Rotterdam Competition Title ‘The Puppet’s Tale’ Examines India’s Timeless Battle of Tradition Versus Change

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In the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Big Screen Competition on Feb. 6, the period drama “The Puppet’s Tale” (Putulnacher Itikatha), directed by Indian filmmaker Suman Mukhopadhyay, will make its debut. This movie is set in 1930s Bengal and focuses on a young physician’s internal battle between contemporary medicine and deeply-held traditional beliefs. The film is based on Manik Bandyopadhyay’s acclaimed 1936 novel and offers an insightful look at the conflict between progress and tradition through the perspective of an idealistic doctor returning to his roots.

Society is experiencing a deep divide in beliefs, as opposing viewpoints are causing tension,” Mukhopadhyay explained to EbMaster. “The heart of the novel lies in the struggle of the protagonist to maneuver through these contrasting ideologies. This struggle becomes particularly intense when the characters are faced with the reality of mortality.

The narrative revolves around Shashi, a freshly minted doctor, who finds his village home stirring up long-standing societal conflicts. As Mukhopadhyay pointed out, even with considerable advancements, we’re still wrestling with deeply rooted beliefs and inflexible customs. “The movie delves into the age-old battle between tradition and innovation – a struggle that resonates profoundly in India. Even amidst progress, we find ourselves grappling with entrenched value systems and rigid traditions.

Over a span of three decades, Mukhopadhyay, a notable figure in Bengali theater and cinema, has etched out an unique trail across India’s cultural panorama. His theatrical presentations encompass critically acclaimed interpretations of works by Chekhov, Brecht, Tagore, and Shakespeare, while his cinematic ventures such as “Herbert,” which won the Indian National Film Award, and “Nazarband,” selected for Busan, demonstrate his skill in seamlessly merging literature with cinema.

The process of transforming the book into a movie started soon after Mukhopadhyay’s initial film “Herbert.” He shared, “My association with ‘Putul Nacher Itikatha’ dates back to my college days.” Later, his renowned theater director father brought the novel to life on stage. As I watched the play, I was captivated by its richness, and upon further observation, I noticed how it resonated deeply with viewers, addressing universal human emotions and challenges.

Even though a producer was signed on following “Herbert,” the project faced delays due to rights-related issues at first. The novelist’s son believed the adaptation could be postponed, as revealed by Mukhopadhyay. A turning point occurred when Samiran Das, producer from Kaleidoscope (known for works like “Cold Fire” and “Kedara”), agreed to take on the project once the novel entered the public domain.

The movie boasts a star-studded cast from Bengali cinema, featuring notable actors such as Abir Chatterjee (“Byomkesh”), Jaya Ahsan (“Chorabali”, multiple award winner), Parambrata Chattopadhyay (“Kahaani”), the veteran Dhritiman Chatterjee (“Pratidwandi”), and Ananya Chatterjee (“Abohoman”). Behind the scenes, skilled professionals like cinematographer Sayak Bhattacharya, editor Tinni Mitra (Berlinale Talents alumna), and National Award-winning composer Prabuddha Banerjee contribute their technical prowess to create an authentic period atmosphere.

For Mukhopadhyay, the film’s themes go beyond their historical context. He stated that “the novel’s investigation into existential dilemmas, human vulnerabilities, and personal shortcomings guarantees its enduring significance. These feelings are universal, crossing over generations. This is why classics stand the test of time – they address something fundamental within us all.” By setting a cinematic story in the past, viewers can examine modern-day struggles through a fresh perspective. This adaptation provides a unique viewpoint that might be especially comforting in our current divided world.

Following Rotterdam, “The Puppet’s Tale” is all set for a long festival tour. Additionally, plans are underway for a theatrical premiere in India.

The selection of Rotterdam has sparked new life into Mukhopadhyay’s upcoming project, which he’s been working on for six years. He recently shared that this film will delve into a thought-provoking question: “Can inequality be tackled through the unusual, the ethereal, and the seemingly insignificant?” This theme has kept him captivated, and he’s excited to translate it onto the screen.

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2025-01-31 18:18