Cast & Crew

This was an exceptional opportunity for me and I’m glad I was chosen to play Apu. Any film needs teamwork to be made well and this is where I think we have excelled. I personally had a great time working with such a brilliant cast of senior actors and such experienced technicians. We cannot wait for people to see Avijatrik.

It was indeed wonderful to work in AVIJATRIK. The legacy continues. The famed World of Apu gets a new dimension. Privileged to work with a team of talented professionals.

My experience working in “Avjatrik” is beyond words. Firstly, I am honored to be a part of this project as this film has a connection with a landmark film for Bengali & Indian Cinema, “Pather Panchali” directed by the legendary director Satyajit Ray. I am really privileged to be a part of this film.

I have never worked with such a director who is so sorted in his mind with his film.

Coming to my character, Leela, this is an original character of Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay’s novel that we haven’t got in Satyajit Ray’s film. Hats off to Subhrajit as he has taken forward this character and let the audience know that, Apu in Pather Panchali had a woman in his life that is Leela, his first love. It was very interesting & difficult for me to play the character. The role is very intense, maybe it was there for a very short span but I really felt that without Subhrajit’s help it would have been more difficult for me to pull off the role.

Secondly, Supratim the cinematographer; he is a sweetheart I have worked with him before and had a real comfort zone working with him. This is a black and white film, and I am really looking forward to this film as I love black and white films, photographs. The coordination between me, Subhrajit and Supratim was really smooth and that is the reason everything went well as this is a periodical film and will be in black and white tone. Sohag Sen helped me out with numerous tips that helped me to shape the character very well. All over it was an overwhelming team, and a wonderful experience to work in Avijatrik.

In one sentence I can say, It was an amazing experience.... Avijatrik is very special film for me because this is my first black and white film.... I would like thank Subhrajit da for believing me and giving me the opportunity to work with such an amazing team ....We have completed our film on a good note and our teaser has also launched...Now we are looking forward to the launching of trailer.

The art of creating magic on celluloid has sustained belief for cinema for the likes of us.Avijatrik is one film I would remain proud of. Subhrajit Mitra left no stone unturned in recreating Apu’s world to the minutest details with Supratim our DOP.In one word its LOVE.Grateful team Avijatrik

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be grateful ". I am grateful to the entire team,caste and crew of Avijatrik for selecting me, grooming me and giving me this opportunity to be a part of this iconic film. I am so happy and proud that my journey in this movie has taught me how to face the camera, deliver dialogues and I am so lucky to be a part of a journey with such amazing people like Subhrajit Uncle,Arjun Uncle ,Sangeeta Maam who has helped me grow and made me fall in love with acting and movies. I have travelled in some beautiful places on a train, car,boat.

The book publisher's role in Avijatrik has been a great experience for me. In the sense that it has allowed me to get out of my usual persona and do something totally fresh and different. Eagerly awaiting its release and the public's response.

It was a pleasure to work with Subhrajit on this iconic story... I am sure this film will create its own space, as the film in itself has a very significant story line that will take the audience on a nostalgic journey..

Avijatrik was a challenging and exhilarating experience for me. The character of Apu is ensconced in the Bengali consciousness. To take forward his story and explore his relationships and his wanderlust takes courage. Gaurang Jalan had enough to produce the project and Shubhrajit Mitra to direct it. Shubhrajit wrote the script from his heart. It was matched by the B&W images captured Supratim Bhol. I was fortunate to work with a group of dedicated actors who were willing to step out of their comfort zones. Avijatrik is special.

Working in Avijatrik had been jaw dropping and quintessential on the moment I heard the narration of my character Bimalendu (Bimal). The objective was very simple to not lose an opportunity to be a part of the concluding part of the legendary trilogy helmed by Bengal’s pride Satyajit Ray. Working with Subhrajit da for the first time is a new experience all together. Sohag di had been a guiding force throughout. It was a great learning curve for everyone in the team. I am very happy to be associated with Gaurang Films and Bhandarkar Entertainment, looking forward for more opportunities in the long run.

Avijatrik is a fitting sequel to the reputed trilogy. What was thought impossible has been achieved by Shubhrajit Mitra. He has made such a poetic film . Sensitive and poignant the film had huge scope for music and I immersed myself in the project . I trust the sincerity of the team will come through in the impact on the audience .

My father contributed such iconic music to the original trilogy that is kind of remembered the world over as some of the best music for film ever written. So I've obviously grown up knowing and loving that music. To play a small part with the continuation of that story, feels beautiful. I've made a very small contribution to the soundtrack playing my sitar for the credit title score,which was really lovely to get to do on this really special project.

Almost three years ago when I first listened to script I was stunned.It was not only brilliant...it was what I should say had the capacity of standing on its own ground ,considering the fact it is in a way a sequel to one of the best known films in the world...After the shooting started I was anxious ,I was waiting to see the rush...slowly got thoroughly immersed in the timelessness which we were as a team trying to touch.And finally I must say it was one the most intense and meditative experience in my whole professional life as a film editor.

Like all its predecessors in Ray’s Trilogy, ‘Avijatrik’, is yet another major chapter of our wide-eyed boy, Apu’s inner and outer world. From the interiors of a pre-independence era train, to the recreation of the Indian countryside (which today is quite a rare sight)… From creating the archeological and historical excavation sights that open up Apu’r inner eye, to rebuilding a time, that must have been in reality about seventy years ago... The experience churned my heart and overwhelmed me all at the same time. What I realized as I did my research work was, the more things have changed with the coming of technology, the more things have remained the same. The landscape, the people. All of it. Personally, to me, this philosophy is the secret soul of the film, where my objective was to make Apurbo’s world blend into the heartwarming literature of Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay.

Getting associated with black and white magnum opus “Avijatrik” has been pure bliss. Shooting over an array of exotic locations across the country has enhanced the experience all the more. Creating the 1940’s backdrop of India has been a huge challenge and we have put in our best efforts to transcend and hold on to the legacy of golden days of Black and White Cinema. Performance of the actors has helped me tremendously to achieve a feat. I hope the audience will get a true cinematic experience. A lot of gratitude for Gaurang Films for giving me a chance to shoot this epic battle.

Working for Avijatrik has really been a dream come true for me. Designing sound for the wanderlust of Apu comes from my heart as I can relate to the emotions of Apu from within.

Working for 'Avijatrik' has been a nice experience till now. 1940' s time period demanded some extra attention. Subhrajt (RAJA) was very helpful providing visual references as par his visualization. Tips from DOP Supratim (JOY) , COLORIST Prasenjit & Gaurang Ji's keen observation helped me in many ways to develop on the visuals. Hope viewers will enjoy the TEAM's effort.

It was a fantastic and a learning experience for me to be part of AVIJATRIK..... And especially to design clothes for a film which was originally created by the one and only Satyalit Ray.... Was quite an inhibiting experience ....

I want to thank my director.... The captain of the ship Subhrajit Mitra......without whose guidance the path would have been very difficult and also want to thank my team and the entire fantastic crew of AVIJATRIK ..... It was a complete TEAM EFFORT.

Last but not the least my producers Gaurang Jalan and Madhur Bhandarkar for putting up such a great show.