As Ajogyo crossed 64 days at the theatres, director Kaushik Ganguly talked to us about working with Prosenjit Chatterjee and Rituparna Sengupta on their 50th film together, his plans for their next and the platform The Screenplayers that he has floated with wife Churni and son Ujaan.
When did you start thinking of making Ajogyo as Prosenjit and Rituparna’s 50th film together?
Kaushik Ganguly: While making Prosenjit and Rituparna’s 49th film, we started to panic about doing their 50th film, and their 48th film was Drishtikone. After Drishtikone, we kept silent as no one wanted to do the 49th film. We waited for the right moment and when the opportunity to make the 50th film came, Nispal Singh, Bumba (Prosenjit), Ritu and I discussed and decided to make Ajogyo. After 14 years of not working together, this pair delivered the superhit Praktan, followed by the superhit Drishtikone. Our calculations were not wrong about Ajogyo either!
Why did you feel Ajogyo would be the right story for the duo?
Kaushik Ganguly: It’s very challenging to determine if a film would be successful. Raj Kapoor used to say, ‘Take a risk and risk a take!’ Meaning we can never predict if a film’s story will succeed or not. It doesn’t always work that way because we can’t foresee the future. Sometimes our guesses are right consecutively, and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes the alternative works, and sometimes two or three in a row work. This guessing game is very exciting and thought-provoking for us. The addiction lies in finding the story. In the case of Ajogyo, when we chose the subject, we assumed that the audience would like it. This time, our guess was correct.
From Dristikone to Ajogyo, how much do you think Prosenjit and Rituparna have evolved?
Kaushik Ganguly: People evolve every day, and these stars are very busy, involved in various tasks and connected with different strata of society. In this context, this pair has become more mature in my eyes. I didn’t notice it while making Praktan but I saw it during Drishtikone. A few years had passed since, including the major challenge of a pandemic. From this perspective, I found them very composed, and I believe they think deeply about life and their work, and their commitment to their audience. I’ve seen a more mature Prosenjit and Rituparna in this film and a greater dedication to their work! I’ve seen their attachment to every word and line of the script. During scriptwriting, there are always many minute mistakes and flaws and when the actors come and discuss these with the director, it becomes a matter of great pride for the director.
Have you started planning their 51st film already?
Kaushik Ganguly: The 51st film will definitely happen but the planning hasn’t started yet. There are other directors too, and it’s not just my prerogative to work with the Prosenjit-Rituparna duo. Those who brought them back, like Shiboprosad (Mukherjee) and Nandita (Roy), and also Srijit (Mukherji) can plan to make their 51st film. I don’t feel the same urgency as before. I enjoyed the success of the 50th film but that doesn’t mean it can be repeated. But whether it’s the 51st, 52nd, 53rd or 54th, I already have the next script for the duo ready. When the time is right, I will make that film with them.
Silajit’s character, Raktim, in Ajogyo is getting a positive response from the audience. What was the idea behind casting him?
Kaushik Ganguly: Silajit was my choice for the role of Raktim from the very beginning. I didn’t consider anyone else because I believed no one else could fit the role. Silajit is a great friend. I have seen him up close and have worked with him on numerous television projects. He is someone with whom you can spend hours without feeling tired. He’s so genuine and helpful that being around him is always a positive experience. I have long wanted to work with him but couldn’t find the right character. Silajit’s ability to transform into Raktim shows his skill as an actor. While he is a celebrated singer, I have always regarded Silajit the actor higher.
You launched the platform The Screenplayers along with Churni and Ujaan, and Ajogyo was your first film as creative directors. Tell us more about it.
Kaushik Ganguly: This is the first time that Churni, Ujaan and I have formed an organisation together. The Screenplayers represents our personal space and thoughts because our lives revolve around cinema. Our conversations, our relationships, our household and our life’s journey all come from the earnings of cinema. Therefore, we felt the need to give back to the industry that has given us so much. The Screenplayers aims to contribute to the industry through our intelligence, capabilities and talents. We strive to offer our best in creative endeavours, from A to Z.
From the inception of Ajogyo to the nuances of the storyline and its logic, we were constantly vigilant about ensuring it was a commercial film with our artistic sensibilities remaining intact. Decisions about the music, character development, casting, costumes and even shooting were all meticulously handled. During the shooting, The Screenplayers handed over control to the director but we reengaged during post-production. Subhajit Singha (post-production director) worked closely with us and Ujaan, who put in more effort than Churni and me.
We three fought tirelessly to maintain the film’s quality. This perseverance and dedication is evident in Ajogyo’s success. I’m very proud that our first film is doing so well. The Screenplayers has another film, Ashukh Bishukh, which is entirely different in nature and will release next year. I hope you will enjoy that as well!
