‘Mahalaya’: Here’s why Jisshu was chosen to play Uttam Kumar

After delivering back to back critically acclaimed Hindi films Soumik Sen is back to his roots in Kolkata. The ‘Gulaab Gang’, ‘Why Cheat India’ director is all geared up for his first Bengali film ‘Mahalaya’ which will be made under the banner of Prosenjit Chatterjee’s home production Nideas Creations. In his first Bengali directorial Soumik sheds light on the controversy surrounding Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Uttam Kumar and our very own Mahalaya. So, what made him choose such a subject for his first Bengali work? “I don’t know why any Bengali film has been made on this subject. It’s a conflict between the old and new, a tussle between tradition and stardom. This film can’t be made in any other language. It’s for we Bengalis,” said the director while speaking about his upcoming film. Giving a peek into the casting decisions Soumik Sen also explained why how Jisshu Sengupta and Subhasish Mukhopadhyay came on board. “When making a biopic you have to keep in mind two things; the physical similarity and acting. I have chosen acting over physical similarity. I have cast Jisshu because I needed a star to play a star. I know nobody can replace Uttam Kumar and Jisshu not looks like Uttam Kumar as well but he has the star factor, the appearance and attitude I needed. And ever since I watched Harbert I knew how great an actor is Subhasish da,” added Soumik.