The Kolkata Literary Meet has long been a gathering ground for creative minds, where literature converges with broader cultural dialogues surrounding cinema, and music. This year, actor Jaya Ahsan, a familiar face at the festival, made her debut as a panellist, offering her insights ahead of the highly anticipated international premiere of the film adaptation of "Putul Nacher Itikotha" at the Rotterdam International Film Festival on February 6.

The upcoming screening at Rotterdam marks a major milestone for the film as it is set to compete in the Big Screen Competition. "Putul Nacher Itikotha" has been adapted from the revered novel by Manik Bandopadhyay, a work that has long been considered a masterpiece of Bengali literature. 

Joining the conversation at Kolkata's Horticultural Gardens were the film's director, Suman Mukhopadhyay, and co-stars Abir Chatterjee and Dhritiman Chatterjee, engaging in a lively session that brought together literature and cinema enthusiasts.

Reflecting on the session, Jaya remarked, "There's always a festive atmosphere here, and being surrounded by people I admire is truly special. Individuals with a similar mindset gather here to discuss literature, cinema, and more. This time, we had a session on 'Putul Nacher Itikotha'. It was a beautiful experience. Last time, I didn't speak, but I came to listen to the sessions. Listening to them is equally enriching; it feeds your soul."

The film captures the story's transition from the late 1930s to the early 1940s, with director Mukhopadhyay subtly updating the timeline to make it more accessible to contemporary audiences while preserving the essence of Bandopadhyay's original vision.

As the conversation at Kolkata's Literary Meet hinted, "Putul Nacher Itikotha" promises to be a cinematic interpretation that retains the novel's depth while exploring new dimensions in storytelling. Mukhopadhyay's adaptation is not just a tribute to a literary classic, but a bold reimagining that resonates with today's socio-political landscape.

Jaya Ahsan plays the central role of Kusum, a complex character embodying the social and emotional shifts of the era. Opposite her, Abir Chatterjee plays Sashi. The film also features an ensemble cast that includes Parambrata Chatterjee, Ananya, and Dhritiman Chatterjee.

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