Rukmini Maitra to helm Ram Kamal Mukherjee's Bengali theater actor's biopic 'Binodiini' (EXCLUSIVE)

Rukmini Maitra ("Sanak") to play lead role in Ram Kamal Mukherjee's Bengali film" Binodiini – Ekti Natir Upakhyan” (“Binodiini – Tale of a Theater Artist”).

The film will be a biopic of Binodini Dasi, also known as Nati Binodini, who had a flourishing career as a theater actress in 19th century Bengal between the ages of 12 and 23 and was known for her innovations, including creating a style of stage make-up that blended European and Indian techniques. (The spelling difference between the actor's name and the movie's title is due to numerology.)

The film is written by Priyanka Poddar ("Parineeta") and will be produced by Shhailendra Kkumar for SS1 Entertainment and Suraj Sharma for PK Entertainment, who are currently collaborating on "1770 - Ek Sangram", and Prateek Chakravorty for Pramod Films ("Maara") in association with Mukherjee's Assorted Motion Pictures and popular Bengali film actor Dev Entertainment Ventures. Adhikari.< /p>

Mukherjee, who has authored and directed several acclaimed short films, said, "I have always wanted to tell the compelling story of Binodini Dasi for Bengali audiences. I had to struggle for almost two years to get the kind of budget I expected to put on a musical film like this. The only person standing next to my faith as a Rock of Gibraltar was Rukmini Maitra.Since she saw my work in "Season's Greetings" and "Ek Duaa" she believed that I could probably handle the pain and journey of this mega star Bengali theatre."

Maitra has been in preparation for the role for two years, practicing classical Indian dance and reading about status social status of women at that time.

"With such reputable banners, the producers and especially Dev coming on board as a presenter makes for this film a magnum opus indeed,” Maitra said.

The film will be shot by cinematographer Modhura Palit ("Kishmish") on location in Bengal and Varanasi, and is aiming for a 2023 release after a stint on the global festival circuit.

Adhikari said, "We don't make such movies these days, and it takes a lot of courage to tackle such sensitive topics as Nati Binodini. I'm sure Rukmini and Ram Kamal will create magic on screen."

Sharma added, "I think this will affect all women in our society who have suffered oppression of men chauvinistic society.”

A previous biopic on the same subject, "Nati Binodini", was released in 1994.

Comments