Tripura has launched a three-day film festival to honour iconic Bengali filmmaker Ritwick Ghatak on his birth centenary. The event began on Thursday and aims to reconnect film lovers with his influential cinematic legacy.
A Visionary Voice in Indian Cinema
Ritwick Ghatak was born in 1925 in present-day Bangladesh. He entered the world of Bengali cinema in the early 1950s and quickly gained attention for his creative storytelling style. While Satyajit Ray earned global recognition during the same period, Ghatak followed a different artistic path and continued to push boundaries. However, despite his brilliance, he did not receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime.
Sadly, his later years were affected by illness and addiction, and he passed away in 1976. Even so, his films continue to influence filmmakers, critics, and students across India and beyond.
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Cinematic Works That Still Resonate
Ghatak’s films explored themes such as displacement, identity, and emotional struggle. His most celebrated works include:
- Meghe Dhaka Tara
- Subarnarekha
- Komal Gandhar
- Ajantrik
Because of their emotional depth and social relevance, these films remain essential viewing for anyone studying Indian cinema.
Strong Audience Response Highlights Renewed Interest
The festival venue, Sukanta Academy auditorium, witnessed an overwhelming turnout on the opening day. Many students, film enthusiasts, and scholars attended the event, and their presence demonstrated the continuing admiration for Ghatak’s contribution to cinema.
The film organisation Parisar and the Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Tripura Central University (TCU) jointly organised the festival, making it a collaborative cultural effort.
Experts Reflect on Ghatak’s Legacy
Retired Orissa High Court Chief Justice Subhasish Talapatra chaired the event. In addition, film critic and former Jadavpur University professor Sanjay Mukherjee, TCU faculty member Sunil Koloi, and MBB University registrar Sumanta Chakraborty shared their thoughts with the audience.
The programme began with a documentary produced by TCU. It highlighted Ghatak’s artistic journey, personal struggles, and long-term cultural impact. After the screening, guest speakers discussed how Ghatak’s films captured the psychological aftermath of Partition and portrayed the emotional realities of ordinary people.
Justice Talapatra expressed that while Satyajit Ray refined simplicity, Ghatak revolutionised Bengali cinema with emotional intensity and social honesty. Moreover, he noted that both filmmakers shaped the identity of Indian parallel cinema.
Festival Continues Until Saturday
The festival will continue until Saturday evening. Throughout these three days, visitors will have the opportunity to watch Ghatak’s classic films, attend discussions, and participate in interactive learning sessions. Organisers believe the event will spark new conversations and inspire younger generations to explore his work further.
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