Aritra Sen’s film Shohorer Ushnotomo Dine, starring Vikram Chatterjee and Solanki Roy, is a coming-of-age love story of two Calcutta-bred individuals, Ritoban and Anindita. Life poses a second chance for their unrequited love, when Ritoban, a disillusioned PhD student in London, returns to Calcutta after three years and bumps into Anindita, his college sweetheart who is now a successful RJ. Vikram plays Ritoban in this film, which releases today. A t2 chat....

In the film your character says, Calcutta is like a time machine. It can take you back to your past at any moment. Do you agree?

Yes absolutely... Calcutta is a city of love and nostalgia. A rush of emotion can take you back to your past... when you come back to the city after spending some time away from it you are flooded by the memories of the places you had frequented in your teenage years. The same happened to me.

What are your fondest memories from your past?

The memories are mostly of my school and college... from my first love in college to my first heartbreak. I have fond memories of seeing myself on the big screen for the first time... my first work as an actor. These memories are deeply rooted in me and they are a part of my growing up in this city.

Are you someone who likes to look back and seek inspiration?

No, I prefer looking forward and living in the moment. I do relive memories from my past at different times but I don’t seek inspiration from them. I might have taken lessons from them.

Why did you say ‘yes’ to Shohorer Ushnotomo Dine?

I heard the story first, and I said ‘yes’ immediately... the script wasn’t ready then. I was waiting to do a love story for a very long time... the story of this film and my character gave me a kick immediately. It was very relatable from the beginning. The relatability factor went up once I read the script.

How would you define the title of the film? What does the title mean to you?

The title of the film is, of course, inspired by the song we have all grown up with... the song by Mohiner Ghoraguli was an integral part of our growing-up years. It is a part of our childhood. It is nostalgia for us. Through this film, we have paid tribute to our city, to the love we have for our city, and the friendships we have formed in this city.

Tell us about your character.

I play Ritoban, who was born and brought up in Calcutta. But he always knew that he would have to leave the city for higher studies one day. Once he finally leaves the city and goes abroad, that is when he realises how deeply has he loved the city.

Have you seen such characters in real life?

The characters, moments and situations in the film are extremely relatable. The moments that the characters go through are so relatable... and we would always talk about this during our shoot. Most of the people who have grown up here would be able to relate to this. In fact, people from outside Calcutta, who had to leave the place where they grew up, also would identify with the film.

Calcutta plays a key role in the film. How has been your association with the city?

To me, Calcutta is, to some extent, like my mother. I have received a lot of love from the city... I have also learnt a lot. At times, I had felt angry... at times, I had felt that I would leave this city and never return. But then one has to come back... and then one realises that at the end of the day this city is mine and I am all for this city.

How was it like working in this film with Solanki?

We have been friends for the last eight years. We have had a brilliant work association also. Since the time Icche Nodi got over, we had been wondering when would someone cast us in a love story, so that we can rekindle our screen chemistry once again. Shohorer Ushnotomo Dine was the perfect film for us to come back together on screen. We are very excited. The film is extremely special for us.

How was it like being directed by Aritra?

Working with Aritra was a lot of fun. He’s a friend... we started interacting from the script level... we talked about the script, the characters... it’s been like a partnership working with him. He is the captain of the ship... and he is a captain who believes in working with the team and growing together. He is a foodie who loves Calcutta. He has a distinct way of looking at the city... with a lot of love. That’s where we also found the inspiration to define our characters and shoot for the film. I am very thankful to him for that.

What is your takeaway from this film?

That the love I have for my city will always be there... this film is like a reminder once again. I have fallen in love with the city all over again while shooting for this film... at the same time, we have made friends. It’s been a great bonding over this film as well.

Do you get the Friday jitters when your film is releasing? Do you follow a ritual on the Friday of the release?

No rituals. These days we don’t get to see Bengali films of this genre in the theatres very often. There is a lovely buzz around the film, and we would love to see the audience watch the film in the theatres in large numbers and then spread the good word.