should concentrate on making films on humanity and tolerance more. The effects of manipulation in the name of politics need to be highlighted in the films as well. I am hopeful that the filmmakers of younger generation will take notice of the situation and bring the trend back,” added the ‘Padma Nadir Majhi’ director.
