Director Pausali Sengupta’s film Suchana is a poignant tale that delves into the intricacies of human relationships, dreams, and the journey of self-discovery. Starring Megha Mukherjee, Rup Deb and Indrajit Chakravarty, Suchana hits theatres on July 26. A t2 chat with Pausali.

When and how did you conceive the story?

I have a habit of conceiving stories just as I observe day-to-day life. There must have been thousands of them if not more. Suchana was conceived by observing juvenile identity development crises in many of the youngsters I have interacted with. Also, I have spent a considerable part of my childhood in Kalimpong. My father was posted at S.B.I, Kalimpong. Hills play a big part of my psyche. The vastness of hills when contrasted with the closed minds of people in the urban space have always made me think.

Why did you decide to direct a romantic thriller as your debut feature film?

It is such a lovable genre. Romance and wish fulfilment on one hand and adventure on the other! I think most of us relate to that. I wanted to create a cinematic experience for my audience. To create a story world where they can immerse themselves for that little two-hour window.

Why the title Suchana?

For that, you need to watch the film! The protagonist finds a new approach to life through her journey in the film. It is also my first feature film as a director. So new beginnings — Suchana!

What is the storyline of the film?

The film deals with the sensitive topic of juvenile identity development along with the process of the “becoming factor”, through life-changing interactions. It is a story of love and hope in a true sense where the audience would feel themselves as part of the story and walk out of theatres with a new perspective on acceptance and dealing with their own lives. It is a story which would connect Gen Z and Gen X equally, with love and compassion.

Director Pausali Sengupta

What are you trying to say through the film?

I wanted to convey a message of oneness through Suchana.

Why did you decide to set up your production house Pongila Productions?

I think all filmmakers want to set up their own production house. We want to do quality work that connects with the audience and helps the industry grow.

Why did you produce your first film?

I am trained to become a producer. Independent film-producing space is growing and we have an audience for all kinds of films.

Indrajit Chakravarty

First films often tend to be autobiographical. Does Suchana take inspiration from some aspects of your life?

All original writings tend to be autobiographical or at least carry the worldview of the writer. Certain characteristics of Sumi, our protagonist, certainly match that of mine! The balance of the left and right brain for example.

Why shoot in Sikkim?

As I said hills, the simplicity of the rural people there, and their relationship with nature are things that I carry within myself as part of my childhood was spent there. The story needed a space where my character could contrast with her mind space and the vastness of creation. Sikkim offered us that.

What were the major challenges of directing your first film?

Shooting in minus temperatures, shooting in rural areas with not-so-great facilities and also achieving the scale of production that not many would try to achieve with the time and resources that we had.

How was your shooting experience?

I love shooting. It is my flow state. It has been an extremely fulfilling and rewarding experience. To work with a team that has always gone beyond their capacity to give shape to my vision. From pre-production through the shoot and post-production the team has been brilliant in every aspect.

What were the lessons learnt during the shoot?

Too many, the most important one being more resources are needed for better productions along with good management.

Why cast newcomers as the lead pair?

When you see them on screen you would fall in love with them. They just became the characters. For the last two years, they have lived in the film! Newcomers often bring that kind of dedication on board.

With your film set to release on July 26, what are your thoughts right now?

I want to connect with my audience. When they feel the love, the pain, the joy of life and go through the catharsis as my characters do, I feel connected and happy as a filmmaker!

You studied ‘Producing for Film and TV’ at SRFTI. Tell us more about the course.

SRFTI is my alma mater. The course is a three-year one on Creative Producing which teaches the jobs of a creative producer on one hand and the aspects of film and TV production on the other. My biggest takeaway from my days at SRFTI has been how to coexist and grow as a creative person. How to co-create! Differences are bound to happen in a creative process but once one learns to navigate through it, growth is imminent and inevitable.