Nagpur: Cine Montage, the oldest film society in Central India, recently celebrated its 48th foundation day at Chitnavis Centre in Civil Lines. The event marked the culmination of the society's tribute to Ritwik Ghatak, one of India's most influential filmmakers, during his centenary year.
Keynote Address by Udayan Vajpeyi
Renowned writer, poet, and editor from Bhopal, Udayan Vajpeyi, delivered the keynote address on the topic 'Ritwik Ghatak: Transformations of the Myth'. Vajpeyi engaged with the audience, answering questions about deeper issues and sharing interpretations of Ghatak's films. He drew parallels between Ghatak's scripts and well-known mythical references, explaining how they were transformed to fit modern narratives. Vajpeyi highlighted how Ghatak's personal experience of the Partition trauma influenced both the content and format of his movies. He emphasized that the apparent 'over-the-top' melodrama in Ghatak's films was actually an anguished cry of an entire community.
"Great filmmakers like Ghatak establish a rapport with an entire civilization, addressing broader issues on a wider horizon, while trying to create a healing undercurrent between the divided communities with the hope of uniting them through a shared culture," said Vajpeyi.
Film Screenings and Discussions
Prior to the event, Ghatak's Partition trilogy—'Meghe Dhaka Tara', 'Komal Gandhar', and 'Subarnarekha'—were screened on three consecutive Sundays. Supantha Bhattacharya shared his views on 'Komal Gandhar' before its screening, while Prantik Banerjee engaged the audience on how to appreciate 'Subarnarekha'.
Cine Montage is affiliated with the Federation of Film Societies of India and screens films provided by them nearly every Sunday evening at Dinanath High School, Dhantoli, and occasionally at Chitnavis Centre, Civil Lines.
