Celebrating Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his birth anniversary
The cast and crew of
Devi Chowdhurani
directed by
Subhrajit Mitra
visited Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's residence in Naihati on his birth anniversary to pay their respect to the legendary writer.
Calcutta Times spoke to the cast to know about the film and their character.
Read on:
Prosenjit Chatterjee
:
In my long career I have done about 370-375 films. But for the first time, I am doing a film which is an adaptation of legendary writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel Devi Chaudhurani. The story is a timeless saga of courage and revolution and I would want to call it our film Devi Chowdhurani directed by Subhrajit Mitra – a classic period film made in a commercial and entertaining way which will be enjoyed by all kinds of audiences breaking the multiplex, single plex myth barrier.
Also, the youngsters will be aware of the treasure trove we have in our history through this historical reconstruction in this film.
I had conveyed to the team before even the shoot started that I want to start the film's promotion by visiting Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's residence in Naihati. And what a coincidence that our visit coincided with his 187 th birth aniversary.
To play Bhavani Charan Pathak which was previously essayed by Basanta Choudhury in the 1974 film adaptation, I underwent a lot of extensive training.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video]
getfittoday
Undo
From stick fighting, sword fighting to martial arts- I did it all in this film. No authentic photograph or image of him exists. What we have are only imagined sketches—found in old editions of the novel, film posters inspired by the story so we designed my character keeping all this in mind so that it looks authentic on screen.
Also, I learned Sanskrit for this film as there are a lot of dialects in Sanskrit, even it is being used in songs too.
So, Bhavani Charan Pathak was a wise and knowledgeable man who was respected by all.
Bhavani Charan Pathak is more than a dacoit as it is with his help Prafulla transforms from an abandoned wife to a powerful leader – Devi Chaudhurani who fights against injustice. Bhavani Thakur adopts her, educates her in maths, philosophy, science, literature and even wrestling to become the queen of the dacoits.
Srabanti:
To me,Devi Chaudhurani is the Bengali version of Robin Hood who regularly takes money from the rich and helps out the poor.
But she herself leads a very ascetic lifestyle and stays humble to her roots. I feel deep inside every woman is Devi Chaudhurani who is fighting their own battle be it within the four walls or in the outer world. I just wonder how Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay boldly wrote about a woman leading a fight for freedom at a time when most women stayed behind purdah and didn't even show their faces to men outside their family.
My mother told me that his stories became a powerful source of inspiration for many women, encouraging them to step out of their homes and take part in the freedom movement in the years that followed.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's residence is a tourist spot in Naihati. I never had the chance to visit the place but I am happy that we started our journey with his blessings today on his birth anniversary.
Subhrajit Mitra:
Devi Chowdhurani
is a 'personal homage to the Motherland' in the 75th year of independence. The story follows a humble village girl's transformation into India's first recorded woman freedom fighter, long before Rani Lakshmibai, as well as the rise of armed Hindu ascetics who challenged the British East India Company under the leadership of Bhavani Charan Pathak.
I feel this is a part of our lesser-known history, and it deserves to be told. It's a larger canvas than I've ever attempted—akin to the historic epics by Kurosawa or Ridley Scott. I want to bring the same cinematic rigour and international appeal to Indian historical storytelling, without going overboard as we often tend to.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Terence Stamp, actor known for 'Superman' villain General Zod, dies at 87: Inside his personal life with 35-year younger Elizabeth O'Rourke
Legendary British actor Terence Stamp , famously known for his unforgettable role as General Zod in Superman and Superman II, has passed away. His family announced the death of the actor on August 17, with a statement that said, 'He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer, that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. ' He was 87. Born in London in 1938, Stamp rose from humble beginnings to become a style icon and dramatic powerhouse. Stamp's career spanned six decades, earning accolades for work in Billy Budd, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and beyond. However, apart from his decorated acting career, Stamp's personal life, too, attracted significant attention, thanks to his whirlwind romance and a brief marriage to Elizabeth O'Rourke. An unusual romance and a brief marriage: Elizabeth O'Rourke Terence Stamp met Elizabeth O'Rourke while visiting a Bondi pharmacy in the mid-1990s. Back then, O'Rourke was an Australian pharmacy student at a chemist shop in Bondi, New South Wales. On New Year's Eve 2002, Stamp married for the first and only time at age 64, to O'Rourke. What drew attention to his marriage in his 60s was the bride's age; O'Rourke was just 29! Their 35-year age gap drew attention, but the actor's charm and persistence prevailed, and they married in a private ceremony. