Rajatava Datta’s film to be screened at 30th Kolkata International Film Festival

One of the films amongst the spectacular lineup of film screenings at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is Kalponik- Myth and Pieces, directed and written by Arka Mukhopadhyay. The film offers a profound narrative that weaves ancient legends with the realities of modern society. Selected in the prestigious Bengali Panorama competition section, the film promises to be a compelling addition to this year’s festival.
Set against the backdrop of Chakrapanipur, a once-glorious town now lost to time, and Asaru, a mysterious village shrouded in secrets, Kalponik follows Maithili, a journalist who finds herself at odds with the mainstream media due to her relentless pursuit of truth. It all begins when she starts investigating an ancient temple but soon spirals into a labyrinth of political intrigue and danger when she uncovers the murder of retired professor Debari Rakshit. As Maithili digs deeper, she discovers the sinister ways in which myths and religious beliefs are weaponised to serve political ambitions, blurring the line between faith and manipulation.
The film, inspired by real events, goes beyond the conventions of a murder mystery to examine the societal cost of transforming sacred beliefs into tools of power. Through its layered storytelling, Kalponik confronts the fragility of truth in a world where tradition and modernity collide; creating a narrative that resonates with both historical significance and contemporary urgency.
Produced by Arka Mukhopadhyay and Amrita Chakraborti, with music by Neil Mukherjee, the film boasts a stellar cast featuring Rajatava Datta and others. It will be screened on December 5 at Rabindra Sadan and December 10 at Nazrul Tirtha 2, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a tale that is as visually captivating as it is intellectually stimulating.