With Nayan Rahasya running at the theatres, Sandip Ray shares his memories of reading the story for the first time and shooting in Chennai where he had also accompanied his father Satyajit Ray for the shoot of Goopy Bagha Phire Elo.
Nayan Rahasya has been doing quite well at the box office. What made you choose this story as your next Feluda film?
Sandip Ray: We were apprehensive about the audience response but it’s performing well. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the upcoming weeks.
It is because of Avinab Barua, who plays Nayan, that I wanted to do Nayan Rahasya. I had really enjoyed working with him for a day in Hatyapuri, and I felt that it would be great to complete this project before he grows older. Besides, I have a soft spot for stories revolving around children. Nayan Rahasya has a lot of colourful characters speaking in multiple languages.
How was it to shoot in Chennai? Which places did you explore?
Sandip Ray: I have a very good impression of Chennai because we did a lot of shooting and post-production there. It’s a favourite place of mine. Both my father (Satyajit Ray) and I had worked there earlier. We had to shoot Goopy Bagha Phire Elo in Chennai because we needed a tiger and at that time there was no other option than Chennai. Mahabalipuram is a major attraction. In between the shoot, I fell sick and we had to come back in the middle of the schedule. But Chennai is a place I personally love very much.
Do you remember having any conversation with Satyajit Ray regarding Nayan Rahasya?
Sandip Ray: Not really. When he had an idea or a plot in mind, he would quickly jot it down in a notebook. If he was satisfied, he would show it to my mother (Bijoya Ray). My mother was more into detective stories. When he was writing Nayan Rahasya, my father mentioned that he was introducing a child character. Once my mother approved the story, it would come to me, which was thrilling because I was the second person to read the story.
How much have Indraneil Sengupta, Ayush Das and Abhijit Guha evolved as the trio of Feluda, Topshe and Jatayu over the two films?
Sandip Ray: At first, there was a bit of fear. No matter what people say, there’s always a fear when you are working with a new cast. When the teaser of Hatyapuri was released, the feedback wasn’t overwhelmingly positive; it was more of a mixed reaction. But the situation improved after the trailer was released. Then, when the movie was released, quite a few people accepted it.
Who do you think could be your future Feluda, Topshe and Jatayu after the present trio?
Sandip Ray: I haven’t thought about it. I’m happy with these three! One advantage is that Indraneil, Ayush and Abhijit’s age will allow us to do two or three more Feluda films.
What is your take on the Feluda stories being adapted by other filmmakers?
Sandip Ray: I don’t want to say much about that. They are interpreting it in their own way, and I am doing it in my way. If anyone wants to do it in Hindi, they should, but the person doing it should know Feluda well. Otherwise I have no objection. I also have no plans to adapt Feluda for the OTT immediately. The magic of the big screen can’t be replicated on the small screen.
Growing up, which Feluda stories did you love reading?
Sandip Ray: Chhinnamastar Abhishap and Napoleoner Chithi are my favourites.
Which is the next Feluda story that you would be working on?
Sandip Ray: The next Feluda film will happen in a year or two. I am planning to bring Prof Shonku and Feluda together in a single film. I am also planning to do an anthology film, like Chaar and Jekhane Bhooter Bhoy.
