‘Mayar Jonjal’ screenings go houseful

Indranil Roychowdhury's Bangladesh-India joint venture directorial "Mayar Jonjal" (Debris of Desire) was released in Bangladesh and Kolkata on Friday. The film stars Aupee Karim and Ritwick Chakraborty in the lead roles.

"Mayar Jonjal" is based on two short stories by Manik Bandopadhyay, titled "Bishakto Prem" and "Shubala". The film marks the return of renowned actress Aupee Karim on the silver screen, after almost 15 years.

While, most art films and international award-winning films don't really perform well in the sub-continent's box office, "Mayar Jonjal" has gone against the trend.

According to the Bangladeshi producer of the film, Josim Ahmed, the film went houseful at Savar Sena Auditorium and Shyamoli Cinema Hall on Friday.

"Even though 'Mayar Jonjal' is a film for mature audiences, I believe that people of all ages can connect with the film. That's why single screens halls like Savar Sena Auditorium are going houseful," said Josim.

"The stories on which the film is based, 'Bishakto Prem' and 'Shubala', were written 70 years ago. We have tried to show the essence of the stories in the context of the present," he added.

The producer also mentioned that "Mayar Jonjal" has been receiving a positive response in West Bengal as well.

"The Kolkata audience are talking about the film more than viewers in Bangladesh. The screenings are doing very well. As the movie was released on Friday, the audience response on Saturday was more than the opening day. We are expecting several shows to go houseful on Sunday," concluded Josim.

"Mayar Jonjal" first premiered at the 23rd Shanghai International Film Festival. It was officially selected for screening at the Moscow International Film Festival.

The film stars Shohel Mondol, Kamalika Banerjee, Paran Banerjee, Bratya Basu, and Chandreyee Ghosh, among others.