Raising a Toast to Telangana Bengali Film Festival

 Hyderabad: The Telangana Bengali Film Festival is perhaps best described as a home away from home for Bengalis. Steeped in nostalgia, the festival celebrated cinema, culture, and most certainly food, in the company of actors ranging from Abir Chatterjee, Tanusree Chakraborty and Monami Ghosh to Chandan Sen.

“Hyderabad has over 10 lakh Bengalis, which is why such an exclusive film festival is a necessity here. We need to commercialise and reach out more, so that more of them can watch Bengali films,” observed Abir Chatterjee, who was among the highpoints on the inaugural day of the festival.

As he made his entry at the venue, the energy levels zoomed. People gathered around, some hesitant, some eager, all hoping for at least one picture. Someone grinned, "One with the shotyaneshi," quoting Byomkesh Bakshi, the detective role that made him a household name. Polly, a visitor, was more direct. "I have a crush on him. That’s why I’m here."

Beyond fan-girls though were also the Bengali movie buffs, like Dhruba Chakraborty, a regular at such events. “Only today I have seen him without a Punjabi,” someone remarked. “Usually, he is the epitome of the quintessential Bengali intellectual.” His granddaughter Nishka, who was with him, confessed that she didn't quite understand everything that was happening. "There aren’t any children’s films," said Dhruba. "That’s something we should think about.”

Although Dhruba left his Punjabi behind for the day, most of the other visitors were dressed up for the occasion, some in cotton saris and others in kurtas. There were soft conversations in Bengali, hands gesturing over food plates, stories exchanged about who had watched what and why they loved it.

Incidentally, the festival is not about screening only Bengali films. A few Telugu and Hindi films are also on the list.

Shyam Benegal’s films had a special place this year. Shyam Babu had an old link with Kolkata and its cinema. A visitor recalled how Satyajit Ray once fought to make sure Benegal’s ‘Nishant’ could be screened internationally, pushing back against censorship during the Emergency.

"Benegal respected Ray deeply. His films carried forward the realism that Ray pioneered,” he said.

As for Bengali cinema, films like Padatik, a tribute to Mrinal Sen, and Manikbabur Megh, drew audiences who believe cinema can be quiet, thoughtful, and moving.

"It feels good when a Bengali film travels beyond Kolkata. But we still struggle with continuous commercial releases. Festivals help but that is not enough,” said Abir.

Tanusree Chakraborty, here with her film Deep Fridge, had heard about the festival for years.

"In the south, people still go to theatres to watch films. That culture is alive. It’s amazing to bring our films into that space."

This year, food became a bigger part of the festival with The Flavour Games, a Bengali cook-off judged by Shreya Basu, a festival chef from the Marriott Group.

"It was about rediscovering forgotten dishes," she said.

Around 15 participants competed, bringing the flavours of Kolkata to Hyderabad.

"Three contestants weren’t Bengali," Shreya noted. "There was a Punjabi, a Rajasthani and one from Karnataka. That says something, doesn’t it?"

The competition continues on Sunday, when the final results will be declared. Screenings will also go on, along with panel discussions and star visits.