Guhamanab is an adaptation of Sirsendu Mukhopadhyay’s novel ‘Guhamanab’ based on complicated relationships of life. Woman Times talks to the director of the film, Paramita Munshi and the actor, Pallavi Chatterjee on ‘Guhamanab’.
WT: Why did you choose to take up a literary subject and that too which is bold and different?
Paramita Munshi: First of all adopting literature into a film is a better option in terms of debut direction. I had a wish to work on literature and Bengali literature is vast and rich. Most filmmakers like Tapan Sinha, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, and many others also had opted for adaption from literature to cinema, and I too took this path as I thought this will give the flavor of a literary mind and someone like Sirsendu Mukhopadhyay will definitely add dimensions to the film. As I personally love telling stories from a psychological aspect nothing could have been better than ‘Guhamanab’. Moreover, I had a personal bond with him and he is the one whose films are mostly translated into films.
WT: What was your reaction when you were approached with the script?
Pallavi Chatterjee: I have not heard the script. I believed in Paramita and just jumped into the project. I was given two characters to choose from and I chose the one I enacted. The role of the character is for a shorter duration but is very relevant. A good film and a commercially hit film differ and not necessary that everyone will understand a good movie but one who understands will surely go for a quality movie. I think Guhamanab is one such. This is just a beginning and there is a long way to go.
WT: Being a woman director what was your experience in the industry?
Paramita Munshi: I have never tried to cast myself under the female genre specifically as direction irrespective of gender has its own challenges and I have sportingly accepted it. Being my first feature film, I faced many limitations and criticisms but that is a part of the job not categorical in nature. There were people who helped me through the journey and also otherwise.
WT: What do you think about your director?
Pallavi Chatterjee: She has guts; very few directors can take up such subject on the first go fearing criticisms and failure. Perfection comes with practice and no one is perfect but with the austerity, she has dealt with the subject is really commendable. Even dada (Prosenjit Chatterjee) wanted the Cd of the film to watch, and maybe in future he may work with Paramita.
WT: How is the response from the audience?
Paramita Munshi: The response generally can be gauged by two ways – what sales reports speak and the other what critics say. Though I have been largely appreciated for my debut film, the sales reports are not that good but yes not bad either.
WT: Could you identify with the character that you had played in the film?
Pallavi Chatterjee: (with a giggle) I am much alive. The character I enacted in the film is dead. The name of the ‘character’ is Godhuli who is dead but comes into the scene frequently. The possessiveness that this character has with her man even after her death is analogous to my real self. I am very possessive and I think this is true for every woman who loves their counterparts.
WT: We wish you both and the whole team of ‘Guhamanab’ all the success in for the film.
Paramita Munshi: Thank you so much.
Pallavi Chatterjee: Thank you. And I also wish Woman Times all the best as it is going to be a year for you. Blessings to you and your team for better work in the coming years.
