Madhabi Mukherjee Returns to the Big Screen: Joins Dipankar De and Advises New Directors to Read Literature

Madhabi Mukherjee and Dipankar De Bring a Tale of Relationships to Cinema

IIE DIGITAL: After a long break, veteran actress Madhabi Mukherjee has returned to the camera, stepping into the world of cinema once again. She was last seen on the big screen in Anik Dutta’s Barunbabur Bondhu. Now, she is making her comeback with filmmaker Shyamal Basu’s upcoming Bengali film Duratwa, where she plays the central character.

The shooting of the film has already begun in areas near Kolkata’s Bypass. The story revolves around the emotional relationship between a mother and her daughter, highlighting changing family dynamics, the struggle to find time for loved ones in a busy modern lifestyle and the emotional distance that often develops between generations.

Talking about her role, Madhabi Mukherjee said that she portrays a mother whose life revolves around waiting for her child. The film explores the loneliness parents often experience when their children grow up, become occupied with their own careers and families, and gradually become distant. She added that the story reflects the reality of many families and viewers will find a connection with it.

During the shooting, the veteran actress also shared her thoughts on contemporary Bengali cinema. She advised young filmmakers to read more literature, saying that earlier films were often inspired by literary works and that literature can provide deeper understanding and meaningful storytelling for today's directors.

Actress Sangeeta Das will play the role of Madhabi Mukherjee’s daughter in the film. According to Madhabi, although the story portrays challenges in a mother-daughter relationship, it is not about neglect. Instead, it focuses on how the pressures and demands of modern life create an invisible gap between two generations and how that emotional distance can eventually be reduced.

Veteran actor Dipankar De will also play an important role in the film. He will be seen as Madhabi Mukherjee’s neighbour. The film explores the warmth of companionship between two people in the later stages of life, their emotional support for each other and the importance of human connection in overcoming loneliness.

With Duratwa, director Shyamal Basu is returning to filmmaking after a long gap. The film focuses on subtle emotional conflicts, relationships and the complexities of human bonds. The shooting is currently progressing, while the makers have not yet announced the official release date.