The Storyteller helmed by National Award-winning director,
Ananth Narayan Mahadevan is all set for its world premiere at Busan Film Festival in South Korea. Apart from that, it will also be contending for the revered Kim Jiseok award.
The film features Paresh Rawal, Adil Hussain, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Revathi. The Storyteller is based on the original Bengali short story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro written by
Satyajit Ray.
The film which was shot in Kolkata is about the enigmatic character Tarini Khuro, whom Ray created.
Reacting to the news, the director said, “I am looking forward to presenting the film on such a prestigious platform. It’s a great moment for all of us and especially for the people of Kolkata as the story originated from the stalwart- Satyajit Ray. We are grateful to his son (
Sandip Ray) that he has given us permission to adapt the story. This film is my tribute to the master filmmaker.”
What made him select the story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro for the film, we ask Ananth. “I found the story rational, where there were no supernatural elements. Something which we wanted for this film. That apart, Ray Saab (Satyajit Ray) made a social statement through the story which I wanted to be there in my film. So, I selected this story.”
Since the director has watched all of Ray’s films, we quizzed him on his favourite Satyajit Ray. “It is difficult to pinpoint one film of Ray Saab as all his films are brilliant. Each of his films has got its own cinematic statement. But still, if I have to choose one, it would be Charulata,” shared Ananth.
We hear that Durga Pujo has been featured in a big way in this film. Confirming the news, the director said, “Durga Pujo plays an important vital point in the film. I had the fortune of filming a Durga idol with a thousand and one arms, and it was most fascinating.”
Sharing his thoughts on the renowned auteur and the film adaptation of the short story, Ananth said, “As part of the celebrations around the life and work of the legend- Satyajit Ray, we are very happy and honoured to share our own humble homage to the master storyteller. The Storyteller, a timeless fable, explores the mindset of people who exploit and are exploited. Ray’s subtle treatment of the subject makes one smile at what is, in fact, a revenge story. An amalgamation of wit, drama, and even suspense, the film is an attempt to bring Ray to a generation that has only heard about him or been occasionally exposed to his collection.”