Devi Chowdhurani has become the first Bengali film to get the official Indo-UK co-production status. The Subhrajit Mitra directorial is an action-packed historical saga of the unsung first female freedom fighter of India. Produced by ADited Motion Pictures and LOK Arts Collective, the film narrates the journey of a village girl who eventually becomes the first Indian woman freedom fighter.
“On October 16, 2023, upon the suggestion of ADited Motion Pictures, I shared the concepts of both Devi Chowdhurani and the forthcoming musical pan-India Hindi feature film Joyguru at a historic reception at the Guildhall. This reception highlighted the significance of such Indo-UK collaborations in fostering and strengthening cultural bonds between the two nations. The esteemed delegates expressed enthusiastic support for these projects, recognising their potential to enhance cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding. Subsequently in November 2024 at NFDC Film Bazaar there were considerable events and conversations on Indo-international co-productions which helped us in understanding the application process,” said Soumyajit Majumdar of LOK Arts Collective.
This “landmark” collaboration underscores the deepening cultural and creative ties between India and the UK, “setting a new precedent in international film co-production especially for regional films as this is a first not only for a Bengali film but for any regional film from India since the time the co-production treaty was signed between India and UK in 2007”. “This sets a new benchmark for future Indo-UK cinematic endeavours, heralding a new era of global film production excellence. The official co-production status also makes us eligible to be supported by the India international co-production incentive scheme started recently by the government of India,” adds Majumdar.
Devi Chowdhurani, now in its post-production phase, features a stellar cast that includes Prosenjit, Srabanti, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, Arjun Chakrabarty, Darshana Banik, Bibriti Chatterjee, and Kinjal Nanda.
As the first Bengali film to achieve official Indo-UK co-production status, Devi Chowdhurani celebrates India’s rich heritage and its struggle for independence. “This will pave a new path for the regional film industries and promote the Indian films which are rooted to its rich cultural and historical heritage. I wish this initiative all the very best,” said Prosenjit.
“This recognition for Devi Chowdhurani as the first Bengali film to receive official Indo-UK co-production status is a dream come true for us at ADited Motion Pictures. It represents not just a significant achievement in our filmmaking journey but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and historical bonds between India and the UK. Collaborating with Soumyajit and LOK Arts Collective, along with the incredible support from both governments, has been an inspiring and humbling experience. This project is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultures and creating something truly remarkable. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has believed in and supported this vision. We can’t wait for audiences around the world to witness the magic of Devi Chowdhurani and the story of India’s first female freedom fighter brought to life on the big screen,” said Aparna and Aniruddha Dasgupta.
“At LOK our vision has always been to take local stories from India, especially from our home state West Bengal to the global film market and international co-productions are vital in this regard,” said Soumyajit.