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo However, the marriage was short-lived and ended only six years later. O'Rourke filed for divorce in April 2008, citing Stamp's 'unreasonable behaviour.' According to reports, Stamp did not contest the claim. In later reflections, Stamp fondly remembered their time together, calling it 'incredible fun.' The couple had no children, but Stamp often spoke lovingly of his nieces' children, describing his bond with them as akin to that of a grandfather. Terence Stamp: The life, the career, and the legacy Born in 1938, in Stepney, East London, Terence Henry Stamp grew up during the Blitz as the eldest of five children to a tugboat stoker father and a homemaker mother. He earned a scholarship to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, launching his dramatic career on stage. His film debut came in Billy Budd (1962), earning him an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. Stamp became a cultural figure of the Swinging Sixties, linked romantically with model Jean Shrimpton and actress Julie Christie. He even inspired The Kinks' hit 'Waterloo Sunset' for his brief relationship with Christie. After a slower period in the 1970s, Stamp's career rebounded in a spiritual way. He spent time in India embracing yoga philosophy, an internal transformation that helped him reimagine himself as a character actor willing to take bold roles. General Zod and beyond: Crafting iconic villains with nuance Stamp will forever be remembered for bringing depth, charisma, and menace to General Zod in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980). This portrayal reshaped how villains were depicted in superhero films. Stamp wasn't just an action star. Beyond Zod, the 'master of the brooding silence' demonstrated his emotional range as Bernadette Bassenger, a trans woman, in the cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). The role earned him BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. His filmography spans decades and genres. His later career included acclaimed performances in films like The Limey (1999), earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and memorable roles in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Valkyrie, Last Night in Soho, and more.
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Exclusive - Sudesh Berry's son Suraj Berry: I feel the pull back to where my heart truly belongs, acting
Suraj Berry, son of veteran actor Sudesh Berry , known for films like Border, Sanam Teri Kasam, Army and television shows such as Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Suraag: The Clue, is ready to step foot back in the world of acting after years away from the industry. 'Born in Mumbai, I was always a shy child. I completed my schooling at Arya Vidya Mandir and graduated from Mithibai College. My father was extremely busy during my growing-up years, and though I missed spending quality time with him, I never blamed him. He was one of the most sought-after personalities in the 90s, working back-to-back and earning immense love and respect wherever he went,' he says. He adds that he was always drawn towards the world of acting. 'From a very young age, I was fascinated by acting, especially after seeing the warmth and admiration my father received. I made my debut in a film called The Little Godfather, jointly produced by Ekta Kapoor and Suniel Shetty, based on the 7/11 Mumbai train bomb blasts. Unfortunately, even after completing more than 90% of the shoot, the film was shelved for reasons unknown. This was heartbreaking for me. Even after that, I signed 2–3 more films, but those too never made it to completion,' he says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Moving on to a different profession, he says that he relocated outside India. 'Disheartened, I moved to Australia, where I completed my Master's in Professional Accounting and also pursued an acting course to hone my craft. For the past 3–4 years, I've been working as a Prison Officer in a maximum-security prison in Australia, a job full of real-life drama and human stories,' he says. However, he is ready to be back on screen now. 'Now, I feel the pull back to where my heart truly belongs, acting. I'm currently auditioning for various projects across TV, OTT, and films, trusting my instincts to guide me toward the right opportunities.' Bigg Boss 14: Here's what Rubina Dilaik's co-actor Sudesh Berry has to say about her 'superiority complex'
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Pokemon GO Mega Pidgeot Raid Guide: Best Counters, Strengths, Weaknesses, 100% IVs, and More
