Director Suman Mukhopadhyay sees adaptation of Tagore’s novel as a “new creative endeavour”. In a chat with Premankur Biswas he talks about the relevance of his new film.

I haven’t read Tagore’s novel. Does that mean I shouldn’t watch Chaturanga?
Of course not. I would say you will make an ideal viewer for my film, for I believe that a film adaptation should be seen as a separate entity. My film is definitely an adaptation of Tagore’s novel but it is also an individual creative pursuit.

What makes Chaturanga relevant?
The fact that it is a very contemporary film. It may be set in a period which is far removed from ours, but the characters and their convictions are very potent, very real. Which is why the film is relevant.

Were you bracing yourself for criticism? Rituparno Ghosh’s Chokher Bali invited a lot of flak. Were you prepared to defend your interpretation of the dynamics between the lead character?
The book is about human relationships and its complexities. And my interpretation of the relationship was nothing out of the ordinary.

There was most definitely sexual tension between Sribilash and Sachish...
It was there in the novel too. But with Tagore things are implict and not explicit

Also interesting is the treatment of Nanibala’s character...
I chose to not give her character any dialogues. I thought the opression of her character would come through more effectively that way.

Subrat Dutta as Sachish is almost unlikable...
Was he? You have to realise that he is a confused character who fluctuates between extremes. I thoght Subrat has given a very effective performance. He lived his part.

... contd.