Bhobishyoter Bhoot
Ghosts face extinction in a changing Kolkata.
Anik Dutta’s 2019 Bengali-language satirical comedy, Bhobishyoter Bhoot (ভবিষ্যতের ভূত), is a standalone film—Dutta states it is not a sequel to his 2012 film Bhooter Bhabishyat, despite similar topics. Released on 15 February 2019, it was immediately pulled from all single and multiple screen theaters, with Dutta and unnamed sources in leading newspapers saying the West Bengal police had issued the instructions. The film follows Calcuttan ghosts displaced by urban development, blending political and social commentary with supernatural comedy.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Anik Dutta
- Music
- Debojyoti Mishra
- Cinematography
- Avik Mukhopadhyay
- Editing
- Arghyakamal Mitra
- Distributor
- Star Synergy Entertainment
- Released
- 15 February 2019
- Country
- India
- Language
- Bengali
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Calcuttan ghosts are rendered homeless as many old haunted buildings are converted into multi-storey buildings and shopping malls. The ghost population includes politicians, extortionists, cabaret dancers, and Jatra actors. Constantly confronted by the social and political issues of the present day, and further marginalised by their shrinking habitat in the real world, they speculate whether they should seek refuge in the virtual world or cyberspace for their survival. Some of them take shelter in a disused refugee camp. They plan to adapt themselves to the new world and fight against injustice, eventually finding a highly novel solution to their existential crisis.
Controversy
Right after the release, the film was removed from different theatres in Kolkata. The de facto ban was criticised as 'fascist' by noted actor Soumitra Chatterjee and actor-director Aparna Sen, 'condemnable' by director Srijit Mukherji, 'extremely undemocratic' by economist and London School of Economics Professor Maitreesh Ghatak, and as an 'infringement on one’s fundamental right to view a film' by an editorial in The Statesman (India). Other scholars and commentators termed the ban 'clearly unconstitutional' and in violation of Indian Supreme Court precedents, and an example of 'liberal hypocrisy'. When asked about the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told the press: 'I will not answer. Don’t ask me this question.' Various processions and marches were carried out to protest the ban. A writ petition was filed before the Calcutta High Court by film enthusiasts. The Supreme Court ordered the West Bengal government to pay compensation of Rs 20 lakh to Kalyanmoy Billy Chatterjee, producer of the film, for imposing a 'virtual ban' on the screening of the movie. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the Mamata Banerjee-led government, stating: 'Free speech cannot be gagged for fear of the mob.' It expressed concern over 'growing intolerance' in society against artistic freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for Bhobishyoter Bhoot?
The music for Bhobishyoter Bhoot was composed by Debojyoti Mishra.
Who distributed Bhobishyoter Bhoot?
Bhobishyoter Bhoot was distributed by Star Synergy Entertainment.
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