Byomkesh battle fizzles out

The plot around Byomkesh has thickened further. After it was announced that Satyanweshi Byomkesh, starring Parambrata Chatterjee in the titular role, would release this Puja, the chief of another production house, which is known for films on the sleuth, like Har Har Byomkesh,

Byomkesh Pawrbo

and Byomkesh Gotro, took to social media to write that another Abir Chatterjee-starrer Byomkesh film too would hit the screens on the same date. But looks like the Byomkesh battle has fizzled out even before it gathered steam. A source from Tollywood told us, “The film with Abir has been pushed back as the cost of production is high.”

The potential box-office clash got the film industry talking after sources revealed that Birsa Dasgupta would be helming the franchise, instead of Arindam Sil, who has already directed three Byomkesh films. The production house, however, is bringing Gumnaami this Puja and Srijit Mukherji has already started shooting. A part of the film is currently being filmed in Ayodhya. Known to bring three films on Durga Puja, the production house has not announced any other Puja film barring Gumnaami. An exhibitor told us on condition of anonymity, “Byomkesh is not slated for Puja. So far, there are four films — Gumnaami, Satyanweshi Byomkesh, Password and Mitin Mashi. The producers of Mitin Mashi are also making Shararipu 2, but no one has got in touch with us about its release so far. Also, a big Bollywood film will release that time and division of shows will be an issue.”
Sayantan confessed that he was perturbed when he first heard that two Byomkesh films would release together. “If Birsa’s Byomkesh does not release in Puja, the business will not get divided. Byomkesh has a charm of its own and will be a crowd-puller any time of the year. I am sure Birsada will do a fantastic job,” said Sayantan Ghosal, director of Satyanweshi Byomkesh. Rudranil said even if two Byomkesh films clash at the BO, the audience will go for the one that is made well. “Since Birsa is coming up with Byomkesh for the first time, he should do his homework well and present the audience a quality product. It is a good decision not to rush,” he said.

A source from the production house that announced the Abir starrer told us, “Currently, Birsa is developing the script along with someone. It will take time. If he can finish on time, we’ll bring Byomkesh this Puja. Else, we’ll wait it out. We are in no mood to hurry.” About working with Arindam, the source said, “We’ll do other films together, but not Byomkesh at the moment.”