Following the success of Hatyapuri, director Sandip Ray has brought Feluda back on screen with Satyajit Ray’s Nayan Rahasya. Produced by Surinder Films, Nayan Rahasya centres around a gripping storyline involving a young boy with exceptional numerical abilities. A t2 chat with Sandip Ray...

Do you still get the Friday film release jitters?

It is there. It is quite natural. During media interviews, some ask, 'When will the film be available on television?' That's the only thing that irks me. We make films for the big screen... and they should be seen with friends and family in the theatres. Also, the attention span of audiences has gone down. When we watch a film in the theatres, we often see people checking their phones or replying to messages.

Since there is a decrease in attention span, do you design your film around this?

The story dictates how we make the film. I won't make a Nishijapon the way I make a Feluda film. A pacy story will get the treatment it deserves. I try to make sure that the film is tight... that it is pacy... so that the film gets over before the audience gets the opportunity to check the time (smiles).

Do you follow any specific ritual during film release?

Not at all. Earlier there would be only a press show. Now we have a premiere... that's the only difference.

Do you go for hall visits?

It depends on the production team. But yes... we go for hall visits to see the reactions of the audience and also to figure out the mood in the theatres.

A moment from Nayan Rahasya

Were you taken by surprise during any such visit?

I was really nervous when Goopy Bagha Phire Elo hit the theatres. During that time we would focus on visiting one theatre and our unit members would go to the other halls. The response to Goopy Bagha Phire Elo was tremendous. It was an amazing feeling and I was very surprised. The audience would break into spontaneous applause during the scenes.

Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the phenomenal response of Bombaiyer Bombete. The film opened to houseful shows and great feedback. We would regularly visit Priya to check out the reactions of the people. Soon the film got four shows in a day and all the shows were packed.

Why did you decide to direct Nayan Rahasya?

The story of the young boy with exceptional numerical abilities fascinated me. To a large extent, we made this film because of Abhinav Barua, who plays Nayan. He was at the right age to play the character.

He was also there in your Hatyapuri...

Yes, I was very impressed by his reactions. He was very spontaneous. He was quite aware of the camera angles.

Also, with the success of Hatyapuri, I realised that our audience has accepted the new trio of actors playing Feluda, Jatayu and Topshe. So this film helped to solidify their bond.

Debnath Chattopadhyay, who had played a key role in Hatyapuri, also returns in Nayan Rahasya. He plays the magician.

Yes... he is diligent and willing to learn. He actually learnt magic tricks to play the character in Nayan Rahasya. Magic and hypnotism play a very important part in the film.

Mohan Agashe plays a crucial role in this film...

It was great fun to work with him again. He has so many stories to share. It was more like a reunion. He had acted in Baba's (Satyajit Ray) Sadgati. In fact, the characters speak different languages, which is why Nayan Rahasya has a very pan-India flavour to it. People speak in Bengali, English, Hindi and Tamil.

Would you like to direct Feluda in Hindi?

I made Kissa Kathmandu Mein (based on Joto Kando Kathmandute). It featured Shashi Kapoor. It was an absolute delight, working with Shashiji and Mohan Agashe. I learnt a lot from the veteran actors. But I don't want to make a Feluda film in Hindi. Jatayu's humour does not translate well in Hindi... it gets lost in translation. One has to cleverly transcreate it in Hindi. But if someone approaches me with an idea which is cohesive, intriguing and intelligent, then I am open to it. That person must understand the essence of Feluda.

What was the most challenging part of shooting Nayan Rahasya?

It is a complex story with many characters. We have updated certain aspects to reflect contemporary times. This includes incorporating the use of mobile phones, a common tool in modern investigations. Careful consideration was given to preserving Feluda’s essence. To me, Nayan Raahasya is a very important story.

What's next?

I am planning an anthology, like Chaar or Jekhane Bhooter Bhoy. We might return to Feluda after releasing the anthology film. Let's hope for the best. Also, the restoration work of Baba's films is going on. Aranyer Din Ratri is being restored now by Martin Scorsese and Wes Anderson's film foundation.