Storyteller of a different sort

As a part of ‘New Voices in Indian Films’, ‘Toto Funds the Arts’ — an initiative to encourage young artists — screened three movies directed by Srijit Mukherjee at the NGMA recently.

The movies were ‘Autograph’, Baishe Srabon and ‘Hemlock Society’. The auditorium was full and the movies were well appreciated by those who had gathered to watch.

Samhitha, who had come for the event, says, “I have previously watched ‘Hemlock Society’, which is a fantastic movie. It evoked an interest in me to watch Srijit’s other movies. So, when I heard that the NGMA is screening ‘Autograph’, I was more than happy to come here. I watched the movie and I think it is very different.”

‘Autograph’ is a movie that has many layers to it — it’s a film within a film. The distinction between a star and an actor is intelligently questioned. Rajath Ghoshal, an audience member, says, “It is a path-breaking film, with a complex subject. And Srijit’s complicated way of storytelling is remarkable. The music in the movie is soothing, and I enjoyed it.”

Vineetha, an ardent lover of Bengali movies, adds, “I have watched all the classical Bengali movies. But Srijit’s style of storytelling is totally different. It is like a breath of fresh air. I think this film has traces of Satyajit Ray’s style in it.”

Arundhati Gosh, a member of ‘Toto Funds the Arts’, says, “Many youngsters, of different backgrounds, are coming into the film industry. Through ‘New Voices in Indian Films’, we want to present that talent to all Bangaloreans. Srijit’s movies brought the Bengali audiences back to the theatres. He has filled a void.”

The director himself was enthusiastic about the event. Addressing his fans, Srijit says, “I have lived in Bangalore for more than five years and was heavily involved with many theatre groups here. This is a homecoming for me. When I was acting in theatre, it was for a smaller audience. I was not content with it and became a little greedy. I wanted to explore and tell a story to a larger audience. So, making movies seemed to be the next logical option. My movies always have a heightened sense of reality — they cannot be too artistic or too commercial; I make ‘middle-of-the-road’ movies. And so far, they have been appreciated. Bangaloreans have been exceptionally receptive to my movies, and I am overjoyed.”