Mithun Chakraborty in Bengali film Remake of Ghulam-e-Mustapha

There is pin drop silence as the camera rolls. The actor looks worked up, utters his dialogues and then rushes out.
Director Partho Ghosh with Rituparna and Mithun

The director broods over the scene and finally says cut. Everyone on the sets appears relieved and smiles, as it is none other than Mithun Chakraborty giving an intense shot for director Partho Ghosh’s latest Bengali film Rehmat Ali at a Tollygunge studio.

The film is a remake of Ghosh’s own hit Hindi film Ghulam-e- Mustapha which starred Nana Patekar and Raveena Tandon. The story is about a local Muslim goon who is hated by society. However after the death of his wife he takes shelter at a Hindu household and eventually sacrifices his life for the well being of the family.

“My last Bengali film was Sindur Khela and I am coming back to Tollywood after 10 years. The audiences appreciated Ghulam-e-Mustapha, so I thought of making it again in my mother tongue Bengali. I have made the film a bit differently by emphasising on the social and political scenario of West Bengal,” said Partho Ghosh who had made films like 100 Days,
Ghosh explains a scene to Mithun

Agnisakshi, Yugpurush.

“I needed someone mature for the role of Rehmat Ali and Mithun was the only actor who fitted the bill. Rituparna complements Mithun for this film really well. There other actors like Rupa Ganguli, Rajatava Dutta, Mukul Nag, and others who has delivered brilliant performance,” added Ghosh who is also doing Signature, Love Partner and Ek Second Jo Zindagi Badal De in Hindi.

Donning a prayer cap and carrying a checkered stole over his shoulders, Mithunda looked like a pucca Muslim for his lead role. “I play a bad man initially who is reformed by the circumstances he faces. It is a very secular and democratic film that Partho has made,” drawled the nonchalant Mithun blowing puffs of smoke in the air.

Newcomers Aviraj and Sangita Nandi play the second lead in the film. Speaking of their roles they said, “We are
Rupa Ganguli rehearses a scene with Mithun

very excited as we have got an opportunity to work with such veteran actors. Partho da is a through professional and he inspired a lot of confidence in us.”

Rupa Ganguli, who is plays a pivotal role was very excited about speaking her dialogues in Bengali after a long time. “My character is of a staunch Brahmin lady Savitri who hates Rehmat Ali in the beginning. I have never tried comedy but this role lets me add fun to the otherwise serious film with my demeanour. There is situational comedy and Partho has taken very well edited shots to avoid superficiality,” said Rupa who is concentrating more on a daily soap and a radio show currently.

Stand up comedian Biswanath who was enthusiastic about his role said, “I had once left my home to get a glimpse of Mithun Da and now I am playing the role of his best friend Sudama in the film. I have a very crucial role apart from being comic.”

Playing the villain is Jayanta Dutta who is very upbeat about his negative role. “There is a lot of challenge in doing a
Newcomers Aviraj and Sangita

villainous character. I am a bar owner and I am really looking forward to kidnapping Rituparna in the movie,” laughed Jayanta, who apparently forgot the name of his character.

Rituparna who is playing the role of a bar dancer scorched the sets wearing a strappy white salwar kameez. “My name is Sapna who falls in love with Rehmat Ali in the movie. With Rehmat in her life she is able to become a dance teacher. I had done Bhagya Devta with Mithun Da earlier which was a hit. This film has a strong emotional touch and I think people will connect with this,” signed off Rituparna who has a number of Hindi and Bengali films in her kitty.

The music has been composed by Bappi Lahiri and singers like Shaan, Alka Yagnik and Sunidhi Chauhan have lent their voice for the songs. The film is being produced by Shree Balaji Mudra Film and it will be releasing in February 2010.