Mega Pidgeot in Pokemon GO (Image via Niantic) Pokemon GO Mega Pidgeot raids return this August, giving trainers another shot at Mega Energy, shiny chances, and top-tier rewards. Whether you're a veteran raider or just starting out, this guide breaks down everything you need to know - best counters, IV checks, typing advantages, weather boosts, and key battle tips - to help you take down Mega Pidgeot with ease. Pokemon GO Mega Pidgeot at a Glance • Typing: Normal / Flying • Weaknesses: Rock, Electric, Ice • Resistances: Grass, Bug, Ground, Ghost (immune) • Max CP: 3680 (Mega form) • Perfect IV Catch: 2102 CP (Level 25, weather boosted: 2628 CP) • Catch Encounter: Regular Pidgeot (shiny available) Best Counters for Mega Pidgeot in Pokemon GO To win quickly, Rock and Electric attackers are your most reliable choices. Ice types work too but are more vulnerable to Steel Wing. Top Shadow & Legendary Counters Mega Pidgeot Raid Guide in Pokemon GO (Image via Niantic) • White Kyurem – Ice Fang + Ice Burn • Black Kyurem – Dragon Tail + Freeze Shock • Shadow Raikou – Thunder Shock + Wild Charge • Shadow Electivire – Thunder Shock + Wild Charge • Shadow Rhyperior – Smack Down + Rock Wrecker • Shadow Rampardos – Smack Down + Rock Slide • Xurkitree – Thunder Shock + Discharge • Regieleki – Lock-On + Thunder Cage Top Mega & Standard Counters • Mega Tyranitar – Smack Down + Stone Edge • Mega Ampharos – Volt Switch + Zap Cannon • Mega Diancie – Rock Throw + Rock Slide • Mega Manectric – Thunder Fang + Wild Charge • Rampardos – Smack Down + Rock Slide • Rhyperior – Smack Down + Rock Wrecker • Zekrom – Charge Beam + Fusion Bolt • Magnezone – Volt Switch + Wild Charge • Therian Thundurus – Volt Switch + Wildbolt Storm Counter Tips for Pokemon GO Mega Pidgeot Raids • Shadows deliver massive DPS if you have them leveled up. • Rampardos, Rhyperior, Zekrom, and Magnezone are strong budget-friendly picks. • Using a Mega like Tyranitar, Ampharos, or Diancie boosts your team's damage output significantly. Pokemon GO Mega Pidgeot 100% IV CP Values Encounter Type Perfect CP Regular (Lv.20) 1216 Weather Boosted (Lv.25) 1521 Mega Raid Catch (Lv.25) 2102 (regular), 2628 boosted Tip: The highest CP in the encounter range signals a 100% IV Pidgeot. Use IV checker apps for accuracy. Moveset Breakdown of Mega Pidgeot in Pokemon GO Fast Moves: Gust, Air Slash, Steel Wing Charged Moves: Brave Bird, Hurricane, Aerial Ace • Brave Bird is Mega Pidgeot's deadliest move - hard-hitting and difficult to dodge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perfectly Timed Photos You Won't Believe Are Real Read More Undo • Aerial Ace is weaker but spammy, wearing down teams over time. • Steel Wing punishes Rock and Ice attackers. • Air Slash is easier to handle since many counters resist Flying. Typing Matchups for Mega Pidgeot in Pokemon GO Top Counters for MEGA PIDGEOT! Mega Pidgeot's Normal/Flying typing creates clear opportunities: • Rock and Electric moves deal double damage. • Ice moves are effective but riskier if Steel Wing is present. • Grass, Bug, and Fighting attackers should be avoided. • Ghost attacks won't land at all - Mega Pidgeot is immune. Strengths and Weaknesses of Mega Pidgeot Strengths • High Attack allows it to dish out fast, heavy damage. • Gust provides quick energy gain. • Can overwhelm fragile attackers quickly. Weaknesses • Soft against Rock, Electric, and Ice types. • Only has Flying charged moves, which Rock and Electric Pokemon wall easily. • Lower bulk compared to other Mega Raid bosses. Weather Boosts & Raid Efficiency Against Mega Pidgeot in Pokemon GO Weather plays a huge role in Mega Pidgeot raids: Weather Condition Boosts Impact on Raid Windy Pidgeot's Flying moves Tougher boss Rainy Electric-type attacks Faster raid clears Partly Cloudy Rock-type attacks Faster raid clears Snow Ice and Steel moves Ice attackers shine For best results, target Mega Pidgeot during Rainy or Partly Cloudy weather. Windy weather makes the raid much harder. Winning Strategies for Pokemon GO Mega Pidgeot Raids • Team Size: 2 - 3 well-prepared trainers can win; 3+ ensures safety. • Balance DPS and Bulk: Pair glass cannons like Rampardos with tankier Pokemon like Tyranitar. • Dodging: Learn to dodge Brave Bird to avoid heavy KOs. • Mega Boosts: Use a Mega to buff team-wide Rock or Electric damage. • Healing Items: Keep Revives and Potions ready, as Pidgeot spams charged moves. • Raid Faster, Earn More: Quicker wins give more Mega Energy for future evolutions. • Shiny Chance: After victory, check carefully - Pidgeot can appear shiny. Preparation Checklist for Pokemon GO Mega Pidgeot Raids 1. Power up Rock and Electric attackers first. 2. Check in-game weather to maximize counter effectiveness. 3. Coordinate with at least two trainers for a smooth win. 4. Use your own Mega Evolution for extra team damage. 5. Don't forget to shiny-check the post-raid Pidgeot encounter. Mega Pidgeot may hit hard, but it lacks the durability of other Mega Raid bosses. With the right Rock and Electric counters, a few teammates, and smart weather timing, it goes down fast. The rewards - Mega Energy, IV hunting, and shiny chances - make this raid well worth the effort for August 2025. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
