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Assignment Kolkata
VIJAY GEORGE
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Blessy says his ‘Calcutta News’ will be noted for its sensitive portrayal of a topical theme.
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On the beat: Dileep and Meera in ‘Calcutta News,’ which narrates the story of a television reporter.
“It is quite different from my earlier films. ‘Calcutta News’ is not a typical family drama. It is a love story but the film will be noted mainly for its sensitive portrayal of a relevant theme and also for its visuals,” says director Blessy, who has made his mark with such films as ‘Kazhcha,’ ‘Tanmathra’ and ‘Palunku.’ The second segment of the shoot of his latest offering, ‘Calcutta News,’ is going on at Cherupushpam Studio, near Kochi. The film, with Dileep and Meera Jasmine in the lead, has almost entirely been shot in Kolkata.
The outline
“Ajith Thomas, Dileep’s character, is the son of a former football player who has grown up in Kolkata. He now works as a reporter and programme producer for a television channel called ‘Calcutta News.’ While going through the footage of a sequence he had shot, he discovers some startling things that lead him to Krishnapriya (Meera Jasmine). She had moved to the city with her husband, Hari (Indrajith). Some strange incidents follow, which is part of the suspense that will be unveiled on screen,” says Blessy. Vimala Raman, Innocent, Manasa and Unni Sivapal are the other actors in the cast.
A bespectacled Dileep, who sports a different hairstyle for the film, says that his character has been moulded as realistically as possible.
“Some of the situations that he comes across in his career were particularly disturbing but he handles it all in a mature way. He is sincere to his family and can even be described as a nice boy next door,” says the hero.
How tough is it for an actor to switch from one role to another? Dileep’s next film, ‘Romeo,’ scripted by Rafi-Mecartin and directed by Rajasenan, is said to be a laugh riot. “The film will have a strong dose of humour and will be very different from the intellectual character in ‘Calcutta News,’” says Dileep.
Meera feels that her character in ‘Calcutta News’ has great significance and depth. “Krishnapriya, at some points, is in the midst of a complicated situation and feels completely helpless. I think that the role can generate a certain degree of social awareness as well,” says Meera. She is quite excited about the rave reviews that she is receiving for her performance in ‘Ore Kadal.’
“Krishnapriya is not a highly educated woman but she has a flair for music,” explains Blessy.
Almost every one involved in the film has reams to talk about their experience in Kolkata. “With trams, rickshaws and a well behaved crowd, we had a fabulous time there,” says Dileep.
Captivating visuals
Cinematographer S.Kumar says: “The elegance of North Kolkata remains intact, though the buildings have become pretty old by now. Some of the streets remind us of London. We have seen some amazing visuals of the area in ‘36 Chowringhee Lane’ and more recently in ‘Chokher Bali’ and ‘Rain Coat.’ Our efforts have been to paint some captivating visuals on screen in ’Calcutta News.’”
Blessy points out that another significant aspect about the film is its music, composed by Debjyothi Mishra.
“There is an evident Malayali flavour in the compositions and there is Bengali and Hindustani music as well. Bengali musicians have found great success in Malayalam and we hope that the music of the film will attract all,” he adds. The lyrics have been penned by Vayalar Sarat Chandra Varma. The still photographer is Paul Bathery.
‘Calcutta News’ is being produced by Thampi Antony under the banner of Kayal productions.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
