Actor-Director Aparna Sen and senior industry colleague Anjan Dutt are set to share screen space in the forthcoming Bengali movie “Ei Raat Tomar Amaar” (This Night Belongs To You and Me), which is scheduled to hit theatres on August 30. This much-anticipated film will see Sen and Dutt take on the roles of an elderly couple, exploring the deep-rooted intricacies of love, regret, heartbreak, and forgiveness over the span of 50 years of marriage—all unraveling in the course of a single night.
According to director Parambrata Chatterjee, “Ei Raat Tomar Amaar” promises to be a unique narrative, delving into the complexities of a long-standing marital relationship. “This film is a journey through emotions. In one night, we encapsulate the highs and lows of a 50-year-old marriage,” Chatterjee told PTI, signaling a profound exploration of a lifetime of shared experiences.
Sen and Dutt’s collaboration is not a first, although their roles in previous projects differed significantly. In Srijit Mukherji’s 2018 film “Ek Je Chhilo Raja” (There Was a King), the two portrayed warring lawyers who were once lovers. However, Sen pointed out that their roles weren’t central in that narrative. “In ‘Ek Je Chhilo Raja,’ we played warring lawyers who had once been lovers. However, we weren’t the central characters there,” she mentioned, underscoring the significance of their latest project together.
The camaraderie between Sen and Dutt stands out as a strength in their performances. Speaking on this, Sen shared, “When you have been friends with someone for a long time, there is already a bond of trust between you, which helps. Besides, when you have worked as colleagues, you know the other person’s strengths and weaknesses,” she told PTI. Their well-established professional and personal rapport is expected to translate into compelling on-screen chemistry.
Aparna Sen, a stalwart of Bengali cinema, first graced the silver screen in 1961 with her debut in “Samapti.
.” On the other hand, Anjan Dutt made his debut in 1980 with “Chalchitro.” Over the years, they have both delivered powerful performances and contributed significantly to Indian cinema. Although they appeared in “Mahaprithivi” (1991) and “Ek Din Achnaak” (1989), both directed by Mrinal Sen, they did not share screen space in these films. It wasn’t until “Ek Je Chhilo Raja,” after a gap of 27 years, that they were cast together again.
Beyond acting, Sen and Dutt have both ventured into direction. Aparna Sen donned the director’s hat for the first time with the critically acclaimed “36 Chowringhee Lane” in 1981. Anjan Dutt followed suit and embarked on his directorial journey with “Badadin” in 1998. Their multifaceted careers have not only enriched Bengali cinema but have also set benchmarks in filmmaking.
The anticipation surrounding “Ei Raat Tomar Amaar” is palpable, not just because of the seasoned actors leading the film but also due to the emotional depth promised by its narrative. The film’s storyline offers a canvas for both actors to delve into extensive emotional depth, portraying a spectrum of feelings that come with a half-century of marriage.
Recently, Sen has also been in the limelight for her film “The Rapist,” which goes beyond the conventional binary of culprit-survivor narratives, showcasing yet another instance of her ability to tackle complex and sensitive subjects through cinema.
The release of “Ei Raat Tomar Amaar” marks another significant chapter in Indian cinema, promising a poignant portrayal of life’s realities through the lens of seasoned actors and skilled direction. As the film prepares for its debut, audiences and critics alike eagerly await the performances of Sen and Dutt, whose on-screen dynamics are set to captivate and resonate with viewers deeply.
With the release date fast approaching, the buzz and excitement surrounding the film continue to build, heralding what promises to be a moving cinematic experience that reflects the enduring nature of love, the weight of regrets, and the beauty of forgiveness within the tapestry of a long, shared life.
