Soham Chakraborty and Sauraseni Maitra are prepping for the much-awaited Puja release of their film Shastri. The film has already garnered attention due to its stellar cast, featuring Mithun Chakraborty and Debasree Roy, who reunite on screen after a decade’s hiatus. t2 dropped by Soham’s office in South Calcutta to chat with him and Sauraseni. Excerpts from our adda over coffee.

Apart from the ensemble cast of the film, what made you produce the film as well?

Soham: When I first heard the story I knew that it is different and not the kind of different that we say for all films. Shastri is unique. The film focuses on a weakness that almost all of us share — curiosity regarding the future. A lot of people depend on astrology to know what lies ahead and the others simply believe in the scientific backing behind everything. Astrology is colloquially known as pseudoscience. There is a fine line between astrology and astronomy and that line is what Shastri is based on.

It is the story of how a normal, middle-class man who is a believer of God and works in a factory, goes on to become a messiah of the masses. There was nobody else except for Mithun uncle who came to my mind for that character. The aura, the feeling… it is a role fit for him.

After 20 to 25 drafts, we got the story the way we wanted. Before that, I had approached Mithun uncle and he had told me that he wanted to do something he hadn’t done before. After listening to the story, he said, “After so many years a script is tickling me this way!”

The film is based on the long-standing dichotomy between astronomy and astrology. From the trailer, it’s evident that Soham is on the scientific side. In real life, which side are both of you on and why?

Soham: Astrology.
Sauraseni: Look at the rings on his fingers! (Laughs)
Soham: The quality of the astrologer you encounter is paramount. If you find a knowledgeable individual who practices astrology as a refined art, then you’re fortunate. However, if you encounter someone who employs astrology as a facade to extort money, it’s a different matter. Personally, I’ve always believed in astrology, but since discovering a reputable astrologer, I’ve been diligently following his guidance. This trust wasn’t established overnight. Only when his predictions consistently materialised did my faith solidify. It’s a common misconception that an astrologer always delivers positive news. That would be a falsehood! Their role is to inform you whether the future will favour or oppose you. They cannot alter destiny.
Sauraseni: For me, it all depends on faith. What you choose to believe in... without intending any offence to anyone’s beliefs, we frequently hear people attributing misfortune to Mercury being in retrograde or labelling someone as a bad person based on their Scorpio zodiac sign. No! Your character is determined by your actions, not your astrological sign. You cannot justify bad behaviour under the guise of zodiacs. While I am a spiritual person, I cannot fathom that a celestial body could dictate my entire future or predict the outcome of my day.

I am a staunch believer in karma. I don’t believe in entering this world empty-handed and leaving it the same way. A friend’s father once shared a sweet message that has stayed with me: ‘When you arrive, you come with luck, and when you depart, you leave with karma.’

I enjoy reading horoscopes because they can be interesting. However, that doesn’t mean I wholeheartedly believe in them!

Why is Shastri a Durga Puja film?

Soham: It is a Puja film because of the grandeur, story, star cast and everything else that we love to experience during Durga Puja.
Sauraseni: A film that has Mithunda is anyway grand in itself!
Soham: Absolutely! We also have a Durga Puja song in the film. In fact, we decided that Shastri will be released on Durga Puja in 2024 even before going on the floor.

Tell us about your characters Saikat and Anuradha.

Sauraseni: Anuradha is a journalist at a prominent television channel. Now, Saikat, unlike Soham, categorically dismisses the notion of astrology. I stand by him in the film and fully understand his cause. However, my character also recognises the immense courage required to confront such a powerful individual. While I am apprehensive for him, I remain his steadfast support throughout.
Soham: Saikat is an astrophysicist who has always been convinced that science reigns supreme. His battle is not against astrologers per se, but against those who deceive people under the guise of astrology. Saikat aims to expose the fraudulent practices of these charlatans, preventing them from further misleading the public. For instance, he attends Anuradha’s show and asks astrologers for scientific reasons and they are left speechless thus exposing their lack of knowledge.