Putulnacher Itikatha

Suman Mukhopadhyay's 2025 film, Putulnacher Itikotha, is a cinematic adaptation of Manik Bandyopadhyay's classic novel of the same name. The film, which stars Abir Chatterjee as Dr. Shashi and Jaya Ahsan as Kusum, has been a highly anticipated project, given the iconic status of the original literary work.

The film's plot, much like the novel, revolves around the life of Dr. Shashi, an urbane doctor who returns to his native village. He finds himself entangled in the complex lives of the people there, particularly in the emotional and sexual dynamics with the women he encounters, including the spirited Kusum. The story is a deep exploration of love, sexuality, destiny, and death, and the way human lives are often pulled like puppets by unseen forces.

* Abir Chatterjee as Shashi: Abir Chatterjee's casting as Shashi has been met with positive feedback, with many feeling that he was a perfect fit for the role. The actor himself has spoken about the complexity of the character, particularly the internal conflict between reason and blind faith, and the indecisiveness that is a core part of the Bengali psyche.

* Jaya Ahsan as Kusum: Jaya Ahsan's portrayal of Kusum, a character often seen as a symbol of unfulfilled desire and a challenge to patriarchal norms, has also been a point of discussion. The film seems to delve into the complexities of her character, exploring her aspirations and the societal constraints she faces.

* The Adaptation: Adapting a literary classic is a challenging task, and director Suman Mukhopadhyay has acknowledged that some elements from the novel were omitted for the film. However, he has emphasized that the core essence and main themes of the original text have been preserved. The film is told from Shashi's perspective, which is a key directorial choice.

* Cinematic Style: The film's trailer and promotional material suggest a visually rich and atmospheric experience. The opening scene, with a wide shot of a river and a boat, is noted for its ability to immediately set the tone for the "puppet's tale" that is about to unfold.

Overall, Putulnacher Itikotha is being received as a haunting and well-executed adaptation of a literary classic. It is a film that promises to explore the profound conflicts of human existence, with strong performances from its lead actors and a director who has a history of successfully bringing complex literature to the big screen.