Ace cinematographer Ranjan Palit’s film Lord of the Orphans — starring Adil Hussain, Amrita Chattopadhyay, Malavika Mohanan and Kamalika Banerjee — is now streaming on MovieSaints. A t2 chat with Amrita, who plays Nandita in the film...

How was the feedback for Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa? What has been the best compliment that you have received so far for your performance in that film?

The feedback has been very good. Budhhadeb Dasgupta has a different fan base altogether. And this film is another gem of his.

A senior journalist has said that within those very few scenes she could completely understand the socio-economic and cultural background of that particular character that I portrayed. That was really touching.

When did you get the call from Ranjan Palit about Lord of the Orphans? What was your first reaction?

I was introduced to Ranjanda in a shoot few years back, where he was the cinematographer. There he was casually discussing about this film he was planning. Later he called up and offered this role. Obviously I wanted to do the part.

Tell us about your character in the film?

I play Nandita, a teacher in a highly reputed school in south Calcutta. A situation occurs when the family goes through an acute economic crisis, and she has to manage the situation. Their family is the typical intellectual Bengali family who might not have money always, but stands high with dignity and self-respect. The film also captures the socio-political unrest happening in Calcutta, India — through several decades.
We had several discussions about the characters, Ranjanda did not ever tell any actor how to play it. He just rolled the camera and we all became his characters! That was the magic of his brief and the way he shot and directed the whole film. He saw these characters in real life so it was easier for him to give us a detailed view about them.

Adil Hussain stars in 'Lord of the Orphans' Sourced by The Telegraph

How was it like working with Adil Hussain?

I am a huge Adil Hussain fan. By the time he came on board we had already started shooting for the film. He is the calmest, most intense and humble actor I have ever worked with. He came to the set and became the character. He played my father in the film. There was one particular sequence which was very intense and emotional. We were still sobbing when we were watching the footage after the shot. Everything was very organic, very real, that’s what is touching people’s hearts I guess.

How was your shoot experience?

We shot for more than a year. Sometimes he would come up with another sequence and we would again plan a shoot. This was basically a ‘One Man Army’ shoot for 60-70 per cent of the film. Ranjanda was doing everything. It was a smooth process to shoot with just a few of us and without any cuts for close-ups and various angle shots. The camera would come closer in the same shot and again go back for a composite shot in the same take. Most of the scenes were one-take okay. The whole film has been shot on hand-held camera! It was very relaxing for us actors. There was no tension during the shoot. I have not shot like this ever before.

What is the best part about Lord of the Orphans? What makes it special?

The best part is its simplicity. The flow of the story. The intensity. It takes a huge amount of strength to bare one’s life story to the world, which Ranjanda has done. I am honoured to be a part of it.

And the fact that Vishal Bharadwaj to Dibakar Banerjee, Anand Patwardhan to Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and so many eminent people are becoming so emotional after watching the film is because of its honesty. Film-maker Atanu Ghosh texted me after seeing the film. This fills my heart with joy and gratitude.

What are your plans for 2021?

Plans are to be a part of many, many more films and shows. I just finished shooting for a feature film directed by actor Samadarshi Dutta.

Do you feel that there is a perception that you do only serious projects with veteran makers?

Haha! Na na! I have worked with many new and established young directors. From Ranjan Ghosh, Rick Basu to Abhijit Chowdhury. Around three-four films by young directors, are yet to get released. I am open to working with anyone who offers me a good character. Please bring it on. I am waiting!