‘Need harmonious co-existence of art and commercial cinema’

Panaji: Rajdeep Paul, a two-time National Award-winning filmmaker and writer, offered a candid exploration of the intricate challenges that have woven through the fabric of Bengali cinema while speaking at the 54th International Film Festival of India (Iffi).

During an engaging In-Conversation session, Paul shed light on the subtle conflicts between art housse and commercial cinema, stressing how this dichotomy has, at times, hindered the progress of Bengali cinema. “The conflicts between art houses and commercial cinema have been detrimental to the growth of Bengali cinema,” Paul said, emphasising the need for a more harmonious coexistence to propel the industry forward.

Sharing his journey while creating his film ‘Kalkokkho’ (House of Time) amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Paul highlighted the remarkable success achieved despite the adversities faced during the production. His narrative encapsulated not just the struggles but also the joys encountered in bringing the story to life, resonating with the audience at Iffi.

Paul’s emphasis on patience in filmmaking resonated strongly as he underscored the pivotal role of passion in storytelling. He advocated for the significance of perseverance and dedication in crafting compelling narratives, noting that these attributes serve as the bedrock of exceptional storytelling.

Addressing the role of film schools in nurturing future talent, Paul stressed the importance of practical, on-the-job learning over theoretical knowledge. He emphasised the need for hands-on experience to truly understand the nuances of filmmaking, suggesting a shift towards more experiential learning methodologies within educational institutions.

Replying to questions on the importance of dubbing in films, Paul said that bigger films fare better with dubbing but small art house films need only good subtitles.