Star-Studded Cast for Historic Period Drama
Acclaimed filmmaker Srijit Mukherji is assembling an impressive ensemble cast for his upcoming period drama Emperor vs Sarat Chandra. The film will feature popular actors Abir Chatterjee, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Mimi Chakraborty, Kanchan Mullick, and Divyani Mondal in pivotal roles, bringing to life a significant chapter from Bengal's literary and political history.
Centenary Celebration of Controversial Novel
The film serves as a cinematic tribute to mark one hundred years since the publication of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's controversial novel Pather Dabi. Mukherji revealed that his project "celebrates a hundred years since the publication of Pather Dabi, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel that stirred public sentiment against the British."
Pather Dabi first appeared in serialized form in the journal Bangabani in 1926 and was published as a complete novel later that same year. The British authorities found the content so provocative that they banned the book just six months after its publication, accusing it of inciting anti-Raj sentiments among Indian readers.
Production Timeline and Musical Debut
The historical drama is scheduled to begin principal photography in January, with the director handling multiple creative responsibilities. In an exciting development for Mukherji's career, Emperor vs Sarat Chandra will mark his debut as a music composer.
The director expressed special attachment to this project, stating: "This film is especially close to my heart as it marks my debut as a music composer." This adds another layer of significance to a production that already carries substantial historical and cultural weight.
The ban on Pather Dabi remained in effect for thirteen years until the Fazlul Haque ministry lifted the restriction in 1939, allowing the novel to circulate freely and cementing its place as a important work in Bengali literature that challenged colonial authority.
