Weekend Roundup: Tollywood’s top newsmakers of the week

Yash leaving his film ahead of release, Sonu Nigam's Kolkata concert or the new release announcements; if you have missed the exciting news, gossip or latest developments that have made headlines in Bengali cinema this week, here is a weekly roundup for you. Take a look:

KK’s tragic demise has once again brought the spotlight on the stress performers handle while doing live shows in overcrowded venues. The mismanagement at Nazrul Mancha concert pointed towards the vulnerability of artists during performances. And now, according to a close source, despite all the negative talks about Kolkata Sonu Nigam has decided to go on with his Kolkata concert in July. The celebrated singer has already had initial talks with event manager Tochan Ghosh. “Yes, we had initial talks with Sonu Nigam. He’s ready to perform in Kolkata and if everything goes according to plan, we will see him performing live in Kolkata in July. Those who are spreading rumours that Kolkata is not safe for artists will have their answer when Sonu performs live here,” said an optimistic Tochan.

Just before the release of Shieladitya Moulik’s ‘Cheene Badaam’ on June 10, the lead actor of the film Yash Daasguptaa took to social media to share a note. It read that he wants to excuse himself from this project as he has had creative differences with the production house and the director. This came as a shock to the production house and the director of the film. The makers held a press conference to discuss this issue. Ena Saha, who plays the lead opposite Yash in the film, said at the conference that she holds no grudges against Yash and his decision. But, she is upset with Yash’s decision since they have been friends since her first film ‘SOS Kolkata’.

The 69th Sydney Film Festival which started on June 8 is screening an honorary retrospective on Satyajit Ray. Ten Ray classics have been selected for the special segment, curated by David Stratton, former director of the Sydney Film Festival. The 10-film segment includes classics like ‘Pather Panchali’ (1955), ‘Aparajito’ (1956), ‘The Music Room’ (Jalsaghar) (1958), ‘The World of Apu’ (Apur Sansar) (1959), ‘Devi’ (1960) among others. Interestingly, previously two films of Satyajit Ray were selected at the Sydney Film Festival. The first one was ‘Mahanagar’ in 1965 and in 1980, it was ‘Joy Baba Felunath’.

Ever since the film was announced fans were eagerly waiting to see Prosenjit Chatterjee and Dev sharing the screen together once again. And, now we know when their upcoming film ‘Kacher Manush’ will hit the theatres. Dev has announced that the slice-of-a-life drama will come out on September 30 this year.Directed by Pathikrit Basu, the film also has Ishaa Saha, Dev’s co-star from ‘Golondaaj’ as the female lead. While there hasn’t been any news or update about the film’s storyline. As of now we have heard that Ishaa will be seen as a sensitive girl Aalo and the film revolves around these three characters played by the trio. The shoot of ‘Kacher Manush’ was wrapped up in a tight schedule earlier in February this year.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see Madhumita Sarcar and Vikram Chatterjee pairing up for their next film ‘Kuler Achaar’, especially their onscreen chemistry. This Sudeep Das directorial will see the two pairing up for the first time. Now we know when we will get to see the relationship drama on the big screen. The release date has already been announced and ‘Kuler Achaar’ is coming out on July 15. ‘Kuler Achaar’ is an out-and-out family drama that is not only women-centric in its narrative but also puts effort into upholding the true nature of bond and affection a family should ideally share. It will be interesting to see how Vikram pulls off such an interesting character.